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Sid Meier's Civilization VII

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Sid Meier's Civilization VII
Item: Sid Meier's Civilization VII
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2025

GenresSimulation, Top-Down Perspective, Strategy, Military and Warfare, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableFeb 11, 2025

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PC

DeveloperFiraxis Games

Overview

Rule as one of many legendary leaders from throughout history. Establish your civilization, construct cities and architectural wonders to expand your territory, conquer or cooperate with rival civilizations in pursuit of prosperity, and explore the far reaches of the unknown world. Will you build an empire that stands the test of time?

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

story and narrative

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Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Sid Meier's Civilization VII, highlighting various positive aspects of the game. Critics like COGconnected and VGC appreciated the new era system, which adds depth and strategic opportunities, keeping the gameplay exciting throughout. GamesRadar++ and Guardian commended the introduction of new mechanics like Ages, Legacy Paths, and unique units, making early and mid-game more dynamic. Additionally, improvements in war mechanics, diplomacy, city management, and the addition of RPG-like elements were well received by critics such as Checkpoint Gaming and Guardian. While the overall sentiment towards the gameplay of Civilization VII was positive, some critics did mention a few drawbacks. GamesRadar++ pointed out that at times, players might feel railroaded into one path due to the new mechanics introduced. Similarly, Jeuxvideo.com highlighted the potential limitation of strategic options when dividing gameplay into three distinct ages. Despite these minor criticisms, the general consensus was overwhelmingly in favor of the game's gameplay. Overall, the critics' opinions collectively indicate that Sid Meier's Civilization VII offers a highly enjoyable and engaging gameplay experience. The streamlined mechanics, new strategic choices, deep gameplay systems, and the introduction of innovative features like Legacy Paths, Commander units, and improved diplomacy were widely praised. The game's ability to keep the core Civilization experience intact while introducing significant changes was appreciated by reviewers, as seen in the feedback from critics such as Impulsegamer and Wccftech. The consensus among the critics is that Civilization VII successfully builds upon its predecessors, offering a fresh and immersive gameplay experience that appeals to both new and veteran players.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics laud Sid Meier's Civilization VII for its engaging gameplay, with praise for new mechanics like the era system, Ages, Legacy Paths, and improved war and diplomacy features. While some noted potential drawbacks such as feeling limited in strategic options, overall sentiment leans heavily positive. The game successfully enhances the core Civilization experience with innovative elements, making it a highly enjoyable and immersive experience for players both new and veteran.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The critics unanimously praise the Graphics and Visual Design of Sid Meier's Civilization VII for its stunning and immersive world. Checkpoint Gaming commends the game for its beautiful and dynamic world with detailed visuals that enhance immersion, while GamesRadar++ highlights the visual glow-up, warmer palette, and livelier world that contribute to the immersive experience. The landscapes are described as detailed and colorful by Guardian, with hexagonal tiles filled with authentic detail reflecting the time period and civilization. Additionally, Impulsegamer notes substantial visual upgrades over the previous installment, especially when zoomed in, making it a good-looking game with a light system requirement. On the flip side, some critics mention certain drawbacks in the Graphics and Visual Design of Civilization VII. Windows Central notes frame drops and visual bugs, especially in menus, which can detract from the overall experience. XboxEra points out that some details may be lost on the Steam Deck due to screen size, indicating potential issues with scalability and optimization for different platforms. Jeuxvideo.com mentions that while the shift from a cartoonish design in Civilization 6 to a more detailed visual style in Civilization VII is considered a success, the interface lacks clarity at times, which could impact the user experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Sid Meier's Civilization VII. The game is praised for its detailed landscapes, vibrant animations for leaders and units, and unique city designs that enhance the visual experience. The visual upgrades from the previous installment, coupled with the immersive environmental effects and realistic character animations, contribute to a visually appealing and engaging gameplay experience. While there are some minor issues like frame drops, visual bugs, and interface clarity mentioned by a few critics, the general sentiment is that Civilization VII delivers a visually stunning and well-designed game that successfully captures the essence of the series while introducing new visual elements and improvements.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about the stunning graphics and immersive world of Sid Meier's Civilization VII, with detailed visuals enhancing immersion and landscapes reflecting historical authenticity. However, some mention frame drops and visual bugs as drawbacks, along with potential scalability issues on different platforms. Despite minor flaws, the game impresses with vibrant animations and unique city designs, offering a visually appealing and engaging experience that builds upon its predecessor while introducing new elements.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

78%

Mixed (50-79)

22%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Sound Design and Music of Sid Meier's Civilization VII, highlighting several positive aspects. Checkpoint Gaming commended the impressive sound design, grand orchestral score, and the narration talent of Gwendoline Christie, which added authority and splendor to the gaming experience. COGconnected appreciated the new music that complemented the game well, along with impressive voice acting for leaders and a narrator who added personality with ASMR whispers. Jeuxvideo.com also lauded the quality of the soundtrack, noting how leaders speaking their own languages and music changing based on the civilization enhanced immersion in the game world. PlaySense and Windows Central both highlighted the dynamic music that changed based on the chosen civilization and age, contributing to the immersive experience. While the overall sentiment towards the Sound Design and Music of Civilization VII was overwhelmingly positive, some critics did mention a few drawbacks. Hooked Gamers noted that while each civilization having a unique soundtrack added to the immersion, the music could become monotonous after extended play sessions. Impulsegamer pointed out that while the scores for each era were appropriate and the sound effects pleasant, the music didn't particularly stand out, and the absence of Sean Bean as the narrator was felt by some. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Sid Meier's Civilization VII were very good, with the majority of reviewers praising various aspects of the audio experience. The diverse and immersive soundtracks, the quality voice acting, and the dynamic music that adapted to the gameplay were highlighted as significant strengths. Despite a few minor criticisms regarding potential monotony in the music and the absence of a familiar narrator, the overall reception of the sound design and music was positive, enhancing the gameplay experience and contributing to the game's immersive atmosphere.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics unanimously praised Civilization VII's sound design and music for its immersive experience, grand orchestral score, and quality voice acting. While some noted potential monotony in the music and missed having Sean Bean as the narrator, the overall consensus was highly positive, with reviewers highlighting the dynamic music adaptation, diverse soundtracks, and immersive qualities of the audio experience.

Voice Acting

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voice acting

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Technical Performance

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technical performance

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Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

77%

Mixed (50-79)

23%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Replay Value of Sid Meier's Civilization VII highlight several positive aspects that contribute to its high replayability. Critics such as Checkpoint Gaming and GamesRadar++ praise the game for its meta-progression system, leader experience bar, and engaging core experience, which offer players little goals to work towards and varied gameplay mechanics that ensure no two campaigns are the same. Additionally, the introduction of new gameplay mechanics, legacy targets, RPG-like elements, and the Ages system, as mentioned by critics like Guardian and Hooked Gamers, provide different paths to victory and encourage multiple playthroughs. The diverse gameplay options, strategic depth, and the addition of the memories system, as noted by Jeuxvideo.com, further enhance the replay value by offering players different ways to approach each playthrough. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about certain aspects of Sid Meier's Civilization VII that may impact its replay value. Wccftech criticizes the age system for forcing itself upon players and impacting the enjoyability of the game towards the end, while also highlighting issues such as small map sizes, aggressive AI around city-states, and pacing problems. These criticisms suggest potential limitations that could affect the overall replayability of the game for some players. Overall, the majority of critics view Sid Meier's Civilization VII as a game with very good replay value. The positive aspects such as the strategic variety, engaging core experience, diverse gameplay mechanics, and incentive systems like the legacy points and meta-progression system, as highlighted by critics like PlaySense and XboxEra, contribute to a highly replayable experience. While there are some concerns raised by critics regarding certain gameplay elements, the consensus among reviewers is that the game offers a promising entry point with potential for expansion, rewarding depth in gameplay areas, and varied campaigns that ensure a fresh and engaging experience across multiple playthroughs. Ultimately, Sid Meier's Civilization VII is praised for its ability to provide players with a rich and diverse gameplay experience that keeps them coming back for more, making it a standout title in terms of replay value within the Civilization series.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics rave about Sid Meier's Civilization VII's replay value, praising its meta-progression system, varied gameplay mechanics, and engaging core experience. New features like legacy targets and RPG-like elements offer diverse paths to victory. While some critique issues like the age system and pacing problems, most reviewers agree that the game's strategic depth and incentive systems make it highly replayable, ensuring a fresh and engaging experience across multiple playthroughs. Ultimately, Civilization VII stands out for its rich and diverse gameplay that keeps players hooked for more.

Overall Verdict

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OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

27%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics on Sid Meier's Civilization VII, it is evident that there are several positive aspects highlighted by the reviewers. Checkpoint Gaming commends the game for being "impressive and self-assured," with a strong historical foundation that feels fresh and exciting. GamesRadar++ praises the game for its reinventions and improvements, making it the best modern iteration of the series to date. Guardian appreciates the depth and complexity of Civilization VII, emphasizing human drama and achievement over faceless units, which adds to the addictive nature of the game. On the other hand, some critics point out certain negatives or areas for improvement in Civilization VII. COGconnected mentions concerns about long-term balance and style evolution, highlighting that these aspects remain to be seen. Hooked Gamers notes historical inaccuracies and potential monotony in the music as drawbacks, despite acknowledging the game's depth, strategy, and replay value. Wccftech raises issues with the forced age system and small map sizes, which may disappoint long-time fans of the series. Overall, the majority of critics view Sid Meier's Civilization VII positively, with many considering it a significant addition to the franchise. Critics like VGC and PlaySense praise the game for maintaining the iconic elements of the series while introducing big changes and added depth to gameplay. Despite some criticisms and areas for improvement highlighted by various reviewers, the general consensus leans towards a very good overall verdict for Civilization VII. The game is commended for its engaging gameplay innovations, addictive nature, and potential for growth and enhancement through future expansions. The positive sentiment expressed by the majority of critics indicates that Civilization VII has successfully met or exceeded the expectations of fans and critics alike, solidifying its position as a noteworthy entry in the renowned series.

TL;DR

Critics praise Sid Meier's Civilization VII for its impressive historical foundation, reinventions, and depth, making it the best modern iteration yet. While some mention concerns about balance and historical inaccuracies, the general consensus leans towards a very positive verdict. The game is commended for its engaging gameplay, addictive nature, and potential for growth through future expansions, solidifying its position as a noteworthy entry in the series.

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Reviews

120 reviews found

100

VGC

Feb 3, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Civilization 7 is praised for adding big changes to its formula while maintaining the iconic elements of the series. The review describes it as a confident, sleek, and high watermark for strategy games, indicating a positive overall verdict.

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100

Guardian

Feb 3, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Civilization VII is described as deep and complex, emphasizing human drama and achievement over faceless units. The game is praised for its addictive nature and ability to consume hours, days, and possibly months of players' lives.

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Checkpoint Gaming

Feb 3, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Impressive and self-assured Civ launch with a strong identity grounded in history while feeling fresh and exciting. A complete package that satisfies with attention to detail and lives up to lofty expectations.

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PlaySense

Feb 3, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sid Meier’s Civilization VII sets a new standard for the series with added depth and accessibility. While the base game may feel lacking compared to Civilization VI with expansions, the gameplay improvements in Civilization VII make up for it. Future expansions are expected to enhance the game further.

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Shacknews

Feb 3, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Civilization 7 is highly praised for its engaging gameplay innovations, but criticized for forced civ changes and pacing issues, ultimately being described as an 'absolute banger' that leaves the reviewer wanting to play more.

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Windows Central

Feb 3, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Civilization 7 introduces significant changes to the series, addressing pacing issues and adding depth to gameplay. Despite some technical issues and DLC concerns, the game offers a premium experience with high replay value.

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Impulsegamer

Feb 4, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Civilization VII is more of the same for fans of the series, offering a deep and absorbing experience with significant changes to gameplay. Some may be put off by the alterations, but the core experience remains strong.

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Hooked Gamers

Feb 3, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Civilization VII offers a refreshing experience with new mechanics, engaging gameplay, and detailed visuals. While facing some historical inaccuracies and potential monotony in music, the game provides depth, strategy, and replay value for both new and experienced players.

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COGconnected

Feb 5, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

An excellent and worthy continuation of the Civilization series with a rock-solid foundation, transformative era transitions, and strong gameplay rules, but the long-term balance and style evolution remain to be seen.

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XboxEra

Feb 3, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer enjoyed playing Civilization VII, praising its core elements, gameplay incentives, and dynamic approach to civilization switching with legacy paths. Some issues with age transitions and crises were noted, but the game is deemed fun and likely to grow with its player base over time.

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