Sid Meier’s Civilizationis one of the most recognizable titles in the Strategy/Sim category, and its track record of quality releases speaks volumes compared to some of its competitors. With the phenomenal successes the franchise has enjoyed, it would be understandable for developer Firaxis to stick with elements that have withstood the tricky test of time. However, with fans having to endure such a long wait forCivilization 7’s release, the franchise could use an injection of revolutionary ideas after six editions to further stamp dominance on its genre. Despite being a franchise mainstay, America has not had a significant shake-up inCivilization’s gameplayfor a long time, and the upcoming edition offers a golden opportunity for Firaxis to introduce new leaders and tweak the country’s traditional path to victory.
America’s role as a first-world power beginning from the 20th century is in full display inCivilization’s late-game scenarios, and the nation is one of the best choices for players seeking to dominate proceedings at the very end. However, America’s gameplay has largely remained the same in mostCivilizationeditions, and while players don’t have much to complain about given the results, it would be nice to see the nation dance to a different tune for a change.Civilization 7has a few untrodden paths to explore in changing America’s dynamic, such as expanding on the country’s Wild West history.
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Scientific Victories and Cowboys Could Improve America’s Gameplay in Civilization 7
Donned by many as the leader of the free world, America has been present in every installment ofCivilizationsince its inception in 1991. The nation has had its fair share of featured leaders through the years, with legendary names like Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, and Eleanor Roosevelt flying the blue, red, and white flag in the Firaxis brainchild. America may have cycled through moreleaders inCivilizationthan most, but there are still so many important figures in its history that deserve representation inCivilization 7.
To revolutionize the gameplay of America’s leaders, Firaxis can look to one of the most popular figureheads of the world power, John F. Kennedy. The Space Race from the late 1950s till Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the moon in 1969 is etched in the sands of time, and Kennedy was a major driving force behind the Apollo Missions that took humanity to unprecedented heights. While JFK would not live to witness the groundbreaking event, his influence in the effort was instrumental, and Firaxis could introduce the Massachusetts-born President to add the prospect of an Americanscience victory inCivilization 7.
The other issue for the developer to tackle is the unchanging gameplay. There is conventional wisdom in heeding the saying, “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it”, but after employing the same tactics for six editions,Civilization 7would be remiss not to change a few dynamics in America’s playthrough. America’s strength in theCivilizationfranchise only shines through in the late game, giving savvy opponents all the motivation to remove the technological giant in early-game proceedings by any means necessary. American history has a few more elements that can be explored, such as itscowboys of the Wild West Era.
Civilization 7can introduce well-equipped horse units to its gameplay, a medieval shift from the bomb-dominated gameplay seen in previous editions.Red Dead Redemption’s popularityin the gaming industry is evidence of the cowboy era’s untapped potential, and Firaxis should explore this direction to incorporate a large piece of America’s history. While the country’s late-game strength should still be emphasized, more attention to the legendary Southern way of life should ease pressure on players in the early and mid-game stages and bring some much-needed fresh air toCivilization’s gameplay.
Sid Meier’s Civilization 7is currently in development.
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