Civilization VII reviews are mostly positive

With Sid Meier's Civilization VII launching next week, the review embargo has lifted, revealing a wave of early impressions. Several key takeaways emerge from the initial reviews.

A standout feature praised by many is the new Era System, a significant departure from previous installments. This system introduces dynamic evolution for civilizations, moving beyond the static progression of earlier games.

This clear division into distinct eras addresses long-standing gameplay issues like excessively lengthy matches and the dominance of a single civilization. Each era offers a unique feel, complete with its own technologies and victory strategies.

The ability to combine leaders and civilizations is another highly-regarded feature. This innovative approach adds strategic depth, allowing players to leverage the strengths of different leaders and civilizations, even if it means bending historical accuracy.

Reviewers also lauded improvements in city placement, resource management, district construction, and a more streamlined user interface. However, some critics felt the UI simplification went too far.

On the less positive side, several reviewers noted smaller map sizes, diminishing the sense of scale present in previous Civilization titles. Technical issues, including bugs and frame rate drops when accessing menus, were also reported. Furthermore, some players experienced abruptly ending matches with unclear outcomes.

Given the immense scope and replayability of a Civilization game, a definitive verdict will require extensive community exploration. However, these initial reviews offer a comprehensive first impression.