Civ 7 Steam Early Access Hit with Negative Reviews

Civilization 7, affectionately known as Civ 7, has recently launched its Advanced Access version, five days ahead of its scheduled February 11 release date. However, this early release has been met with a "mostly negative" rating on Steam from players who paid extra to test the game. The anticipation for Civ 7, the first new entry in the series since Civ 6 in 2016, has been overshadowed by widespread criticism from the community.

Steam Players Express Discontent with User Interface, Maps, and Resource Mechanics

One of the main grievances voiced by players centers on the game's User Interface (UI). Many have described the UI as "janky" and "ugly" when compared to its predecessor, Civ 6. Some have gone as far as likening it to a "free mobile knockoff Civ." There's a sentiment among the players that Firaxis Games, the developers behind Civ 7, might have prioritized console development, resulting in a "barren" UI with limited options.

The game's map features have also come under fire. Players have reported issues with map selection, including limited types, sizes, and customization options. Civ 7 offers only three map sizes—Small, Medium, and Large—which pales in comparison to the five different sizes available in Civ 6, catering to various gameplay styles. Additionally, players have expressed frustration over the lack of detailed information when scrolling through map types.

Another significant point of contention is the new resource mechanics in Civ 7. Unlike Civ 6, where resources were randomly placed on the map for players to control, Civ 7 assigns resources to cities or the empire through strategic management. Many players feel that the previous system provided more replay value and depth to the gameplay.

In response to the criticism, Firaxis Games has acknowledged the feedback, particularly regarding the UI. They stated, "We are aware of and looking into feedback on the game's UI. We're continuing to make improvements to Civilization VII, and appreciate you taking the time to drop your feedback. For the maps, Civilization VII is going to keep growing and changing with future updates and expansions, so please let us know what you'd like to see!"