Overview
- Civilization 7 has launched in early access and received ‘mixed’ reviews on Steam.
- Take-Two’s CEO, Strauss Zelnick, expresses confidence that player enjoyment will grow with time.
- New gameplay mechanics, notably the Ages system, may require adjustment for both veterans and newcomers.
Civilization 7 has officially launched, but its initial reception on Steam has been a mix of enthusiasm and disappointment. Despite the ‘mixed’ user reviews, Strauss Zelnick, the CEO of Take-Two Interactive, the company’s parent firm, remains optimistic. He believes that as players spend more time immersed in the game, their appreciation will inevitably grow. Zelnick praised the game’s early performance, citing the anticipation surrounding its release.
This latest entry in Sid Meier’s renowned Civilization series, which follows the nearly decade-old Civilization 6, brings a host of changes aimed at enhancing the gaming experience. However, these modifications have sparked diverse opinions among the player base. While longtime fans have eagerly awaited this installment, they are now faced with mixed critiques as early access unfolds.
In a recent interview with IGN, Zelnick addressed the controversial reviews, including a mediocre rating of 2/5 from Eurogamer. He noted that there are over 20 reviews rating the game above 90 but acknowledged the presence of negative feedback.“The Metacritic reviews stand at 81, which is quite solid, ”he stated, reinforcing his belief in the game’s potential.
Optimism for Future Reviews
Zelnick emphasized that sentiment surrounding the game tends to improve as players delve deeper into it.“With each new release of Civilization, the team really pushes the boundaries, ”he explained.“Our legacy audience often feels apprehensive at first, but they eventually recognize the game’s value and become fully engaged.”Early Steam reviews pinpoint certain aspects that have not resonated well, including the user interface and a perceived lack of map variety, with some feeling that the game launched without features they expected.
Civilization 7 introduces a new Ages system that significantly alters gameplay dynamics. The campaign will now traverse through three unique Ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern. Each Age presents different civilizations to engage with, requiring players to adapt their strategies as they progress. While many welcome the change, it may take some time to grasp fully. Firaxis’ creative director, Ed Beach, encourages players to utilize the game’s tutorial to ease this transition and enhance their experience.
At present, Civilization 7 is available in early access for anyone who purchased the Deluxe or Founder’s editions, with a full release slated for February 11th.
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