Civilization 7will be the next chapter in Sid Meier’s long-running grand strategy franchise, which audiences finally got a good look at during this year’s Summer Games Fest. Thanks to a gameplay deep-dive from Firaxis Games, wherein theCiv 7developers covered the new civilizations, leaders, and features of the game, a clear image is starting to form, and it’s looking very exciting.
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect ofCivilization 7is its treatment of progression, which is ostensibly a large departure from games in the series' past. For one thing, civilizations and leaders are now selected independently of one another, with each having unique quirks and strengths that can play off each other. This chimeric approach to civilization-building is fascinating on its own, but it’s expanded upon by the new Ages system, which promises to inject campaigns with exciting progression tools and opportunities for experimentation, the likes of which have never been seen before in theCivilizationfranchise.
Granular Detail Could Be Civilization 7’s Greatest Achievement
Civilization 7’s Age Transitions House a World of Potential
Throughthe Ages mechanic inCivilization 7, players will progress through three distinct periods per campaign:
The goal of this system is to mimic the cyclical rise and fall of real-world empires, much like how the Roman Empire seized control over Greek city-states, and how that same empire would subsequently fall and give birth to a number of new civilizations in Europe. By tapping into this facet of history,Civilization 7allows players to create empires with complex historiesthat evolve over time.
This seems like a natural next step for the series, which has historically been about role-playing as specific real-world empires, like the USA or Macedonia, but with a more curated, sometimes bizarre, touch.Civilization 7’s Ages mechanic, coupled with the new mix-and-match nature of leaders and civilizations, means that this role-playing can be even more granular, unique, and customizable. Notably, it opens the door to powerful and novel civilization-building within the confines of the game, teeingCivilization 7up to be the most ambitious entry in the franchise yet.
How Civilization 7 Could Allow for Endless Possibilities
One of the many fascinating aspects of the new Ages system is how it allows one civilization to evolve into another, based upon real-world archetypes. For example, a player may have access to the Norman culture after completing the Age of Antiquity, which will let themmorph their current civilization into a Greek or Roman one. With each new Age will come various benefits and changes, but civilizations will also retain several elements from their previous age, meaning that architectural styles and Wonders can effectively carry over from one civilization to another.
What new cultures players will have access to will depend on a number of factors, including what starting civilization they choose and specific choices made during each age—they won’t have free rein when it comes to changing cultures.
It’s not hard to see why this mechanic is so exciting. The notion that players could craft bespoke civilizations, melding aesthetic and cultural elements from across time geography, is incredibly compelling, as civilizations that people don’t often see mingling could be married in this virtual space. Of course, with the truncation ofCiv 6’s Eras toCiv 7’s Ages, going from eight to three, respectively, there will be high expectations for each evolution to be substantial.Not every change thatCivilization 7is making has gone over wellahead of its release, so it will certainly be interesting to see if the dynamic and impactful Ages system lives up to its lofty aspirations.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII
WHERE TO PLAY
The award-winning strategy game franchise returns with a revolutionary new chapter.Sid Meier’s Civilization® VIIempowers you to build the greatest empire the world has ever known!InCivilization VII, your strategic decisions shape the unique cultural lineage of your evolving empire. Rule as one of many legendary leaders from throughout history and steer the course of your story by choosing a new civilization to represent your empire in each Age of human advancement.Construct cities and architectural wonders to expand your territory, improve your civilization with technological breakthroughs, and conquer or cooperate with rival civilizations as you explore the far reaches of the unknown world. Pursue prosperity in an immersive solo experience or play with others in online multiplayer.Whether you choose to follow a path rooted in history or reimagine possibilities to chart your own way forward, build something you believe in and create a legacy that echoes through the Ages inCivilization VII.
