Civilization VII: A Step Back for Some, a Leap Forward for Others

Civilization VII has been out for a while now. It got good reviews, but not everyone was happy. Some fans felt it strayed too far from what made the series special. The latest update, version 1. 2. 2, aims to bring those traditionalists back into the fold. This update is big. It adds lots of new options. Players can now tweak their games in more ways than before. One of the biggest changes is the ability to turn off certain features that some players found too different from the classic Civilization experience. For example, there's now an option to disable Legacy Paths. These are structured objectives that guide players through different Ages of history. While some enjoyed this new approach, others felt it added too much structure to the game. Now, players can turn them off completely or disable specific paths for certain Ages. This makes the game feel more like older Civilization titles, where players had more freedom to explore and experiment. Another change is the addition of larger map sizes. Players can now choose large and huge maps, with a default of 10 civilizations or players. This gives those who prefer epic, sprawling games more options to enjoy. The update also allows players to turn off Crisis, the urgency mechanics that kick in near the end of Ages. This is another feature that some players found too different from the traditional Civilization experience. While these changes are welcome, some fans are still calling for more options. Specifically, they want the ability to disable the new Ages system entirely. However, it's unlikely that Firaxis, the game's developer, will add this option. The Ages system is a core part of Civilization VII's design, and removing it would fundamentally change the game. Overall, the 1. 2. 2 update is a step in the right direction for those who felt Civilization VII had strayed too far from its roots. It gives players more control over their gameplay experience, allowing them to tailor the game to their preferences. However, it's not a perfect solution, and some fans may still feel that the game could use more changes to truly recapture the spirit of earlier Civilization titles.