Civilization VII review – your empire strikes back in glorious new detail
PC, PS4/5, Switch, Xbox; 2K Games/Fireaxis
The fiendishly addictive sim returns with compelling fresh challenges across the ages. Prepare to say goodbye to a lot of free time
Many years ago, when Civilization II was on its way, I’d just started as a writer on the video game magazine Edge. As a fan of the original Civilization, a complex turn-based strategy sim about building vast kingdoms through thousands of years of human history, I was keen to review the sequel and my editor let me. Reader, I became completely addicted. I played the game for two weeks non-stop, leaving many pages of the magazine unwritten. This earned me a very severe written warning. In short, Sid Meier’s series almost ended my career in games writing – which is perhaps why I didn’t review the following four instalments. Now it is back, and I can no longer avoid it. I must face my seductive nemesis.
In many ways, this is the game that I, and many thousands of other fans, have always known and obsessively loved: a complex, far-reaching and fascinating simulation tracking the rise of empires from ancient tribal groups to modern-day superpowers. As a player, you found towns and cities, gather resources and research new technologies, from literacy to nuclear fission, while sending out settlers, merchants and armies to expand your reach and either placate or destroy other nations. Victory can come from military might, cultural cachet or economic domination, depending on how you play and what you’re interested in. No two campaigns are ever the same.
Continue reading...Topics
-
Civilization 7's Early Reviews Suggest A Divisive Experience
Civilization VII reviews have gone live, and the new entry in the series is proving to be quite divisive with critics. A 4X turn-based strategy game, Civilization VII offers a familiar foundation ...GameSpot - 4h -
Civilization VII: All Ways To Earn Influence
Influence is a currency in Civilization VII that you'll need for a variety of reasons. Most notably, Influence is used to improve or worsen your relationship with the other world leaders you meet ...GameSpot - 5h -
Sid Meier's Civilization VII Review - A Fine But Flawed Foundation
Sid Meier's Civilization VII is the newest mainline entry in Firaxis' long-running 4X strategy series, which is built on exploring, expanding, exploiting, and exterminating across procedurally ...GameSpot - 5h -
This Intriguing New Horror Game Is Only Held Back By Your Sub-Tortoise Speeds
Fans of psychological horror are in for a paranoia-inducing treat this year. Karma: The Dark World seems to be a gripping, deeply unsettling first-person cinematic horror game set to release for ...GameSpot - 3d -
Defense secretary revokes Mark Milley's security detail and orders IG review
Pete Hegseth has revoked Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley's security detail and clearance and is ordering a review of the retired general's conduct to see whether his rank should be ...NBC News - 5d -
Trump is rolling back a Civil Rights-era anti-discrimination rule
President Trump revoked a 1965 rule that prohibited federal contractors from discriminating against employees or job applicants.CBS News - Jan. 24 -
The Loves of My Life: A Sex Memoir by Edmund White review – a glorious celebration of queer love
In frank and hilarious style, the author recounts the significant encounters that helped make him who he is. In this, Edmund White’s sixth memoir, the American novelist and critic observes that a ...The Guardian - Jan. 22 -
Sid Meier's Civilization VII Release Date, Platforms, And Everything We Know
One of the first major game releases of 2025 is one that players have been waiting years and years for. Sid Meier's Civilization VII is finally arriving after a long, eight-year hiatus ...GameSpot - Jan. 16 -
Ladies Only review – striking account of sisterhood’s intricacies on the Mumbai metro
Shot in stunning black and white, a tapestry of faces and voices beautifully lays bare the hidden subtleties of Indian women’s emotional lives. During peak rush hour, the Mumbai metro turns into a ...The Guardian - Jan. 13
More from The Guardian
-
Trump agrees to pause Mexico tariffs as shares tumble over trade war fears
Mexican president commits 10,000 troops to prevent drug trafficking to US in return for one-month delay in levies. US politics live – latest updates Donald Trump and his Mexican counterpart, ...The Guardian - 17m -
Marco Rubio appoints himself head of USAid as workers locked out of office
Secretary of state says he has assumed control of agency to ‘align’ it with Trump’s priorities. US politics live – latest updates The secretary of state, Marco Rubio, declared himself the ...The Guardian - 58m -
People flee Santorini as earthquake fears grow
Residents and tourists scramble to leave Greek island on ferries and planes after ‘barrage’ of tremors. Earthquake fears have prompted people to flee Santorini, as Greece’s most popular island ...The Guardian - 4h -
Jenni Hermoso tells court Rubiales’s kiss ‘tarnished’ World Cup win
Spanish footballer says she has not been able to ‘live freely’ since incident in 2023 that changed her life. The Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso has told a court that “one of the happiest moments” ...The Guardian - 6h -
Trump says ‘no guarantees’ Gaza ceasefire will hold a day before Netanyahu visits White House – Middle East crisis live
US president cast doubt on the ceasefire holding; Israeli PM expected to begin discussions over second phase of truce agreement in Washington . The Palestinian ministry of health says the Israeli ...The Guardian - 15m
More in World
-
Trump says ‘no guarantees’ Gaza ceasefire will hold a day before Netanyahu visits White House – Middle East crisis live
US president cast doubt on the ceasefire holding; Israeli PM expected to begin discussions over second phase of truce agreement in Washington . The Palestinian ministry of health says the Israeli ...The Guardian - 15m -
Spain’s Ex-Soccer Chief Luis Rubiales Goes on Trial Over Forced Kiss at World Cup
Luis Rubiales kissed Jennifer Hermoso on the lips after the country’s national team won the 2023 Women’s World Cup. On Monday, she testified against him and other former officials.The New York Times - 15m -
Trump agrees to pause Mexico tariffs as shares tumble over trade war fears
Mexican president commits 10,000 troops to prevent drug trafficking to US in return for one-month delay in levies. US politics live – latest updates Donald Trump and his Mexican counterpart, ...The Guardian - 17m -
Transfer deadline day: Asensio joins Villa on loan, Tel heading to Spurs – live news
Latest news and updates before 11pm GMT deadline Men’s transfer interactive: deals from around Europe Get in touch: email Niall with your thoughts Manchester United would not be surprised ...The Guardian - 18m -
Chelsea v West Ham: Premier League – live
Minute-by-minute updates from the 8pm kick-off You can ">email John with your thoughts Brendan Large gets in touch: “As a Chelsea fan I think dropping Sanchez was a no-brainer today. He ...The Guardian - 23m