Review of Civilization 7 by Sid Meier

Since its inception in 1991, the Sid Meier’s Civilization series has stood as a titan in the 4X strategy genre, inspiring countless others that tried to compete, only to fall short. Now, after nearly ten years of continuous updates for Civilization 6, Firaxis is gearing up to release the eagerly awaited Sid Meier’s Civilization 7.

As with previous installments, Civilization 7 invites players to steer a nation through various historical epochs, aiming to emerge victorious. This turn-based strategy will feel instantly recognizable to long-time fans, yet this new entry promises fresh elements that set it apart. Notably, civilizations and leaders are treated separately, and the gameplay is concentrated into three distinct ages—a significant departure from previous games. This shift might take some getting used to, but Firaxis has undoubtedly crafted another captivating strategy epic that fans will likely revisit for years.

From the moment players dive into Civilization 7, they’ll be struck by a major tweak in the series’ well-established formula. Previously, players picked a civilization represented by a single iconic leader, each offering unique advantages and challenges. Civilization 7 retains this aspect but shakes things up by decoupling leaders from their traditional civilizations. Even more, players will command three different civilizations within a single game.

Players begin by choosing a historical leader, each boasting distinct abilities, many of which aren’t confined to traditional nations. Leaders like Catherine the Great and Napoleon make appearances alongside figures such as Harriet Tubman and Machiavelli. Naturally, the roster will expand with future DLCs.

Once a leader is selected, players pick their starting civilization, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. The interplay between leader skills and civilization bonuses encourages experimentation to find the most potent combination. As they advance through Civilization 7’s epochs, players will adopt new civilizations, adding layers of new abilities, units, and wonders for a constantly evolving challenge.

Civilization 7’s innovative structure pushes players to rethink strategies, use novel wonders and units, and explore a variety of abilities in one playthrough. The twist? Some civilizations are only unlocked by achieving specific goals like building certain structures, echoing their historical contexts. But don’t worry—if those tasks slip by, strong default options are available.

The game’s structure shakes things up further by condensing its historical journey into three well-defined ages, each with its unique mechanics. Players kick things off in Antiquity, laying the foundation of their civilizations and encountering neighbors. After 150-200 turns, they transition into the Exploration Age, where half the map unveils new territories to conquer.

In the Exploration Age, players focus on expansion, trading with unknown lands, and maintaining their nations without the loyalty constraints from Civilization 6—allowing almost total freedom in colony placement. The grand finale arrives with the Modern Age, where competition heats up, demanding players strengthen defenses, mobilize for an impending World War, and vie for ultimate victory.

As players transition through these ages, the game resets various aspects while keeping cities and units intact. They’ll select new civilizations with fresh tech trees, leveling the field for those who might have lagged behind. This setup ensures a dynamic, strategy-intensive game.

Although this age-based progression adds depth, it can also present hiccups. The Exploration Age, for instance, favors civilizations sharing the player’s original continent. Firaxis plans adjustments here, but it may slightly dampen the game’s immersion. Additionally, the pace might feel brisk at times, prompting some to opt for longer game settings.

In addition to these sweeping adjustments, Civilization 7 introduces a myriad of changes. Leaders now evolve with the Attribute system, where achievements reward points across six talents, tailoring leaders with subtle yet significant bonuses.

Combat dynamics see substantial changes, too. Instead of managing lone units, players produce commanders to field up to six units moving together as a reinforced squad. In battles, units gain boosts when within their commander’s influence, and as combat ensues, commanders level up—aiding players with powerful upgrades.

Various game elements also receive overhauls: diplomacy, city-state interactions, and a return to more realistic artwork. Builders have vanished, newly settled cities start as manageable towns, and optional mementos grant rewarding bonuses. While seasoned players might quickly acquaint themselves with these new systems, the changes mark a profound departure from any prior Civilization game.

That said, victory conditions in Civilization 7 aren’t flawless. Players pursue one of four familiar victory types—Culture, Military, Science, or Economic. Progress along new Legacy Paths guides them in these pursuits but can sometimes lead to anticlimactic wins. Firaxis promises enhancements in this area, though for now, this is a minor blip in an otherwise stellar offering.

Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 brilliantly reinvents itself while maintaining its addictive core gameplay. Each session is a new historical expedition, enriched by diverse civilizations and leaders. Despite small imperfections, the game offers an engaging experience sure to be honed over time with updates and DLC, providing both veteran and novice players with a compelling reason to dive right in.