
Civilization VII's rocky launch has left many Firaxis fans disappointed. Steam reviews, currently numbering over 1,000 and boasting a dismal 37% positive rating, paint a picture of a game riddled with issues. Key criticisms center around a clunky, outdated interface, graphically underwhelming visuals, and a pervasive feeling of incompletion.
One user, Cool CGI Dog, after just 90 minutes of gameplay, described the experience as "blatantly incomplete," citing "resource icons from 1998," a "terrible" interface, and an overall lack of polish. The user expressed profound disappointment, contrasting the perceived effortlessness of Civ VI's release with Civ VII's "incomplete mess," demanding a complete UI overhaul to justify the game's $70 price point.
Another player, WillNever, echoed these sentiments after 2.5 hours, characterizing the interface as an "alpha-phase" design untouched since its inception. While acknowledging intriguing new mechanics, the user deemed the interface so cumbersome as to render the game unplayable in its current state, suggesting months of refinement are needed.
The prevailing consensus among reviewers points to a premature release, demanding extensive improvements. The $70 price tag is particularly contentious, viewed by many as wildly disproportionate to the game's current quality.
The Civilization franchise's legacy of quality and meticulous detail is at stake. Fans remain hopeful that Firaxis will address the overwhelming negative feedback through substantial updates, restoring the game to the high standards expected of the series. However, the current iteration falls far short of expectations.