The primo 4X series has returned, as Civilization 7 starts becoming available for players who’ve pre-ordered particular editions. Arriving nine years after the last mainline entry, the latest installment in Sid Meier’s beloved timesink promises gameplay that’s more streamlined in some areas and expanded in others. Alas, early impressions aren’t the greatest, creating a mixed reaction.
strategy game, causing the initial wave of Steam reviews to land at ‘Mixed’.
Of the growing amount of negative responses, the concensus for the new PC game is that the UI is underdeveloped and missing some key features from previous Civ entries. Numerous reviews cite laggy, poorly put together menus and a general experience that just doesn’t feel fitting of a refined and finished product. Besides that, smaller-than-expected map size and limited options make the whole thing underwhelming for what people have paid.
Some have criticized the dissonance between Civilization 7 leaders and the available civilizations. Essentially, you can pick any combination of the two, meaning you can play as leaders who were not historically in charge of your chosen civ. It’s an option that’s not working for everyone, though perhaps developer Firaxis expected that.
In our Civilization 7 review, Ed Smith awarded the game 7/10, writing: “All of the big new ideas in Civilization 7 work well and it’s tighter and more engaging than any of its predecessors. Nevertheless, your sense of connection still begins to wane by the midgame.”
Ultimately, there are often teething issues for launches of this scale, and many of the problems will likely get ironed out in the first few months of public release.
The full Civilization 7 specialists to make sure you’re ready.
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