The long-awaited release of Civilization VII is just around the corner, and after spending an exhilarating 15 hours with it, I can confidently say this could be the best installment since the beloved Civilization IV. With a total of six pre-existing titles—each adding their own unique twist—crafting a fresh identity while maintaining the essence of the series is no small feat. And so far, it seems the developers at Firaxis have hit the mark perfectly with this radical overhaul.

This seventh iteration marks an exciting return to form. Although Civilization VI introduced some innovative concepts and systems, many fans felt there were issues with clarity and consistency. Fear not, for Civilization VII not only revisits these ideas but also refines them to create a more cohesive experience without leaving longtime players feeling alienated.

A Beginner-Friendly Framework

Developers intentionally designed Civilization VII to serve as a welcoming gateway for newcomers and lapsed fans alike. The game's tutorials have significantly improved, with clearer instructions and a guiding touch from the start. While the initial pop-ups might seem daunting, especially for those entirely new to the genre, players familiar with 4X games will find the onboarding smoother.

However, a miss is the lack of customizable tutorial presets. While previous installments allowed players to specify their experience level and focus on new features, VII only presents one tutorial path—a minor annoyance, but one that quickly dissipates once the foundational mechanics are grasped.

An Expansive and Fully Realized World

Having accessed two ages, Antiquity and Exploration, it’s apparent that Civilization VII comes packed with extensive systems from the get-go. In previous editions, many mechanics felt sparse or were deliberately omitted to be included in expansion packs. Fortunately, this game feels rich and well-rounded, with essential features elegantly carried over and enhanced from its predecessor.

The visual representation of the game is also noteworthy. Civilization VII boasts a more polished aesthetic compared to VI, leaning into a style reminiscent of V, which many hailed as the most visually appealing title until now. Cities have been beautifully crafted, showcasing a gradual evolution of architecture as they progress through civilization layers.

A Groundbreaking Age Transition System

One of the standout features in Civilization VII is the groundbreaking approach to age transitions. Traditionally, eras were merely structured benchmarks within the tech tree, but the developers have innovatively reshaped this concept. The game introduces three distinct ages—Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern—each equipped with its own separate tech tree and gameplay systems.

When an age comes to a close, it feels akin to reaching the end of a classic Civilization game, complete with a recap of accomplishments and metrics that offer a clear view of progression. Transitioning to the next age is invigorating, redefining starting conditions based on past efforts while still providing a fresh slate.

Revamped Diplomacy and War Mechanics

The developers took fan feedback to heart regarding Civilization VI’s diplomacy system. Instead of provoking endless war weariness and a convoluted diplomatic experience, Civilization VII introduces a comprehensible resource-management system. Players now have the option to use diplomacy points to influence leaders and unite their factions, facilitating more peaceful strategies.

Questions Still to Be Answered

Despite the gameplay's promising foundation, several intriguing questions arise. Will the late-game experience remain engaging, or will it succumb to the tedious micromanagement struggles that have plagued the franchise? And how does the multiplayer experience shape up, especially with the new age dynamics?

Fans are anxious to know how well the game runs on consoles and portable devices, such as the Steam Deck.

As the release date approaches, anticipation builds, and rest assured, a comprehensive review of Civilization VII will be coming soon! Early impressions lean toward optimism, and it seems the series is gearing up for a triumphant comeback that strategy aficionados won’t want to miss. Get ready to lead your civilization into a new era—this is one game you’ll want to keep your eye on!