Civ 7 Steam Early Access Hit with Negative Reviews

Civilization 7 Faces Backlash on Steam: Early Access Players Share Their Disappointment

Civ 7, the latest installment in the beloved Civilization series, has unfortunately garnered a "mostly negative" rating on Steam following the release of its Advanced Access version. Released five days ahead of its official February 11 launch, the early access build has left many players dissatisfied with their purchase.

Steam Users Express Frustration Over UI, Maps, and Resource Mechanics

The excitement for Civ 7 was palpable, marking the first new release in the franchise since Civilization 6 in 2016. However, the anticipation has been overshadowed by the game's current "Mostly Negative" status on Steam, with players voicing several common grievances.

One of the most criticized aspects is the User Interface (UI). Many players describe it as "janky" and "ugly" in comparison to its predecessor, with some even likening it to a "free mobile knockoff of Civ." There's a prevailing sentiment that Firaxis Games, the developers, may have focused too much on console compatibility, resulting in a UI that feels "barren" and lacking in options.

The game's map system has also drawn ire. Players have reported difficulties in selecting and understanding different map types, with limited size options and minimal customization available. Civ 7 offers only three map sizes—Small, Medium, and Large—contrasting with the five sizes provided in Civ 6, which catered to various gameplay styles.

Another significant point of contention is the new resource mechanics in Civ 7. Unlike the map-based resource gathering in Civ 6, resources in the new game are assigned to cities or the empire through strategic management. Many players feel this change reduces the replay value they enjoyed in the previous version.

In response to the feedback, Firaxis Games has acknowledged the concerns, particularly about the UI, stating, "We are aware of and looking into feedback on the game's UI. We're continuing to make improvements to Civilization VII, and appreciate you taking the time to drop your feedback. For the maps, Civilization VII is going to keep growing and changing with future updates and expansions, so please let us know what you'd like to see!"