Civilization 7 Faces Backlash from Fans: Steam Reviews Pour Negativity

Sid Meier's Civilization VII: A Disappointing Launch

Many Firaxis fans eagerly awaited the next installment in the Civilization franchise, only to be met with overwhelmingly negative Steam reviews upon its release. The game's current 37% score, based on over 1,000 reviews, reflects widespread dissatisfaction.

Key criticisms center around a poorly designed interface, outdated graphics, and a general feeling of incompleteness. One user, Cool CGI Dog, after just 1.5 hours of gameplay, described the game as "blatantly incomplete," citing "resource icons from 1998," a "terrible interface," and an overall lack of polish. They expressed disappointment with Firaxis' apparent lack of care, contrasting the release with the superior quality of Civilization VI and deeming the $70 price tag unjustified without a significant interface overhaul.

Another player, WillNever, echoed these sentiments after 2.5 hours, stating the interface felt like an "alpha phase" design, hindering enjoyment despite intriguing new mechanics. They concluded that months of refinement are necessary to make the game enjoyable.

The consensus among reviewers is that Civilization VII was released prematurely and requires substantial improvements. The $70 price point is particularly contentious, viewed as disproportionate to the game's current state.

Fans remain hopeful that Firaxis will address the criticisms through updates, restoring the series' renowned quality and attention to detail. While the Civilization franchise has a history of excellence, Civilization VII, in its current form, falls significantly short of expectations.