Video Game

Building Blocks of History: Crafting Empires in Civilization VI!

Posted by David McKenzie on

Overall Rating: 9.2/10

  • Gameplay: 9.5/10
  • Complexity: 8.5/10
  • Replayability: 9.7/10
  • Graphics and Art Style: 8.8/10
  • Sound and Music: 9.0/10
  • Expansion Content: 9.3/10

Introduction

Sid Meier’s Civilization VI, developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K Games, is the latest installment in the renowned turn-based strategy series that challenges players to build an empire capable of standing the test of time. Released in October 2016, Civilization VI introduced significant changes to the franchise’s formula, including the unstacking of cities into districts and a more dynamic diplomacy system. The game has been expanded with two major expansions: Rise and Fall (2018) and Gathering Storm (2019), each adding new layers of depth and complexity to the gameplay. It’s one of my favorite games of all time and I am eagerly awaiting the release of VII.

Gameplay (9.5/10)

Civilization VI retains the core 4X (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate) mechanics that have defined the series while introducing innovative features that enhance strategic depth.

Strengths:

  • Unstacked Cities (District System): Cities now expand across multiple tiles, with specialized districts dedicated to various functions such as science, culture, and military. This mechanic adds a spatial planning element, requiring players to consider terrain and adjacency bonuses when developing their cities.
  • Active Research and Civics Trees: Technological and cultural advancements are influenced by in-game actions, encouraging players to pursue specific strategies to accelerate progress. For example, founding cities on the coast can boost naval technologies.
  • Enhanced Diplomacy: Interactions with AI leaders are more nuanced, with agendas that reflect historical personalities and hidden preferences, leading to more dynamic diplomatic relationships.

Weaknesses:

  • AI Limitations: Despite improvements, AI opponents can sometimes make questionable decisions, particularly in military tactics and city development.
  • Religious Victory Mechanics: The religious victory condition has been critiqued for being less engaging, often involving repetitive unit movements and conversions. IGN

Complexity (8.5/10)

With a complexity rating of 3.39/5 on BoardGameGeek, Civilization VI offers a deep strategic experience that can be challenging for newcomers but rewarding for seasoned players.

Highlights:

  • Layered Mechanics: The game introduces multiple interconnected systems, including city planning, diplomacy, espionage, and trade, requiring players to manage various aspects of their civilization simultaneously.
  • Learning Curve: While tutorials are available, the sheer volume of information and options can be overwhelming for new players, necessitating time and practice to master.

Replayability (9.7/10)

Replayability is a hallmark of the Civilization series, and Civ VI excels in this regard.

Highlights:

  • Diverse Civilizations: The game features numerous civilizations, each with unique abilities, units, and playstyles, encouraging experimentation and varied strategies.
  • Randomized Maps: Procedurally generated maps ensure that no two games are identical, offering fresh challenges and exploration opportunities in each playthrough.
  • Modding Community: A vibrant modding community provides additional content, scenarios, and gameplay tweaks, further extending the game’s lifespan.

Graphics and Art Style (8.8/10)

Civilization VI adopts a more stylized and colorful art direction compared to its predecessors.

Strengths:

  • Clarity and Readability: The art style enhances visual clarity, making it easier to distinguish between different units, buildings, and terrains.
  • Detailed Animations: Leaders are portrayed with expressive animations that reflect their personalities, adding charm to diplomatic interactions.

Weaknesses:

  • Subjective Aesthetic: Some players may prefer the more realistic art styles of earlier entries, finding the cartoonish visuals less appealing.

Sound and Music (9.0/10)

The game’s soundtrack is dynamic, with themes that evolve as civilizations progress through eras, reflecting cultural influences.

Highlights:

  • Era-Specific Music: Each civilization has its own musical theme that develops over time, enhancing immersion and atmosphere.
  • Ambient Sounds: Environmental audio cues, such as wildlife and city activity, contribute to a lively game world.

Expansion Content (9.3/10)

The expansions Rise and Fall and Gathering Storm introduce substantial content and mechanics.

Rise and Fall:

  • Golden and Dark Ages: Civilizations can enter Golden or Dark Ages based on their achievements, affecting loyalty and productivity.
  • Loyalty System: Cities now have loyalty ratings, influencing their allegiance and potential to revolt or join other civilizations.

Gathering Storm:

  • Environmental Effects: Natural disasters and climate change introduce new challenges, requiring players to consider environmental impact and disaster preparedness.
  • Diplomatic Victory: The World Congress and diplomatic favor system allow for a new victory condition focused on global influence.

Final Verdict

Sid Meier’s Civilization VI is a robust and engaging entry in the storied franchise, offering deep strategic gameplay, high replayability, and a wealth of content, especially with its expansions. While it has minor flaws, such as AI limitations and certain mechanics that may not appeal to all players, the overall experience is rich and rewarding. For both veterans and newcomers to the series, Civilization VI provides an opportunity to craft an empire that truly stands the test of time.

Leave a comment