Civilization VII Slammed on Steam for Failure to Innovate

Sid Meier's Civilization VII: A Disappointing Launch

The highly anticipated Civilization VII from Firaxis has received overwhelmingly negative initial reviews on Steam, currently boasting over 1,000 reviews and a dismal 37% score. Players are expressing significant dissatisfaction with various aspects of the game.

Key criticisms center around a poorly designed interface described as "terrible" and "sloppy," reminiscent of much older game designs. The graphics are also heavily criticized as antiquated and visually unappealing. A prevalent sentiment among reviewers is that the game feels unfinished and rushed.

User Cool CGI Dog, after a 1.5-hour playtime, stated the game feels "blatantly incomplete," citing outdated resource icons and a generally unprofessional presentation. They expressed disappointment in the apparent lack of care from Firaxis, contrasting the release with the polished experience of Civilization VI. The $70 price point is deemed unjustified given the current state of the game.

Another player, WillNever, echoed these sentiments after 2.5 hours of gameplay. They highlighted the interface as a major flaw, suggesting it hasn't evolved beyond an alpha stage of development. While acknowledging intriguing new mechanics, the poor interface renders the experience frustrating. They estimate months of work are needed to make the game enjoyable.

The consensus among many reviewers points to a premature release, demanding substantial improvements. The $70 price tag is a particularly sore point, considered disproportionate to the game's current quality.

Fans remain hopeful that Firaxis will address the widespread criticism through future updates, restoring the series' renowned quality and attention to detail. The expectation is that Civilization VII will eventually live up to the franchise's legacy, but its current state falls far short of expectations.