Sid Meier's Civilization VII Review

Civilization VII is the biggest structural change the series has made in years. Instead of steering one civilization from a single warrior to a space race, you pick a leader and then a civilization for each of three Ages, transitioning at set breakpoints as history turns over. It is a genuine idea, not a coat of paint. The early game of Antiquity, where you settle rivers and grow your first towns, is as compelling as this series has ever been, and separating leaders from civilizations lets you build combinations the old design could never allow.

The launch, though, arrived unfinished in the places that matter to veterans. The interface hid basic information, the map and diplomacy screens felt thin, and the Age transitions could yank away momentum just as a game found its rhythm. Firaxis has patched steadily since, but the first impression asked a lot of the audience most likely to buy it on day one.

Judged as a foundation, this is strong Civilization with the best turn to turn decisions in a long while. Judged as a finished release at full price, it shipped a step early. Newcomers curious about the genre will find it a fascinating place to start, while returning players should weigh how much they mind buying into a design that is still settling.