After a nearly decade-long wait, the next entry into the enduringSid Meier’s Civilizationfranchise will hit gaming shelves in February.Civilization 6’s exploits in the strategy 4X genre are well-noted, and with such an expanded release timeline since the multiple-award-winning title burst onto the scene in 2016, there’s a wave of curiosity surrounding howCivilization 7will play its cards with its features. Fans expect a host of modernized improvements toCivilization 6’s mechanics while keeping a perfect balance in terms of franchise tradition. As such,Civ 7has a high bar to clear to be declared a success; Firaxis has teased a wave of changes to mainstay mechanics such as Victory Conditions, which could add some spring to its step.
While there were some obvious elements for the developer to address inCivilization 7(for instance, the much-embattled wonder building type), it’s clear that Firaxis views the changes the much-anticipated title needs to bring to the table as more than cosmetic. One such example of Firaxis' willingness to rip apart its traditional formula is theremoval of leader-civilization restrictions, as in the upcoming title, players can pair a Leader with any Civilization of their choice. Beyond this, Victory Conditions are also in line for a tune-up, and the new approach could yield positive results.
Civilization 7’s New Approach to Victory Conditions Could Be Good for Hyperfocus
Except for the originalCivilizationinstallment back in 1990, Victory Conditions have largely remained the same in subsequent releases. That isn’t to say there hasn’t been some degree of evolution – the Space Race Victory eventually became a component ofCiv 6’s Scientific Condition, and the same happened to Conquest. However, none of these changes, even accounting for the addition of the Religious mechanic, has come close in scale to what Firaxis is attempting with its Victory Condition changes inCivilization 7.
How Civ 7’s Ages Affect Victory Conditions
For starters, Victory Conditions have a new roadmap. Where older editions largely left players to their own devices in terms of building toward their desired winning strategy from the get-go,Civilization 7’s division of its gameplay into Ageshas revolutionized its outlook. These Ages (Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern) each have specific objectives that must be achieved to progress into the next era. While a true victory is only earned at the end of the Modern Age, the segmented approach toCivilization 7’s gameplay means that players must balance their strategies to win – both in the short and long term.
One of the steepest learning curves in previousCivilizationgames was how to stay on track with a Victory Condition while keeping up with opponents' moves in other areas.Civilization 7’s Ages mechanic is seemingly aimed at mitigating that challenge, with each Condition requiring players to advance through thespecified corresponding Legacy Path. For instance, a player targeting a Scientific Victory would need to tick all the boxes in the Scientific Legacy Path from the Antiquity Age to the Modern Age. The idea behind this segmented approach is presumably to give gamers a clear picture of what they need to achieve their desired winning path.
Civilization 7’s New-Found Nuances Could Take it to The Next Level
However, the significance of this overhaul goes beyond merely smoothing out the learning curve. It wasn’t uncommon for players to stack up resources they didn’t particularly need to give an extra boost to their Cultural or Domination aspirations. WithCivilization 7’s new approach, there’s a bit more nuance which encourages more thought in the spirit of the strategy 4X genre. This effect is most pronounced in the Domination condition. WhileCiv 6’s military focus incentivized pumping powerful units to rampage across the world,Civ 7brings Commander units and tactics to the fore, reinforcing attention to unit placement in zones of control.
It’s yet to be seen howCivilizationfaithful will react to the plethora ofchanges Firaxis is bringing to the table inCivilization 7. Nevertheless, the nuanced view of Victory Conditions and more involved gameplay focus could elevate the upcoming title to an elite stratosphere in the strategy 4X genre.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII
WHERE TO PLAY
The award-winning strategy game franchise returns with a revolutionary new chapter.Sid Meier’s Civilization® VIIempowers you to build the greatest empire the world has ever known!InCivilization VII, your strategic decisions shape the unique cultural lineage of your evolving empire. Rule as one of many legendary leaders from throughout history and steer the course of your story by choosing a new civilization to represent your empire in each Age of human advancement.Construct cities and architectural wonders to expand your territory, improve your civilization with technological breakthroughs, and conquer or cooperate with rival civilizations as you explore the far reaches of the unknown world. Pursue prosperity in an immersive solo experience or play with others in online multiplayer.Whether you choose to follow a path rooted in history or reimagine possibilities to chart your own way forward, build something you believe in and create a legacy that echoes through the Ages inCivilization VII.
