"Civ 7 Steam Early Access Hit with Negative Reviews"

Civilization 7, eagerly awaited by fans since the release of Civilization 6 in 2016, has launched its Advanced Access version five days ahead of its official February 11 release date. However, the game has received a "mostly negative" rating on Steam, reflecting the dissatisfaction of players who paid for early access.

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

The primary grievances from the community focus on the game's User Interface (UI). Many players have described the UI as "janky" and "ugly," drawing unfavorable comparisons to Civilization 6. One reviewer went as far as likening the current UI to a "free mobile knockoff Civ." There's also a sentiment that Firaxis Games, the developers, may have prioritized console development, resulting in a UI that feels "barren" with limited customization options.

Another significant issue raised by the players is the game's map selection and customization. The available map sizes are restricted to Small, Medium, and Large, a reduction from the five sizes offered in Civilization 6. Players have expressed frustration over the lack of detailed information when scrolling through map types and the limited options for customization.

The new resource mechanics in Civilization 7 have also come under scrutiny. Unlike the map-based resource system in Civilization 6, where resources are randomly placed and directly gathered from tiles, Civ 7 assigns resources to cities or the empire through strategic management. Players argue that the previous system provided more replay value, which they feel is lacking in the current iteration.

In response to these criticisms, Firaxis Games has acknowledged the feedback regarding the UI, stating, "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 from Firaxis suggests a commitment to addressing player concerns and enhancing the game through future updates and expansions.