Is Civ 7's UI as Bad as They Say?

Civ 7's Deluxe Edition launched, and the internet's already buzzing about its UI. But is the criticism justified? Let's delve into the game's interface and see if it's as bad as everyone says.

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Is Civ 7's UI as Bad as They Say?

Barely a day after the Deluxe and Founder's Editions released, Civ 7 is facing criticism, primarily targeting its UI and missing quality-of-life features. Before joining the chorus, let's objectively assess the UI, breaking it down piece by piece to see if it meets the standards of a good 4X interface.

What Makes a Good 4X UI?

While some claim objective "good" 4X UI design exists, the reality is more nuanced. A UI's effectiveness depends on the game's context, style, and goals. However, common elements consistently appear in well-regarded 4X UIs. Let's use these elements to evaluate Civ 7.

Clear Information Hierarchy

A good UI prioritizes essential information. Frequently used resources and mechanics should be readily accessible, while less crucial features can be found with minimal clicks. Against the Storm, for example, excels in this area with its building info menus.

Civ 7's resource summary menu displays resource allocation, neatly separating income, yields, and expenses. The table format is efficient, and the menu collapses easily. However, it lacks specificity. While total resource yields from Rural Districts are shown, the exact district or hex isn't specified. Expense breakdowns are also limited. It functions, but improved granularity would be beneficial.

Effective and Efficient Visual Indicators

Effective visual indicators convey information quickly, minimizing reliance on text. Stellaris, despite its cluttered UI, uses visual indicators effectively in its Outliner.

Civ 7 utilizes iconography and numerical data for resources, but also includes effective visual indicators. The tile yield overlay, settlement overlay, and settlement expansion screen are examples. The main complaint is the absence of certain lenses from Civ 6 (e.g., appeal, tourism, loyalty) and the lack of customizable map pins. While not terrible, there's room for improvement.

Searching, Filtering, and Sorting Options

In complex 4X games, search, filtering, and sorting are crucial for managing information. Civ 6's powerful search function is a prime example.

Civ 7 lacks this vital search function, a significant drawback for many players. The absence impacts usability, especially considering the game's scale. Adding this feature is crucial.

Design and Visual Consistency

UI aesthetics and cohesiveness are vital. Civ 6's dynamic, cartographical style seamlessly integrates with its overall aesthetic.

Civ 7 adopts a minimalist, sleek design, prioritizing elegance over vibrancy. The color palette (black and gold) is effective, but the understated approach is less visually striking than Civ 6, leading to mixed reactions. This is largely subjective.

So What’s the Verdict?

It’s Not The Best, But Undeserving of Such Disapproval

Civ 7's UI isn't the best, but it's not as disastrous as some claim. While missing key features (especially the search function), these flaws aren't game-breaking. Compared to other issues, the UI's shortcomings are minor. It's less visually impressive than other 4X UIs, but it has strengths. With updates and player feedback, it can improve significantly. The overall game's strengths compensate for the UI's weaknesses.

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