Sid Meier’s Civilization VII: Building Empires and Breaking Hearts

A strategic journey through time, with a few bumps along the way

Launch Day Larry

Ah, “Sid Meier’s Civilization VII,” the latest installment in a series that has been teaching us how to conquer the world one hexagon at a time. This time around, the game promises to take us on a journey through distinct legacy eras, offering civilizations with permanent traits based on our choices. But does it deliver a seamless experience, or does it leave us longing for the days of nuclear Gandhi? Let’s dive in.

Gameplay: A New Era of Strategy… and UI Nightmares

Civilization VII introduces some truly innovative mechanics that breathe new life into the franchise. The evolution of matches through three distinct legacy eras adds a strategic depth that encourages players to experiment with different paths to victory. It’s like a buffet of historical possibilities, and you’re the chef deciding which dish to serve next. The reduction in micromanagement is a welcome change, making the gameplay smoother and more engaging than ever before.

However, the user interface seems to have taken a page from the “How to Annoy Gamers” handbook. Cluttered and awkward, the UI feels like it was designed by someone who thought a Rubik’s Cube was too straightforward. Navigating through the game can be a frustrating experience, with accidental misclicks and a lack of tooltips adding to the chaos. It’s a shame because the core gameplay is solid, but the UI issues are like a mosquito buzzing in your ear during a peaceful evening.

Moreover, the game feels a bit like a half-baked pie, missing some of the features that made previous installments so beloved. Customization options, map manipulation, and even basic game modes are conspicuously absent, leaving players feeling like they’re playing a beta version rather than a finished product. Despite these hiccups, the gameplay innovations are promising, and with a few updates, Civilization VII could become a standout title in the series.

Graphics: A Feast for the Eyes, If Your PC Can Handle It

Visually, Civilization VII is a mixed bag, but when it shines, it truly dazzles. The art direction is top-notch, with stunning graphics that make the map, units, and cities come alive. The leaders’ graphics and speeches add depth to the game’s presentation, making you feel like you’re part of a grand historical drama.

Yet, performance issues rear their ugly heads, with stuttering and overheating being common complaints. It’s as if the game is trying to simulate the heat of battle a bit too literally. The graphics, while beautiful, can also feel homogenous, making it difficult to distinguish important elements when zoomed out. It’s like trying to find Waldo in a sea of Waldos.

The UI/UX design doesn’t help matters, especially on 4K displays where elements appear pixelated and low-res. It’s clear that the UI was designed with consoles in mind, leaving PC players to deal with a less-than-ideal experience. More comprehensive graphics settings would go a long way in addressing these issues, allowing players to tailor the experience to their hardware capabilities.

Story: A Narrative Experiment That Misses the Mark

Civilization VII attempts to weave a stronger narrative into its gameplay, but the execution leaves much to be desired. The focus on story elements comes at the expense of traditional 4X gameplay, leaving players feeling like their ability to create personal stories has been stifled. The abrupt transitions between eras disrupt the historical flow, making the experience feel more like a series of disjointed vignettes than a cohesive narrative.

The narrative delivery is sparse, with characters reduced to grunts and the lack of continuity between civilizations breaking immersion. It’s as if the game is trying to tell a story but forgot to include the plot. The absence of unique elements like customizable throne rooms and historical video clips further detracts from the series’ charm, leaving players yearning for the personality of previous titles.

Despite these shortcomings, there are glimmers of potential. The introduction of plot and missions adds some structure, and text-based encounters with moral choices offer depth to the narrative experience. However, the overall sentiment is that the game needs more meaningful narrative elements to truly engage players and enhance immersion.

Final Verdict

Sid Meier’s Civilization VII is a game with immense potential, offering innovative gameplay mechanics and stunning visuals. However, it’s held back by a cluttered UI, performance issues, and a narrative that fails to capture the magic of its predecessors. With some polishing and updates, it could become a worthy addition to the Civilization series. For now, it’s a promising work in progress.

Score: 6.5/10