Sid Meier's Civilization is an extremely well-known game in the Strategy/Sim genre, and its consistent release of high-quality games sets it apart from its competitors. Despite its success, developer Firaxis should consider introducing innovative ideas to Civilization 7 to maintain its dominance. Although America has been a staple in the franchise, its gameplay has remained unchanged for a long time. This upcoming edition presents an ideal opportunity for Firaxis to introduce new leaders and modify America's traditional path to victory.
Civilization showcases America's rise as a superpower in the late-game scenarios, making it an attractive choice for players aiming for dominance. However, America's gameplay has been stagnant in previous editions, despite its satisfactory performance. It would be refreshing to see some changes and explore uncharted aspects of America's history, such as the Wild West, in Civilization 7.
Scientific Victories and Cowboys Could Improve America's Gameplay in Civilization 7
America, known as the leader of the free world, has been a part of every Civilization game since its beginning in 1991. Over the years, the game has featured notable American leaders such as Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, and Eleanor Roosevelt. Despite this, there are still many important figures from American history who have not yet been represented in Civilization 7.
To bring a fresh gameplay experience for America's leaders, Firaxis can turn to the popular figurehead of John F. Kennedy. Kennedy played a significant role in the Space Race, which spanned from the late 1950s until Neil Armstrong's historic moon landing in 1969. Although Kennedy did not witness the event himself, his influence was crucial in driving the Apollo Missions to unprecedented heights. Introducing Kennedy as a leader in Civilization 7 would open up the possibility of achieving an American science victory.
The developer must address the issue of the stagnant gameplay in Civilization 7. While it is generally advised to not fix something that isn't broken, it would be a mistake for the game not to introduce some changes to America's playthrough. Currently, America's strength only becomes apparent in the late game, which gives opponents the motivation to eliminate them as a technological powerhouse in the early stages of the game. However, there are untapped elements of American history that can be explored, such as the Wild West era and its cowboys.
To bring a fresh perspective to the gameplay, Civilization 7 can incorporate well-equipped horse units, departing from the dominance of bombs seen in previous editions. The success of games like Red Dead Redemption proves the popularity and potential of the cowboy era. Firaxis should consider exploring this direction to incorporate a significant part of America's history. While maintaining the emphasis on America's late-game strength, placing more focus on the legendary Southern way of life can relieve pressure on players during the early and mid-game stages and infuse Civilization's gameplay with much-needed novelty.
Sid Meier's Civilization 7 is currently in development.