As a big fan of the Civilization series, attending Gamescom 2024 and getting an early look at Civilization VII was a dream come true. The opportunity to meet with 2K Games and the development team at Firaxis and experience the game firsthand was truly unforgettable.
From the moment I sat down to play, I was immediately impressed by the level of detail and depth on offer. The historical accuracy was astounding, with every aspect of the game world feeling authentic and immersive. The new Legacy system added a layer of strategic depth and customization that I hadn’t seen in previous Civilization games.
One of the most striking features of Civilization VII is its focus on diplomacy and influence. The ability to negotiate trade deals, form alliances, and manage relationships with other civilizations added a whole new dimension to the gameplay. The combat system has also been refined, with the introduction of Commanders who can lead multiple units, making battles more dynamic and engaging.
While I only had a limited time to explore the game, I came away incredibly excited about what Civilization VII has to offer. The developers have clearly put a lot of thought and effort into creating a truly exceptional experience, and I can’t wait to see how it evolves as we get closer to its release.
A New Era of Strategic Depth
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII promises to be a groundbreaking entry in the iconic series, offering a deeper, more immersive, and historically accurate gameplay experience. From the outset, it’s clear that the developers are aiming to cater to both new and experienced players, providing a rich and rewarding strategic experience for all.
A Living History
One of the most striking aspects of Civilization VII is its commitment to historical accuracy. Every detail, from clothing and architecture to language and culture, is meticulously researched and implemented. This level of authenticity breathes life into the game world, making each playthrough feel like a unique journey through history.
A Dynamic Narrative
The game’s narrative-driven approach ensures that no two playthroughs are ever the same. As players progress through the ages, they’ll encounter a variety of historical events and crises that will shape their empires. These events, coupled with the player’s choices, will create a personalized and engaging story.
A Focus on Legacy
Civilization VII introduces a new Legacy system, allowing players to choose the type of empire they want to build. With four distinct Legacy paths – Science, Economic, Cultural, and Military – players can pursue multiple strategies and customize their gameplay experience.
Diplomacy and Influence
Diplomacy and influence play a more significant role in Civilization VII. Players will need to carefully manage their relationships with other civilizations, negotiate trade deals, and form alliances to achieve their goals.
Enhanced Combat
The combat system has also been refined, with the introduction of Commanders who can lead multiple units. This new feature adds a layer of strategic depth and allows for more dynamic and complex battles. This means that instead of fighting the terrain and trying to get you units to the enemy grounds, you can put up to 6 units under 1 commander and move them as one. Also, XP collected in battle will level up the commander instead of individual units so no need to fear a unit dying and starting again from level 1.
Leaders and Civilizations
Leaders and civilizations are now separate entities, allowing for more customization and variety. When starting a game, you choose a leader and a civilization. And after each age you civilization will evolve, and you will choose a new one. For example, the Egyptians can evolve into Mongolians if your empire has horses.
Additional Features
• Age Progression: The progression through the ages (Antiquity, Exploration, Modern) is now more dynamic and depends on player actions.
• Crises: Each age will have a unique crisis system, with global events affecting all civilizations but not equally.
• Independent Villagers: Instead of barbarians, players will encounter independent villagers who can be friendly or hostile.
• Resources and Trade: Resources and trade are now managed at both the empire and city levels.
• Research and Discovery: Players can use Scouts to discover new territories and research specific disciplines to gain early advantages.
A Promising Future
Based on this early preview, Civilization VII appears to be a worthy successor to the acclaimed series. With its focus on historical accuracy, strategic depth, and a personalized narrative, it has the potential to redefine the genre and captivate players for years to come.
Thanks again to 2K games and Firaxis for the opportunity to try this game!
This article was written by Eden Nir