Civ 7 Steam Version Suffers Deluge of Negative Reviews as Advanced Access Releases

Civilization 7, eagerly awaited by fans since the release of Civilization 6 in 2016, has hit a rough patch with its Advanced Access launch on Steam. The game, which became available 5 days before its official February 11 release date, has garnered a "mostly negative" rating from players who paid extra to access it early. This unexpected backlash has sparked a flurry of criticism centered around several key aspects of the game.

Steam Players Voice Concerns Over User Interface, Maps, and Resource Mechanics

One of the most vocalized issues is the game's User Interface (UI). Players have described it as "janky" and "ugly," drawing unfavorable comparisons to the more polished UI of Civilization 6. Some have even gone as far as likening it to a "free mobile knockoff" of the series. There's a sentiment among the community that Firaxis Games, the developers behind Civ 7, may have prioritized console development, resulting in a UI that feels "barren" and lacks the customization options that PC gamers expect.

The map system in Civilization 7 has also come under fire. Players have reported difficulties in selecting and understanding different map types, with limited size options and a lack of customization features. The game offers only three map sizes—Small, Medium, and Large—which is a step back from the five sizes available in Civilization 6, catering to a variety of gameplay styles.

Another significant point of contention is the new resource mechanics in Civ 7. Unlike the previous game, 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 this change reduces the replay value that the map-based resource system of Civilization 6 provided.

In response to the feedback, Firaxis Games has acknowledged the concerns, 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!" This response indicates that the developers are committed to addressing the issues raised by the community and improving the game through future updates.