Civilization 6, the latest installment in Sid Meier’s hallowed 4x strategy series, is finally out after months of information and hype-building. How does Civ 6 measure up as a game -- and against its predecessors, some of the most-loved entrants in the strategy genre? Critics agree that Civ 6 is addicting - but quibble with the A.I., the game’s divisive cartoony style, and the depth of the Religious Victory mechanic. Check out our review round-up to find out whether or not Civ 6 makes the cut.
iDigitalTimes:
“The ultimate question for many longtime strategy gamers is whether Civilization 6 is better than Civilization 4 , the highlight of the series. Civ V definitively fell short, although Brave New World made the game much more interesting. Civ 6 is another animal altogether. Its strong board game influence means it isn’t trying to compete with hyper-realistic games like Hearts of Iron or Europa Universalis . Nor is the game trying to copy the glory days of Civilization 4 . It’s doing something uniquely different, something we haven’t really seen in the PC strategy genre before—a fusion of strategy games, board games and the series own legacy.”
“Civilization VI is a triumph of design and gameplay. It takes the best of what worked in its predecessors and making smart additions that seamlessly interlock with and enhance all areas of the game. Civilization V is still one of the best strategy games of all time, but we have trouble imagining going back at this point. At launch, VI is already an addicting delight to play, but it is most exciting as a platform. The team condensed everything from V down into an excellent refresh of the core game, leaving exciting possibilities for wholly new and exciting ways to play through mods and official expansions to tempt us from the horizon. It’s a journey we’re eager to take.”
Polygon :
“Civilization 6 is an advance on the previous game, offering more variety, smarter use of assets and a wider palette of potential activities. It remains the best of its kind, always demanding my attention, forever creating new narratives out of stats and maps. But it fails to move the concept of a history simulation beyond the ambitions set 25 years ago. We've reached the point where Civ games are as much a simulation of themselves, as they are of the march of human progress.”
VG247 :
“The presentation sings, then. What makes Civ 6 truly special is largely unrelated, though, and that’s how some of the basic ideas of Civ have been twisted in a new direction to encourage different kinds of play.”
The real genius here is that the game has managed to take Civ habits formed over the course of more than a decade and break them… Key to this new way of thinking is the new district system and how Civ’ s now-standard hexagonal map layout is used.”
“In that sense, it is a game that requires multiple plays and many hours to hone successful winning strategies and understand how best to achieve certain victories. Learning how to play not only the game but also each leader and civilization is a key part of the process. Still, that won't be for everyone and some people will want to know how to do everything right off the bat.
“All of which makes Civ 6 a more flexible, cohesive and complete experience than any base-game entry in the series' 25-year history. There will surely be an expansion or two but they will be building atop an already feature-rich foundation, rather than filling in gaps. Learning its systems and uncovering its secrets is a particular type of joy and dedicating time and brainpower to doing so is part of the enduring charm of a series that has, once again, refused to rest on its laurels.”
Tech.Mic :
“Civilization VI is a massive improvement on its predecessor, offering a more nuanced, entertaining and strategic experience than Civ V . But it's hobbled by game-breaking A.I. virtually unmatched by any AAA strategy game in recent memory in its sheer stupidity. Less troublingly, some of its core features are underdeveloped — though Firaxis has a history of clearing those problems up with expansion packs and mods.”
“Civilization VI is just as addictive and as rewarding as its predecessor. If that’s what you came to hear, then you have my blessing to run out and spend another fifty hours dunking on the Aztecs. Civilization VI’ s network of interlocking systems is made even more intuitive by its visual design, constantly keeping players above water as they explore what the game has to offer. With a rewarding, achievable goal constantly in view, every step on the road towards victory feels immensely satisfying. This is another great strategy game from a studio all but synonymous with the genre.”
“Civ 6 has a few rough edges, but they’re pushed far into the periphery by spectacular strategic depth and intricate interlocking nuances. Any frustrations I experienced were immediately eclipsed by my desire to continue playing.”
Intrigued by what you’ve heard? Don’t neglect to check out our series of guides for Civ 6 below:
Civ 6 Complete Leader Guide
Domination Victory Guide
Culture Victory Guide
Science Victory Guide
Religion Victory Guide
Siege City Guide
New to Civ Guide
Districts Guide
Troubleshooting Guide
Amenities Guide
