Sid Meier’s Civilization 7’s three historical Ages system is a large departure from the rest of the series. BetweenCivilization 2 - Civilization 5,eras were strictly controlled by how far you progressed in the technology tree. This meant each player’s empire could be at completely different stages.Civilization 6tied it further with civics, but the concept remained unchanged. But the new ages ofCivilization 7make things far too balanced and predictable.
Another factor about the strict three ages is howsome civilizations are inaccessible outside their Age or can progress into each other. Strangely, powers like Khmer and Persia completely disappear, or Mongolia can arise from Egypt. This almost seems like a ploy by Firaxis to ensure playerspurchaseCivilization 7’s DLCto fill in these gaps. Hopefully, more freedom will come in the future, either by the developer or through the modding community.
Technology Eras Led To Exciting Competition
Matches Were Wild But Thrilling Fun
Eras in previousCivilizationgames were loosely based on historical time periods.Civilization 2began with the ancient, renaissance, industrial, and modern eras. Over time, the series also included classical, medieval, atomic, information, and future eras.These all contained specific inventions for the time, like optics in the classical era or radio during the atomic one. Having just oneCivilizationtechnology from the erawas enough to upgrade your whole empire.
This created a frantic race to gain as much science - the currency that bought technologies - as fast and with as large enough sums as possible. This could come from special powers unique to a civilization, trading, stealing via spies, or constructing the right buildings for eachCivilizationgame.Those who led in science wound up with advantages in both sustaining their lands and having access to a potentially stronger army.
InCivilization 5, some of the more notorious scientific civilizations were the Koreans, Mayans, and Babylonians. Korea gained +2 science each turn for each Great Person improvement and Specialist. The Mayan pyramids granted both science and faith output. In Babylon, Great Scientists were born at a 150% rate.
Civilizations that couldn’t compete with science were often left in the dust. In some parts of the series, you may see spear-wielding barbarian clans trying to contest with tanks and guns, possibly causing them to be more peaceful if they survived. It did tend to become frustrating if you were on the losing end, but it was beyond amazing when you were the underdog, not only surviving but winning. There could beCivilizationmatches where a crossbowman wiped out a Gatling gun, or your Calvary could take on a Mobile SAM.
The Three Ages Are More Balanced But Predictable
There Are A Limited Amount Of Match-Ups Per Age
While players were previously racing for technology and civics, now inCivilization 7,everyone transitions at the same time. Towards the end of an age, a crisis willsemi-destroys society or its territory. This could be an uprising, invasion, famine, or other significant hardship. How you resolved the crisis and led your people will help determine the next set of civilizations you may choose from.
I’m Worried That Civilization 7 Is Missing The Point Of The Civilization Franchise
A drastic change in certain gameplay elements has got me feeling worried about Civilization 7 and the future of the franchise.
The overall intent seems to be to bring more balance andlower the complexity ofCivilization 7. Having the age transition all occur simultaneously means everyone gets back on the same footing two times per match. But this kills far too much tension and often makes matches feel disconnected, as if you are playing three different games entirely.
With everyone resetting, the more exciting andinterestingCivilization 2 - 6encounters are just gone. You won’t experience David vs Goliath situations of toppling a vastly superior opponent. Additionally, the very identity of a civilization gets culled, with only the leader remaining. You can make it so that Augustus is fighting Napoleon, but Rome is long gone when France shows up. Many people online, including YouTuberJumboPixel, have joked thatCivilization 7is justHumankind 2in disguise.
In many respects,Civilization 6was on the right track by adding civics as an alternative to science. By completely removing uneven eras,Civilization 7feels more sterile, as if it wants to cater to those looking for a meta. But, it was rarely fair gameplay that caused fans to flock to theCivilizationseries. It was always about absurd anachronisms likeGhandi loving nukes and violenceor Montezuma discovering penicillin through Taoism. At least they still allow a leader to live 6,000+ years and never change their fashion sense.
