Civ 7 Makes Major Changes to Combat Mechanisms, Leaving Me Unsure About My Opinion

As I delved into Civilization 7, I was aware of notable adjustments to its combat mechanics. However, I refrained from forming a definitive opinion until I had the chance to engage with the game directly. After several hours of gameplay, I found myself grappling with mixed feelings about these changes. As a dedicated fan of the series, I appreciated the intention behind the updates but remained uncertain about this new approach to warfare in comparison to previous iterations.

The introduction of Commander units stands out as the most significant change to Civ 7’s combat system. This innovation aims to simplify gameplay and reduce the burden of micromanagement. Additionally, the game brings a refreshed approach to siege warfare, infusing new layers of strategy when attempting to conquer settlements. My struggle to evaluate these innovations has sparked a deeper examination of how I assess evolutions within my beloved gaming franchise.

How Civ 7’s Combat Differs from Civ 6

Civ 7 Introduces Commanders and Revamps Sieges

A key change in Civ 7 is the introduction of Commander units, representing military leaders within a civilization. These units possess unique abilities, allowing them to store other military units and facilitating the movement of entire armies without micromanaging each unit individually. Commanders can also level up in combat, gaining bonuses that benefit nearby units and enabling coordinated attacks while automating reinforcements to their locations.

Moreover, Civ 7 brings new complexities to the strategies involved in capturing and defending settlements. Unlike in previous titles where players simply needed to seize a city center, the introduction of urban districts and enhancements creates a more intricate capturing process. Attackers can now capitalize on city upgrades and turn them against the defenders, adding a layer of strategic nuance. The ability to capture coastal cities using certain naval units further complicates settlement positioning and defense strategies.

Benefits of Civ 7’s Combat Innovations

Enhanced Complexity in Seizing Settlements

Civ 7 City With Aerodome & Coffee Factory Resources

One aspect that immediately captivated my attention was the increased complexity in taking control of cities. Previously, capturing a city’s central tile often led to an unbalanced advantage. The new system requires players to engage with multiple potential targets, enhancing the overall excitement of combat. The strategic decision-making process regarding which targets to prioritize adds depth to gameplay.

The enhanced role of naval units in Civ 7 is also noteworthy. Previously a less prioritized aspect of combat, the improved mechanics for seizing coastal settlements have opened up new tactical possibilities. By allowing naval units to directly capture such settlements, the game encourages players to incorporate maritime strategies, making naval forces increasingly valuable on the battlefield.

Drawbacks of Civ 7’s Combat Adjustments

Streamlining Combat with Commanders: Key Elements Lost

Despite some positive aspects, I find myself having reservations about the Commander units. Primarily, I dislike the notion of having a single type of unit designated for promotions and upgrades. In previous versions of Civilization, individual units could be upgraded based on their experience, fostering diversity in army composition and enhancing strategic deployment based on specialized upgrades.

While the ease of transporting armies is convenient, I worry it diminishes the game’s strategic depth. Previously, considering unit movements in challenging terrains added a layer of planning and strategy, as positioning played a significant role in combat approach. Now, with the ability to merely move a Commander through obstacles and unpack an army afterward, the importance of geography seems diminished, detracting from the immersive experience of warfare.

Although some players may view the old transportation methods as cumbersome, I appreciated the realism they added to warfare. The challenges involved in maneuvering armies reflected the complexities of war, which is one of the hallmarks of the Civilization experience. Simplifying this aspect undermines not just the strategy but the significant weight of military engagements.

My Ongoing Dilemma with Civ 7’s New Combat System

Determining Whether the Changes are Good or Simply Different

A battle between two armies in Civilization VII

Throughout my struggles with Civ 7’s evolved combat mechanics, I’ve repeatedly asked myself, “Is this change detrimental, or merely different?” My extensive experience with Civ 6—and even more with Civ 5—has unveiled a pattern of initial discomfort when adapting to new settings. However, with time, I grew to appreciate those evolutions, and now I find myself wishing that Civ 7 mirrored the mechanics of Civ 6 more closely.

This internal conflict prompts reflections on my own gaming habits and attitudes as I navigate through my “grumpy veteran phase.”Having engaged with video games for about 25 years, starting from an NES console, I continue to explore and enjoy new titles. Yet lately, I’ve noted a tendency to criticize contemporary installments of beloved franchises for diverging too significantly from the originals. It’s essential to remember that we all have our own perspectives, and I am beginning to re-evaluate the legitimacy of my critiques.

Part of this contention arises from the accessibility of older games. Unlike nostalgic films or novels, certain titles, even those as recent as Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions from 2010, can be elusive to find. Thankfully, the digital age has brought easier access to classic games, making the need to cling to older mechanics less pressing. As a result, I am learning to appreciate the innovations introduced in newer versions of my favorite franchises.

As I invest more time into Civilization 7, I find its changes becoming more palatable, and I am optimistic that I will come to enjoy it similarly to my experience with Civ 6. Ultimately, whether changes enhance or detract from the game will likely remain subjective. Nevertheless, it is crucial to approach new mechanics with an open mind, even if immediate enjoyment isn’t apparent. With some lingering uncertainties, I am confident that I will grow to appreciate Civilization 7 just as much as its predecessors.

Source: Civilization/YouTube

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