With 1.2.2 update, Civilization VII tries to win back traditionalists

Over 130 days have passed since the release of Civilization VII. Garnering largely positive reviews, its launch was nevertheless met with a disquieting grumble of disdain from series traditionalists. Initially, Firaxis - the game's developer - focused their attention on ironing out bugs, refining the game balance, and enhancing the UI. However, the release of update 1.2.2 may prove to be a game-changer, introducing a slew of feature improvements and additions. Unfortunately, Switch and Switch 2 users will have to wait a little longer to join the party.

Great Update Expectations

Perhaps the nearest and dearest change to heart for Civilization fans is the ability to customize their games down to a minute level. This tweak emphasizes the option to disable some of the new features that have proven contentious among a subset of players. The concern has been that these features have strayed too far from the traditional Civilization gaming track.

Back into the Menu

Many of these newly introduced customizations can be found tucked away in the advanced settings menu during game setup. However, not all improvements are hidden away: a prominent addition on the standard setup screen is the inclusion of large and huge map sizes. Both of these size options default to a civilization/player count of 10, creating a more sprawling and immersive world for players to engage with.

Returning to Roots or Fostering Innovation?

This latest update appears to offer a degree of reconciliation for series traditionalists who've expressed dissatisfaction. The ability to cherry-pick aspects of the gameplay experience can allow players to focus on what they love about Civilization, while disregarding the aspects they consider to be distractions.

Conclusion

Many fans appreciate that Civilization VII is trying to innovate within its established formula, while others believe that the game should adhere to its traditional roots more closely. The 1.2.2 update seems to be an attempt to bridge this divide, bringing both parties together by providing more options to tailor the gameplay. Future updates will hopefully continue this trend, finding new ways to engage players, appeal to traditionalists, and add depth to the Civilization experience. It's a difficult balance to strike, but if any game series can do it, Civilization can.