Sid Meier's Civilization VII launched to a wave of criticism, with many players feeling it's far from a complete game, more akin to an expensive beta test. The premium edition's $100 price tag only amplifies the frustration surrounding numerous reported issues.
Complaints go beyond simple glitches, encompassing gameplay mechanics, design flaws, and unfinished features. The admission by developers that certain elements are works in progress further fueled player dissatisfaction.
A prime example of this is the advertised "unique" British unit, which turned out to be a generic model identical to standard units. While developers promised a redesign in an upcoming update, this did little to soothe the community's anger. This incident, illustrated below, highlighted broader concerns about the game's launch readiness.
Image: reddit.com
Many potential buyers are delaying purchases, viewing the negative reception as confirmation of their wait-and-see approach. Steam reviews currently reflect this mixed sentiment, showcasing a divide between those who appreciate the core concept and those disappointed by the execution. While patches are addressing bugs and performance, the pace of updates hasn't quelled the discontent.
Civilization VII's premium price exacerbates the problem. Players feel $100 is unjustified for a game riddling with issues, resembling early access more than a polished final product. This has sparked debate about the industry's tendency to rush releases at the expense of quality.
The development team has pledged to address the most critical issues via patches improving stability, gameplay, and visual inconsistencies, including the infamous British unit. However, skepticism remains, with many questioning whether these efforts will fully restore player confidence.
