Civilization VII reviews are mostly positive

With the eagerly awaited release of Sid Meier's Civilization VII just a week away, the review embargo has been lifted, giving us a glimpse into what critics are saying. The game's standout feature, the Era System, has garnered widespread praise for its innovative approach to civilization development. Unlike its predecessors, Civilization VII introduces a dynamic evolution across different eras, ensuring that civilizations adapt and change over time, rather than staying static. This new system effectively addresses previous gameplay issues like excessively long matches and the problem of one civilization gaining an insurmountable lead. Each of the three distinct eras brings its own set of unique technologies and victory strategies, making every era feel like a fresh game within the game.

Another feature that has been warmly received is the flexibility to pair different leaders with various civilizations. This adds a significant layer of strategic depth, allowing players to experiment with leader-civilization combinations that can enhance their gameplay—albeit sometimes straying from historical accuracy.

Critics have also commended the game for its improved city placement mechanics, enhanced resource management, better district construction, and a more streamlined user interface (UI). However, some reviewers felt that the UI was overly simplified, potentially alienating veteran players accustomed to more complex interfaces.

On the downside, a common critique is that the game's maps feel too small, which detracts from the epic scale that fans of the series have come to expect. Technical issues, such as bugs and frame rate drops when navigating menus, have also been reported. Additionally, some matches have been noted to end abruptly, leaving players unsure about the final outcome.

Given the vast scope and replayability of a game like Civilization, forming a final verdict can take years, as the community delves into all possible strategies and combinations. However, the initial reviews provide a promising first impression of Civilization VII, setting the stage for what could be another landmark entry in the iconic franchise.