A new feature inSid Meier’s Civilization 7seems like a tough pill to swallow, but could actually be great for players in the long run. Although it’s still several months away,Civilization 7has already revealed significant differences fromCiv 6. While some, like streamlined Tech trees and updated graphics, are unlikely to ruffle any feathers,Civ 7is also adding a handful of entirely new mechanics that may provoke a little more controversy.
For example, random crises may sometimes strike a player’s civ, potentially ruining a perfectly good century. Commander units will change the face ofCiv’s combat, raising the stakes and making every battle feel personal. Even these, though, are innocuous compared to what may beCiv 7’s most controversial new feature. But as it turns out, the developers only have players' best interests in mind.
Civilization 7: Release Date, Platforms, & Confirmed Civilizations
Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 marks the return of an iconic strategy series, and although information is limited, there are a few key things to know.
Civ 7’s Updated Ages System Might Actually Be A Good Thing
How Ages Make Unit Management Easier
According to an interview withCiv 7creative director Ed Beach, as published onggrecon,Civ 7’s controversial new Ages feature is intended to lighten the player’s load. While Beach admits that the new introduction does change “the fundamental structure of the game,” he promises that it’s for the best, and will greatly ease the complexity of late-gameCiv. “There’s just so much to manage and keep track of late in the game,” says Beach, “We really wanted to make it so that it was more manageable for players. The Ages system gives us points where we reset the game a little bit, and players get a chance to get a little bit of calm and to…scale back down .”
Ages are a part ofCiv 6, but only exist in theRise and Fallexpansion pack (albeit in a very different form).
In short, that seems like a very cryptic way of saying thatCiv’s three Ages (Antiquity, Discovery, and Modern Age) will each have slightly different mechanics, slightly different metrics to track. Instead of adding new numbers, relationships, and other windows for players to stare at every few centuries or so,Civ 7will switch gears, withnew mechanics eventually replacing old ones. This way, while complexity will still ramp up from the beginning to the end of each Age, every next Age will start somewhat anew. Players will have new concerns, new ways to measure progress - but fewer of them overall than they did at the end of the previous Age.
There’s a tendency for some players to have a negative kneejerk reaction to anything that sounds like a “dumbing-down” of theCivformula. After all, people likeCivfor its strategic complexity. Yes, it takes more time to learn, but the result is a rich sandbox game where anything is possible and players can experiment freely. However,the Ages revamp doesn’t change anything aboutCiv’s appeal. It still has a wide variety of different mechanics for players to to test out over the centuries - it’s just that they don’t have to pay attention to all of them at once. This decreases both UI clutter and player consternation; with fewer things to focus on, it’s harder to make a mistake that could cost an entire game.
All Civilization 7 Edition Differences & Preorder Bonuses
Civilization 7 is available to preorder in four different bundles that include different DLC, early access, physical collectibles, and more.
Ages will also come with certain gameplay bonuses; if players use this mechanic correctly, they can benefit greatly from the turning of an Age. Each Age ends in a crisis, and the player’s response to it will determine their people’s spirit in the coming times. If they perform well, their people will be hopeful, and they’ll receive certain buffs. If not, they may suffer certain penalties in the next Age.
Civ 7’s Ages Also Increase Player Flexibility & Historical Accuracy
Migrating Civilizations
Players also have more options for theirCiv 7leaders with the revamped Ages system. Unlike previousCivgames, leaders aren’t locked to certain civilizations: Hatshepsut can lead the charge for France, and Napoleon can finally take control of the Netherlands. According to the interview with Beach, it sounds likeleaders will also be able to migrate civs during certain age changeovers. This will make these seismic gameplay shifts even more interesting - players may unlock new, civ-specific mechancis or buffs during age transitions, which can lead to even deeper gameplay strategies.
In addition, it sounds likecertain civs may be locked to certain ages- for example, players can’t control Germany during the ancient world. This increases the overall historical accuracy of the game, while still allowing for some unique, impossible historical rewrites to occur with the civ-shifts. These new options should be even more intriguing to longtimeCivfans, who have already tried every combination possible in the earlier games, and are looking for something different beyond just another new leader.
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Civilization 6 includes multiple unique but complex features that can make it seem daunting to new players. Understanding them is the key to victory.
So, while the Ages mechanic has thus far been controversial, it actually opens up some new options for players, increasing their flexibility, lightening their workload, and allowing for new strategies. It may not be the most popular change in the next installment, but given time to prove itself inSid Meier’s Civilization 7, it may prove a welcome addition.
Source:ggrecon
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII empowers players to guide their empires through three distinct Ages—Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern—each offering unique civilizations and challenges. For the first time, leaders and civilizations can be mixed and matched, allowing unprecedented strategic combinations.
