After nearly a decade of waiting, Civilization 7 has finally arrived, and the gaming community's anticipation is sky-high. The franchise, which dominates the 4X (eXploration, eXpansion, eXtraction, and eXtermination), presents new features that promise to refresh the experience for both veterans and newcomers.
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The game abandons the linear timeline and adopts a more dynamic era system, creating matches that radically transform as you progress. But does this innovation work in practice? Let's explore the strengths and weaknesses of this new approach.
Shifting Ages: One Game, Three Different Experiences
One of the major revolutions in Civilization 7 is the new era system , divided into Ancient, Exploration, and Modern . Each era now poses challenges and drastic changes to the game, making each session feel like a completely new experience.
This means that even players who start out dominant can face difficulties when transitioning between historical periods. The opposite is also true: if the beginning isn't promising, there's still room for recovery throughout the game. The secret lies in the bonuses and legacies acquired along the way.
Leaders and Civilizations: More strategy and customization
Strategy customization reaches another level with the ability to switch civilizations each era while maintaining the same leader. This allows for unprecedented combinations and unique strategies, in addition to rewarding experience gained with specific characters.
leader XP system , which grants unique advantages as players specialize in a particular character. This mechanic encourages diverse approaches and makes each match unique.
End of the builders and new dynamics of influence
Removing builders simplifies city administration, making management more fluid and accessible. Construction and production are now organized more intuitively, without the need for excessive micromanagement.
Furthermore, the independent peoples , replacing the former barbarians, bring new interactions. The addition of the Influence resource , alongside gold, culture, and science, adds another strategic layer to the game, making diplomacy more relevant.
Graphics and Soundtrack: An Immersive Experience
Visually, Civilization 7 represents a significant leap forward compared to its predecessor. The graphics are more detailed, less cartoonish, and create a more vibrant world. The world's wonders and new dynamic landscapes add even more depth to the map.
The soundtrack is also impressive, accompanying the evolution of civilizations and adapting to the chosen leader. This immersive sound reinforces the atmosphere of each era and enhances the sense of progress within the game.
Late game and performance: Balancing depth and fluidity
With so many new mechanics and the ability to progress through different eras , it was expected that the game would become more challenging in the late game. However, Firaxis managed to maintain fluidity even in the later stages.
Legacy points , which indicate a player's standing in Culture, Economy, Military, and Science, make matches more balanced until the end. However, for those who prefer a shorter experience, there is the option to limit the campaign to a specific era , which favors competitive and multiplayer play.
Is Civilization 7 worth playing?
The answer is simple: yes . Whether you're a franchise veteran or new to strategy games, Civilization 7 offers a fresh and accessible experience.
With innovative mechanics, stunning graphics, and a more dynamic strategy system, the game has everything it needs to become a benchmark in the 4X genre for years to come. So, the wait was worth it, and Civilization 7 is already emerging as one of the best in the series.
