Civilization 7 review

pcgamer.com:

Civilization 7 feels more like a series offshoot than a Civilization 6 sequel, taking the venerated grand strategy series in a different direction from the past two games. Its most radical ideas certainly offer an interesting way to play Civilization, though as things stand it doesn't feel like the best way to play. It's the most streamlined and pared-back the series has been in a long time, which certainly helps with accessibility and pacing—particularly in multiplayer—but may leave some yearning for the depth and mechanical diversity of its predecessors.

What is it? A 'X turn-based strategy game in which you guide an empire through the course of human history.
Expect to pay: $70/£60
Developer: Firaxis Games
Publisher: 2K Games
Steam Deck: Verified
Link: Official site

Founded in the pre-SVGA age of gaming antiquity, Civilization's randomised yet celebratory take on human history has stood the test of time. Over three decades on, you can still put me down in front of any of the games in the series and I will spend half my waking hours for a week straight guiding my people through the ages via war, diplomacy, exploration, culture-bombing, and plonking down World Wonders before my rivals.

Over its first several entries, the series rapidly evolved to better encapsulate the vibrancy and madness of human history in a turn-based strategy format. But in more recent outings, it's become more about rejigging rather than revolutionising that cavemen-to-cosmos saga.

Yes, Civilization 5 de-stacked units made warfare more tactical, while Civ 6 spread cities across multiple tiles to allow for more focused, thoughtful city management. But in areas like diplomacy, religion, and warfare, changes have offered alternative ways to make fun these phenomena of human history rather than pursuing some goal of 'The Ultimate Civ Experience'. This is reflected in the fact that both Civilization 5 and 6 enjoy huge player numbers to this day; 5 is tight and balanced, 6 is big, bold, and