Atti Abderrahim
Table of Contents
The master of strategy games is back! Civilization VII was unveiled during the Summer Games Fest 2024, much to the delight of fans. Eight years after the successful release of its predecessor, this new installment promises to bring a fresh experience. Before the game’s official release on February 11, 2025, we were fortunate enough to play it for three hours at Firaxis Games’ headquarters in Baltimore. Here are our initial impressions.
What is Civilization?
Before diving into our experience, let’s revisit what Civilization, or “Civ” as it’s fondly called, is all about. The franchise began in 1991 with the release of the first game by Sid Meier, which set the standard for turn-based strategy. The game’s core concept is to lead a civilization from the dawn of humanity to modern times, navigating through eras filled with war, famine, and technological advancements to establish a dominant cultural, military, scientific, or diplomatic presence. Even after 23 years, Civilization remains a leader in the genre, despite competition from new contenders like “Humankind.”
What’s New in Civilization VII?
The key question is, what does Civilization VII bring to the table after an eight-year hiatus? The new features are manifold, but they mainly revolve around the concept of evolving civilizations over time. This installment introduces a new system that divides gameplay into three distinct ages, each representing a significant turning point for your civilization. At the end of each age, a period of crisis begins, consisting of three increasingly challenging phases that impose penalties. If you survive this crisis, your civilization will enter a new era, lauded by its people. However, your progression isn’t necessarily linear. Depending on your choices and achievements, you could pivot to another civilization, drastically altering your strategy.
One of the standout additions in Civilization VII is the “Legacy Paths.” These are optional objectives, like winning a certain number of battles or establishing trade routes. The more objectives you accomplish, the more options you have when transitioning to a new age. This feature adds a layer of unpredictability to the game, keeping your opponents guessing about your next move. While this may remind some players of “Humankind,” it’s worth noting that even pioneers can draw inspiration from those who followed in their footsteps. This mechanic also has a basis in historical reality; for example, Rome’s influence is still evident in modern cities like Paris and London, which evolved their identities after the fall of the Roman Empire.
Embracing Creative Freedom
While Civilization VII draws heavily from history, it doesn’t shy away from taking liberties for the sake of gameplay. This is the first game in the series that allows you to choose a leader independently of their civilization. Want to lead the Roman Empire as Hatshepsut? Go ahead! This creative freedom enables surprising combinations and adds variety to gameplay. However, it is essential to remember that leaders often have bonuses that align with their original civilizations, and making unconventional choices may present unique challenges. Nonetheless, there are strategic combinations, such as pairing Hatshepsut with the Kingdom of Aksum, where both have bonuses related to constructing Wonders.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
More than ever, Civilization VII aims to retain its loyal fanbase while attracting new players. To achieve this, it emphasizes clarity and accessibility, something that this seventh installment appears to do exceptionally well. From the beginning, players receive tips to guide their choices. Throughout the game, advisors provide insights without requiring players to seek their opinions actively. If your civilization falls behind or faces imminent threats, advisors will proactively offer guidance. While experienced players can choose to ignore these tips, they are invaluable for newcomers or those uncertain about their strategy.
In keeping with the theme of accessibility, some mechanics have been simplified. For example, players no longer need builders to construct new districts; city expansion suffices. This change reduces the micromanagement of builder availability, which was often seen as more tedious than enjoyable.
Enhanced User Experience
These improvements complement Civilization VII ‘s presentation. Everything is clearly defined—from borders and city districts to production lines and available resources. Important data is displayed using icons and color codes, with tooltips explaining each term, and tables summarizing the current situation. While the interface may initially seem overwhelming, it becomes intuitive over time, making it easy for players to navigate.
Warfare Mechanics: A Game-Changer
For many players, the question remains: when do we go to war? Engaging in combat with neighboring civilizations always promises unforgettable moments. While there aren’t many new features in this area, one addition will significantly impact strategy: commanders. These essential units cannot attack independently but can form groups with other units, arranging them in formations that boost their stats.
Instead of individual units gaining experience, commanders now receive experience points. They have unique talent trees, allowing them to specialize in flanking attacks, enhanced defense, or resource bonuses when stationed in districts during peacetime. With over 30 skills to unlock and the ability to gain experience outside of combat, commanders are pivotal in wartime strategy. Successfully eliminating an enemy commander could potentially turn the tide of a battle, making them crucial targets.
Civilization VII : Our Impressions
Civilization VII stays true to its roots, with gameplay that closely mirrors previous installments. No one expected a complete overhaul, but the new additions, like independent powers on the map that can become allies or enemies, and leaders who were not necessarily political figures (such as Confucius), add intriguing layers to the game. After three hours of gameplay, it is challenging to fully assess the impact of these new features. However, drawing inspiration from other games, notably “Humankind,” seems like a positive step. We can hope for a bright future for Firaxis Games’ latest offering, which will be available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series, Mac, Linux, and even Nintendo Switch on February 11, 2025.
By enhancing the existing formula with new mechanics and ensuring accessibility for both veterans and newcomers, Civilization VII appears poised to offer a rich and engaging experience. With a release date set, anticipation is high for what promises to be another monumental entry in the series.
