Sid Meier’s Civilization VII is set to launch on February 11, but early access has already drawn diverse reactions from early players who purchased the Founders Edition. Following its staggered early release, it appears the response has been mixed, with some players expressing dissatisfaction primarily due to the game's user interface.
The civilization-building game, which fans have long anticipated, currently holds only 43% positive reviews on Steam from over 3,000 users. This rating reflects some improvement over initial player reviews, which were rated as ‘mostly negative.’ It seems the game's transition mechanics between different eras, initially expected to draw criticism, have not evoked the strong backlash some anticipated. User WillNever noted, “The mechanics are fine, and changes are necessary, and they will always divide the community at the beginning.”
Feedback has been more centered around the interface, with multiple players voicing concerns. WillNever elaborates, saying, “the interface looks and feels like it was created at the alpha stage of development and never finalized.” User Lathium chimed in with similar sentiments, stating, “the interface is unfortunately very bad here and feels ported from the console in the worst way possible.”
Beyond these interface complaints, players have also pointed out issues related to limited map selections and maximum size caps for maps defining their gameplay experiences. The lack of fast movement and combat features also received criticism, which speaks to the overall player experience at this stage of development.
It's worth noting these critiques come from early adopters who invested $130 for the Founders Edition, potentially raising their expectations. The game is also priced at $70 for the standard edition, ensuring early players might be approaching the game differently than average consumers. While feedback from the dedicated player base isn’t as glowing as Firaxis might have hoped, it presents fairly sober and rational critiques rather than outrage.
Simultaneously, it is important to point out more favorable reviews, particularly from critics who have rated it higher than its user ratings, achieving a score of 80 on Metacritic. This discrepancy suggests future players may experience different facets when the full game launches soon.
Meanwhile, for those considering entering the game world, there are several purchasing options available. The standard edition is currently discounted to £52.79 / $61.59, offering players the full base game via Steam. The Deluxe Edition retails at £79.19 / $87.99, providing additional access to new leaders and civilizations, including early access from February 6.
The Founders Edition brings the most extensive offerings, costing £105.59 / $114.39, and includes everything from the Deluxe Edition as well as the “Right to Rule Collection,” granting access to more post-launch content as well as several unique features to enrich the gaming experience. Time is of the essence for those seeking this edition, as it will be available only until February 28, 2025.
Civilization VII is shaping up to be pivotal for the franchise, mixing anticipation with early criticism. With the launch on the horizon, many are eager to see if it meets the high expectations set forth by its predecessors and whether Firaxis will address the highlighted concerns to improve user experience.