The new Civilization 7 wanted to change the rules of the game. But since its launch, it has been divisive. Too different? Too radical? The famous Ages system clearly didn't convince everyone. Today, Firaxis is trying to correct the situation with a major update. And some nice surprises along the way.
The Ages system, an ambitious but shaky idea for Civilization 7
With Civilization 7, Firaxis has reinvented its formula. Gone are the days of linear games: here, the campaigns are divided into major periods: Antiquity, the Age of Exploration, Modern Times... With each transition, a sort of partial "reset" takes place.
The idea was good on paper. But in practice, many Civilization 7 players have struggled to get used to it. Many find the pace choppy. It's hard to maintain a clear flow when everything changes from one Age to the next. The result is a feeling of loss of continuity, even detachment from one's empire.
An update that wants to correct the situation
Faced with these criticisms, Firaxis has just announced a major update, version 1.2.2, expected on Tuesday, June 17 for Civilization 7. It brings several new features, starting with the addition of New, larger map sizes. Enough to satisfy fans of long games across vast territories.
But above all, a much-anticipated feature is arriving: the ability to freely choose your civilization at each Age change. Until now, choices were limited by decisions made during the game. This will no longer be the case. A real step forward towards more freedom.
Another addition is the disabling of legacy paths (the famous Legacy Paths), the customization of AI difficulty, the management of the hostility of independent powers, and even the choice of crises that can arise in the game. In short: more control, more flexibility.
Firaxis promises other adjustments in the coming months
The studio makes no secret of it, the Ages system is not yet ready for Civilization 7. In its message to players, Firaxis admits that there is "still work to be done to strengthen the empire's identity across the different eras." Good news, then, as this update is just the beginning. Starting in July, other small improvements will arrive. In particular, the team wants to rework the end of Ages and make transitions more natural. Other, more significant updates will follow over time.
Despite its ambitions, Civilization 7 has had a rocky start. Opinions are divided, and Steam ratings are declining. But Firaxis hasn't said its last word. The studio shows that it is listening to its community and that it wants to move the game forward in the right direction. With these improvements, Civ 7 might just get back the momentum it's been missing.
Source: Firaxis
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