Sid Meier's Civilization VII

I've been a long-time fan of the Civilization franchise. From Civ II through to VI, each iteration brought fresh mechanics, meaningful strategy, and a genuine sense of immersion. You felt like a leader shaping the fate of an empire, drawn into the drama of diplomacy, warfare, and discovery. Civ VII, however, abandons nearly everything that made the series compelling.

Mechanically, it's unrecognizable. You're shuffled through different civilizations mid-game with no narrative or strategic payoff. Gone is the satisfaction of building a cohesive legacy from the ground up. Instead, it feels like you're being handed a series of disjointed roles with no emotional investment or continuity. There's no immersion, no sense of identity or ownership over your decisions.

On top of that, the roster of leaders feels less like a celebration of historical impact and more like a curated agenda. Where are the great empire-builders, the strategic minds, the iconic figures that led nations through glory and ruin? I'd rather lead as Julius Caesar, Robert the Bruce, or even Queen Victoria-not be railroaded into modern political tokenism. This game seems more interested in pushing a message than delivering satisfying gameplay.

And to add insult to injury: £70 pre-order and you still have to pay extra for classic leaders? That's not just disappointing-it's cynical.

Civ VII isn't a bold new direction. It's a step away from the franchise's core and a slap in the face to the fans who made it what it is. We didn't ask for politics-we asked for a good game.