Civ 7 Steam Early Access Hit with Negative Reviews

Civilization 7, or Civ 7 as it's affectionately known, has recently hit the "mostly negative" mark on Steam due to feedback from players who accessed the game's advanced version. Released five days before its scheduled February 11 launch, the advanced access build has not met the high expectations set by the gaming community, especially considering it's the first new entry since Civilization 6 in 2016.

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

Players have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with several aspects of Civ 7. A significant grievance centers around the User Interface (UI), which many have described as "janky" and "ugly" when compared to its predecessor. Some users went as far as likening the UI to that of a "free mobile knockoff" of Civilization. There's a prevailing sentiment that the developers, Firaxis Games, may have prioritized console compatibility, resulting in a UI that feels "barren" and lacks customization options.

Map-related issues have also been a hot topic among players. Complaints include difficulties in selecting maps, limited map type choices, and insufficient size options. Civ 7 offers only three map sizes—Small, Medium, and Large—contrasting with the five available in Civ 6, which catered to various gameplay styles. Additionally, players have noted a lack of information when scrolling through map types.

Another focal point of criticism is the new resource mechanics in Civ 7. Unlike the map-based resource placement in Civ 6, where resources were randomly generated for players to control, Civ 7 assigns resources to cities or the empire through strategic management. This change has led some players to feel that the previous system provided more replay value.

In response to the backlash, Firaxis Games has acknowledged the feedback, particularly regarding the UI. They've 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!"