Unleashing Imagination: Unveiling the Allure of Fantasy and Myth in Civilization 7

Highlights

Civilization 7 has the potential to improve the franchise by adding fantasy elements, allowing players to engage with and explore mythological aspects of various societies.

Integrating mythological elements into Civilization 7 could greatly enhance warfare, trade, and various other aspects. For instance, civilizations inspired by Scandinavian lore could harness the might of gods such as Thor during conflicts, while players could unlock unique abilities derived from mythological beings.

To uphold the game's core essence and avoid potential complexities, it would be prudent to confine these fantastical elements to a dedicated game mode. This would enable players to explore unconventional mechanics and make distinct choices, offering an enjoyable alternative without compromising the traditional gameplay experience.

Civilization has always been a strategy series known for its detailed and historically accurate conflicts. However, to enhance the franchise, Civilization 7 could benefit from incorporating imaginative and unconventional fantasy elements. As the series progresses and aims to set new standards for the 4X strategy genre, there are endless possibilities to offer players the tools necessary to create innovative and enjoyable gameplay experiences.

While the Civilization franchise is not renowned for its historical accuracy - with players having the ability to make Gandhi launch nuclear missiles at enemies - it still maintains a foundation in reality. The games revolve around fictional scenarios devised by players, featuring real-life leaders and societies. This means that although the conflicts are not rooted in reality, the characters, social customs, and institutions within the game retain a sense of authenticity. This authenticity is a significant part of the game's appeal. However, to bring something new to the table, Civilization 7 would benefit from introducing opportunities for players to engage with and explore mythological aspects of various societies.

Why Civilization 7 & Fantasy Would Be a Surprisingly Good Match

The Civilization franchise extensively explores the cultures of the societies players can control. Almost every culture is rooted in mythology, and incorporating this mythology into the next game could result in uniquely exciting gameplay. In Civilization 7, the inclusion of mythological elements could greatly enhance aspects such as warfare, trade, and more.

For instance, leaders of Scandinavian civilizations could tap into the power of gods like Thor during battles, unleashing devastating lightning attacks on their enemies. Although this would be a significant departure for the Civilization franchise, it would align with the cultural heritage of the game's various leaders, enabling them to harness the mighty mythological entities from their culture's history. Furthermore, this mythical integration would extend beyond the battlefield. Using the Scandinavian example, players could unlock abilities akin to Odin's all-seeing ravens, which would serve as enhanced versions of spies in classic Civilization games.

Mythological & Fantasy Elements in Civilization 7 Should be Restricted to Specific Game Modes

Due to Civilization enabling players to choose their society's religion, these fantastical aspects can exist independently from real-world history. For instance, players governing a United States civilization can adopt pagan beliefs and unlock corresponding abilities, while an Indian civilization can embrace Greek mythology. If Civilization 7 concentrates on ancient societies, the potential for this system could expand even further.

The implementation of this system would present various complications. If these fantasy mechanics were optional, it would create an unfair advantage for players compared to civilizations following a more traditional path. This could potentially undermine the game and result in frustrating multiplayer experiences. On the other hand, if the mythological and fantasy mechanics were mandatory, they might distinguish Civilization 7 from the rest of the franchise, but in a negative manner.

Considering these concerns, it is more suitable to confine these features to a separate game mode. This mode could function as a derivative of the traditional Civilization, offering players the opportunity to explore unconventional mechanics and make unique choices in a "God Mode" environment. By isolating these fantastical elements and powers to a distinct mode, Civilization 7 could offer a enjoyable alternative while preserving the series' essence.

Furthermore, there are additional challenges this system would need to address. If it were to incorporate mythologies from different cultures, it could become complex to navigate; reducing real-world spirituality to gameplay mechanics may cause harm and offense to many individuals, even if certain mythological pantheons are generally considered acceptable in the realm of video games. However, if handled skillfully and sensitively, these elements could enhance the civilization abilities of Civilization 7, while introducing a memorable and captivating way to engage with the game.

Civilization 7 is in development.