"Civ 7 Steam Version Hit with Negative Reviews Upon Early Access Launch"

Civilization 7, affectionately known as Civ 7, has recently launched its Advanced Access version, available five days before its official release date of February 11. However, the early release has been met with significant backlash from Steam players, resulting in a "mostly negative" rating on the platform. The anticipation for the game, the first in the series since Civilization 6 in 2016, has been overshadowed by numerous criticisms from the community.

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

One of the main grievances among players is the game's User Interface (UI). Many have described it as "janky" and "ugly" compared to its predecessor, Civilization 6. Some have even likened the current UI to that of a "free mobile knockoff Civ," suggesting that Firaxis Games, the developers, may have focused more on console compatibility, leaving the UI "barren" with limited options.

The game's map system has also drawn criticism. Players have reported issues with map selection, types, and sizes, as well as a lack of customization options. Civilization 7 offers only three map sizes—Small, Medium, and Large—contrasting with the five different sizes available in Civilization 6, which catered to various gameplay styles. Additionally, players have noted that the game does not provide sufficient information when scrolling through map types.

Another significant point of contention is the new resource mechanics in Civilization 7. Unlike Civilization 6, where resources were randomly generated on the map for players to control, the new system assigns resources to cities or the empire through strategic management. Many players feel that this change reduces the replay value compared to the previous system.

In response to the feedback, Firaxis Games 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 indicates that the developers are actively working on addressing the community's concerns.