Civilization, a franchise beloved by strategy enthusiasts, has long grappled with a familiar challenge: lengthy game sessions that often end abruptly, leaving many players with numerous unfinished campaigns. The “one more turn”mentality frequently succumbs to the demands of everyday life, making it difficult for players to re-engage with the intricate plans and tactics that characterize their Civilization experience. With the launch of Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 on February 11, a new feature called the Legends System aims to address this perennial issue by incentivizing players to complete their games.
The Legends System introduces a meta-game reward mechanism, enabling players to earn cosmetics and in-game abilities by successfully finishing their campaigns. If executed effectively, this system could significantly reduce the number of abandoned save files, encouraging players to see their games through to the end.
Exploring Mementos & Legends in Civ 7
A Groundbreaking Approach to Meta-Progression
The mechanics behind Civ 7’s Legends System were detailed in Dev Diary #7 on the official Civilization website. Central to this system are the Paths, progression tracks that enhance based on players’ achievements within a game. These tracks fall into two main categories: the Foundation Path, which spans 50 levels for all gameplay, and the Leader Path, a 10-level track tied to individual leaders.
In order to progress in these paths, players must accumulate Legend XP, which can be earned through various pre-defined challenges. These challenges, categorized into Foundation and Leader Challenges, include objectives like quest completions and leveraging the new legacy paths for in-game advancement.
The progression rewards consist of Cosmetic Collectibles and Mementos. Cosmetic Collectibles offer visual enhancements—banners, icons, and badges for players’ profiles—while Mementos present gameplay advantages. Players can equip Mementos on their leaders, granting unique bonuses that can influence the course of a campaign.
While some players may be cautious about integrating gameplay-influencing elements into meta-progression, the abundance and minimal impact of Mementos suggest they will enhance replayability rather than detract from it. This approach appears to align with Civ 7’s focus on customization, which is an integral aspect of the game’s design.
The Value of Campaign Completion Incentives
Addressing the Franchise’s Longstanding Challenge
Ideally, the Legends System will provide players with meaningful, yet optional, rewards for completing their games. Given that multiplayer matches can extend for hours—as much as five hours or more for single-player sessions—it’s vital for players to feel that their time investment is acknowledged and rewarded. With the introduction of shorter game modes, there’s potential for Civ 7 to boast a higher completion rate for campaigns than its predecessors.
Despite various speed settings available, even quick sessions can be time-consuming. However, for players who prefer the early game dynamics, the Legends System is unlikely to compel them to change their playstyle significantly. The true impact may be most pronounced in multiplayer scenarios, where maintaining player interest and commitment through lengthy matches is crucial. Hopefully, this system will encourage players to stay engaged until the game concludes, rather than prematurely starting a new match.
With Firaxis pledging to enhance the Legends System over time, players can look forward to increasingly appealing cosmetic rewards. Cosmetic rewards have a proven track record of keeping players engaged, especially when they are earnable through gameplay. However, the limited current availability of leader personas—restricted to a pre-order bonus—raises concerns. Having leaders as earnable rewards could further motivate players to complete their campaigns and savor the outcomes of their extended efforts.
How Campaign Incentives Give Civ 7 a Competitive Edge
Legends Encourages Exploration of Civilization’s Vast Sandbox
Though specializing in a single leader can be rewarding, the challenge system intended for Civ 7 seeks to motivate players to diversify their strategies. By introducing specific goals beyond simply finishing a match, players are encouraged to explore different leaders, civilizations, and gameplay styles. Such diversity enriches the experience and increases the overall replayability of the game, especially given the new emergent narrative elements that Civ 7 introduces.
The Civilization franchise thrives on its sandbox nature, where distinctive maps and strategies create complex narratives unique to every playthrough. The Legends System enhances this aspect by incentivizing players to experiment and try new approaches. For many, these rewards may serve as a welcome encouragement to enjoy their classic strategies while others may find the motivation needed to delve deeper into what Civilization has to offer.
Ultimately, introducing rewards for gameplay is a positive development. The Legends feature is designed with players in mind, being completely free of paywalls or hidden microtransactions—making it a welcome addition to the Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 experience and the series as a whole.
Sources: Civ 7 Dev Diary #7
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