Civilization VII's Advanced Access Launch Receives Overwhelmingly Negative Steam Reviews
Civilization VII (Civ 7), released five days early via Steam's Advanced Access, has garnered a "mostly negative" player rating. Despite high anticipation for the first new Civilization game since 2016, the early release has been met with significant criticism.
The primary complaints center around several key areas:
- User Interface (UI): Many players find the UI inferior to Civ 6, describing it as "janky," "ugly," and even comparing it to a "free mobile knockoff." Concerns have been raised that Firaxis Games prioritized console development, resulting in a limited and unpolished UI for the PC version.
- Maps and Map Selection: Players criticize the limited map customization options, reduced map sizes (only small, medium, and large, compared to Civ 6's five sizes), and lack of informative map previews. The current system is seen as restricting strategic choices and replayability.
- Resource Mechanics: The shift from map-based resource gathering in Civ 6 to a city/empire-based strategic resource management system is a major point of contention. Players argue the older system provided greater replayability.
Firaxis Games acknowledged the negative feedback, specifically addressing UI concerns and promising ongoing improvements and updates based on player input. They also hinted at future expansions and updates to address map-related issues. However, the overwhelmingly negative initial reception raises serious questions about the game's current state.
