Civilization 7, affectionately known as Civ 7, has sparked a wave of disappointment among its early adopters. The game, which launched its Advanced Access version five days ahead of its February 11 release date, is currently facing a "mostly negative" rating on Steam. This unexpected backlash comes from players who have invested in the early access version and are now voicing their frustrations.
Steam Players Express Dissatisfaction with User Interface, Maps, and Resource Mechanics
The anticipation for Civ 7 was sky-high, especially since the last installment, Civ 6, was released back in 2016. However, the excitement has been overshadowed by the game's current state, with players pinpointing several areas of concern.
A major grievance revolves around the game's User Interface (UI). Many players have described the UI as "janky" and "ugly," drawing unfavorable comparisons to its predecessor. Some have even likened it to a "free mobile knockoff of Civ," suggesting that Firaxis Games might have focused too much on console development, resulting in a UI that feels "barren" and lacks sufficient options.
Map-related issues have also drawn significant criticism. Players are unhappy with the selection process, available map types, and the limited size options. Civ 7 offers only three map sizes: Small, Medium, and Large, a stark reduction from the five different sizes available in Civ 6. Moreover, players have noted a lack of customization options and insufficient information provided about each map type.
Another contentious aspect is the new resource mechanics in Civ 7. Unlike Civ 6, where resources were randomly generated on the map for players to control, Civ 7 assigns resources to cities or the empire through strategic management. Many players feel that this change reduces the replay value compared to the previous system.
In response to the feedback, Firaxis Games has acknowledged the concerns, particularly regarding the UI. They stated, "We are aware of and looking into feedback on the game's UI. We're continuing to make improvements to Civilization VII, and appreciate you taking the time to drop your feedback. For the maps, Civilization VII is going to keep growing and changing with future updates and expansions, so please let us know what you'd like to see!"
