Summary
Not much is known aboutSid Meier’s Civilization 7, yet anticipation is already extremely high. It has been eight years since the last entry was released, and in that time, Firaxis has expanded the franchise immensely with countless DLC packs. Not only has it reinvented many aspects of the franchise, but it also experimented with entirely new forms of DLC. And now that it has headed down that road,Sid Meier’s Civilization’s seventh mainline installment has the chance to truly change the franchise forever.
While Firaxis should focus its attention on crafting a worthy strategy title,Sid Meier’s Civilization 7could also feature a couple of franchise firsts. Of course, there will likely be new mechanics, civilizations, and maybe even new victories. But, along with that, the studio should also consider going the extra mile by blending features fromtheTotal Warseriesinto theCivilizationgameplay loop. That hybrid style would go a long way in injecting new life into this series, and after six mainline entries, it feels like the perfect time.
Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 Could Change the Franchise Forever
Civilization’s Gameplay Has Stayed the Same for Years
Ever sinceSid Meier’s Civilization’s inception, the gameplay has not really been altered much. Players select a civilization to play, they pick a spot for their capital city, and then they go out to conquer the rest of the world. The entire game is built around a turn-based model with a hex map reminiscent of board games. The player’s primary goal has always been to winone ofCivilization’s numerous victories, with each entry approaching that aspect a bit differently. And while there have been some additions throughout the years, once players understand the core loop of one, they usually know how to navigate all of them.
Firaxis has, of course, shaken up the formula a bit over the years, with the addition of new victories, new gameplay mechanics, and brand-new civilizations. Additionally, that core loop has grown considerably since 1991. All of that has helped make this series a strategy mainstay, however, it may be time for the studio to take it to the next level. It tries to make each entry stand apart from the crowd, andCivilization 7has the chance to change the core gameplayloop for the better.
Blending Total War and Civilization Gameplay Seems Like a Recipe for Success
WhileCivilizationis a lot of fun, the war aspect could be expanded upon. Right now, players just get to watch as their units take on others in a sort of rock-paper-scissors battle. That has worked out well for decades, and there is nothing inherently wrong with approaching it like that, but after six games, it may be time to let players actually participate in those battles.
Taking inspiration fromTotal War,Sid Meier’s Civilization 7could adopt a hybrid RTS and grand strategy model. Players could manage their entire civilization on the campaign map like they have been for years, and then take control of their units during battles. They could analyze the battlefield, plan out the perfect strategy, and then send their armies off.
No longer would they simply wait for the game to calculate results—instead, they would be the ones leading the charge.
TheTotal Warseries has approached its campaign mode like thisever sinceRome: Total War, so there is seemingly no reason whySid Meier’s Civilizationcould not do the same. It would be a pretty drastic change, but if done right, it has the chance to pay off. And if some players hate the idea, then Firaxis would just have to make sure it is optional so that no one is forced to engage with it. But for those that want something more, they would be in for a welcome treat.
Sid Meier’s Civilization 6
WHERE TO PLAY
Civilization VIoffers new ways to engage with your world: cities now physically expand across the map, active research in technology and culture unlocks new potential, and competing leaders will pursue their own agendas based on their historical traits as you race for one of five ways to achieve victory in the game.Expansive empiresSee the marvels of your empire spread across the map like never before. Each district, wonder, and improvement is built on its own hex, allowing you to customize your city to your heart’s content. From the Commercial Hub to the Spaceport, every district provides unique and powerful bonuses. Pick and choose which districts to build to fit your needs! Build better than your opponents, place yourself strategically for your allies, and become the best civilization on Earth.Active ResearchBoost your civilization’s progress through history to unlock powerful bonuses before anyone else! To advance more quickly, use your units to actively explore, develop your environment, and discover new cultures. Research isn’t just limited to science. Explore the Civics tree to unlock powerful new governments and cultural policies Cultivate the civilization that fits your playstyle, or switch it up every time you play!Dynamic diplomacyAs the game progresses, so do your diplomatic relationships. From primitive first interactions where conflict is a fact of life, to late game alliances and negotiations. Carry influence with nearby city states to gain its diplomatic allegiance and earn game-changing city-state bonuses. Enlist spies to gather crucial intel on rival civilizations, steal precious resources, and even topple governments.
