Sid Meier's Civilization VII, highly anticipated by Firaxis fans, has received overwhelmingly negative initial Steam reviews. With over 1,000 reviews and a dismal 37% score at the time of writing, players express widespread dissatisfaction.
Key criticisms center on a poorly designed interface, outdated graphics, and a pervasive feeling of incompletion. One user, Cool CGI Dog, after 1.5 hours of gameplay, described the resource icons as "from 1998," the interface as "terrible," and the overall product as "extremely sloppy," lacking any discernible care. They specifically highlighted the stark contrast between Civ VII and the polished experience of Civ VI, deeming the $70 price tag unjustified.
Another player, WillNever, echoed these sentiments after 2.5 hours, characterizing the interface as an "alpha-phase" design that hasn't been improved. While acknowledging intriguing new mechanics, they emphasized the interface's debilitating impact on gameplay, requiring extensive work to become enjoyable.
The consensus among many reviewers points to a premature release, demanding substantial improvements. The $70 price point is particularly contentious, widely considered disproportionate to the game's current state.
Series fans remain hopeful that developer feedback will lead to significant updates, resolving the numerous issues and restoring the game to the high standards expected of the Civilization franchise. While the series is renowned for its quality and attention to detail, Civ VII, in its current form, falls far short of this legacy.
