Is Civ 7's UI as Bad as They Say?

Civ 7’s Deluxe Edition has been out for just a day, and the internet is already buzzing with criticism about its user interface (UI) and other perceived shortcomings. But is the UI really as bad as people claim? Let's delve into the specifics and evaluate the game's UI elements to see if the online backlash is justified.

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Is Civ 7's UI as Bad as They Say?

Civ 7 has been available for less than a day for Deluxe and Founder’s Edition owners, yet it's already facing criticism, particularly for its UI and the absence of certain quality-of-life features. While it's easy to join the chorus of detractors, it's important to take a closer look and assess whether the UI is truly as problematic as claimed. The best approach is to analyze it component by component and see if it meets the standards of an effective 4X game interface.

What Makes a Good 4X UI?

The design of a 4X game's UI can be subjective, as it depends on the game's context, style, and objectives. However, experts have identified common elements that contribute to a successful 4X UI. Let's evaluate Civ 7's UI against these key criteria.

Clear Information Hierarchy

A good 4X UI should prioritize information based on its importance to gameplay. Essential resources and mechanics should be easily accessible, while less critical features should be available within a few clicks.

For instance, Against the Storm's building info menus exemplify clear information hierarchy. Each building's pop-up menu is organized into tabs, with the default tab focusing on common actions like worker assignment and production settings. Less frequently used features are tucked away in other tabs, ensuring a streamlined experience.

Now, let's examine Civ 7's resource management UI. It displays resource allocation across the empire, using dropdown menus to separate income, yields, and expenses. The table format aids in tracking, and the menu can be collapsed without additional navigation. However, it lacks detailed specificity, such as which specific district or hex generates resources, and it doesn't provide a comprehensive breakdown of expenses beyond unit upkeep. While functional, Civ 7's resource UI could benefit from more granularity.

Effective and Efficient Visual Indicators

Visual indicators, such as icons and color coding, should convey information quickly and efficiently. Stellaris's Outliner is a great example, using icons to show the status of survey ships and colonies at a glance.

Civ 7 uses iconography and numerical breakdowns for resources, along with visual indicators like the tile yield overlay and settlement overlays. However, it lacks some of the lenses available in Civ 6, and the absence of customizable map pins has been a point of contention. While not terrible, there's room for improvement in Civ 7's visual indicators.

Searching, Filtering, and Sorting Options

As 4X games grow in complexity, searching, filtering, and sorting options become crucial for managing information. Civ 6's search function is a standout feature, allowing players to locate specific resources or features on the map easily.

Unfortunately, Civ 7 lacks this search function, which is a significant drawback given the game's scale. The absence of this feature, along with limited functionality in the Civilopedia, hampers usability. Hopefully, future updates will address these issues.

Design and Visual Consistency

The UI's design and visual consistency are crucial for player engagement. Civ 6's cartographical style seamlessly integrates with its overall aesthetic, enhancing the gaming experience.

Civ 7 opts for a more minimalist and sophisticated design, using a restrained color palette and simplified iconography. While this aligns with the game's regal theme, it may not resonate with all players due to its subtlety. The UI's design is subjective, but it's clear that some players find it less engaging than Civ 6's vibrant interface.

So What’s the Verdict?

It’s Not The Best, But Undeserving of Such Disapproval

After evaluating Civ 7's UI against the key criteria, it's clear that while it's not the most refined, it's not as bad as many claim. The lack of a search function is a notable flaw, but it's not game-breaking. Compared to other issues in the game, the UI's shortcomings are relatively minor. While it may not match the visual appeal and efficiency of other 4X UIs, it still has strengths.

As a player, I find Civ 7's UI functional enough to enjoy the game. With future updates and player feedback, it has the potential to improve and win over more critics. For now, I believe the UI is not nearly as bad as the internet suggests.

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