Civilization VII's Advanced Access Launch Receives Overwhelmingly Negative Steam Reviews
Civilization VII (Civ 7), released five days early via Steam's Advanced Access, has been met with a deluge of negative player feedback, resulting in a "mostly negative" overall rating on the platform. Despite high anticipation for the game – the first mainline entry since Civ VI in 2016 – the early access build has fallen short of expectations for many.
Key criticisms center around several core aspects of the game:
User Interface (UI) Concerns: The UI is a major point of contention. Many players describe it as clunky, visually unappealing, and a significant downgrade from Civ VI's polished interface. Comparisons to "free mobile knockoffs" have even been made, with some speculating that Firaxis Games prioritized console development, resulting in a limited and underwhelming PC experience.
Map Issues: The map system has also drawn considerable criticism. Players cite problems with map selection, limited map size options (only small, medium, and large, compared to Civ VI's five sizes), and a lack of customization. The lack of detailed map type information during selection is another common complaint.
Resource Mechanics Controversy: The revised resource mechanics, shifting from direct tile-based gathering (as in Civ VI) to city/empire-based strategic management, have proven unpopular. Players argue that the previous system offered greater replayability.
Firaxis Response: Firaxis Games acknowledged the negative feedback, specifically addressing UI concerns and promising ongoing improvements and updates. They also indicated that future updates and expansions will address map-related issues.
The overwhelmingly negative reception highlights significant concerns about Civ 7's current state, raising questions about the game's readiness for its official launch.
