Summary
While nothing has been officially announced yet, fans everywhere are waiting to see whatSid Meier’s Civilization 7will entail. Just like with every entry before it, the title will likely shake things up with a new art style, new mechanics, new leaders, and so many little additions. And even though the studio may not want to make things too different from what came before,Sid Meier’s Civilization 7has the chance to truly stand out from the crowd, with one of the best ways being via its governments.
For years,the governments inSid Meier’s Civilizationhave been mostly barebones. They allow players to gain certain benefits while also penalizing them, yet the core feature has never really felt lifelike. However, Firaxis could change all of that if it injected a few NPCs into the system. Not just any NPCs either, but ones that actively work for or against them throughout the experience, making governments a more interactable feature in the process.
Civilization 7 Can Truly Shake Up Its Core Government Systems With One Addition
Governments Have Been Mostly Stagnant
Just like in real life, governments have playeda major role within theSid Meier’s Civilizationseries. InSid Meier’s Civilization 6, this system was portrayed as a sort of deck builder mechanic. As players researched new techs and civics, they would often unlock new cards that could be slotted into one of four different sections, with each card giving them a bonus. Depending upon the government they have adopted, they would be given more or less card slots in each section, and as they progressed further into the game, they could unlock new governments that would further expand their capabilities.
This feature helped make governments more interesting, but they were still lacking a bit. In real life, governments are not built merely on policy, and there is far more to them than simple bonuses. Additionally, players would seldom have to edit this screen, especially if they already knew the strongest build for each civilization. So, although it was a step up from past games, the feature still felt a bit lackluster.
Adding New NPCs to the Mix Could Give Civilization Governments a Whole New Feel
Sid Meier’s Civilization 7has the chance to change all of that by stripping away this deck building feature and introduce NPCs instead. These NPCs could form the backbone of the government, with them being appointed to various positions within the civilization. Then, they could automate certain aspects, provide bonuses in other ways, and operate much like a real government person would. To make things even more interesting,Firaxis could make them actually feel real.
These NPCs could not only provide benefits, but they could also have their own personalities that dictate just how they treat their positions of power. While it would be nice if they all worked towards a common goal, Firaxis could give them their own wants and interests that they try to achieve instead. As they pursue said interest, they could also make certain demands of players or attempt to do things thatmay actively harm the civilizationthey are supposed to be helping.Just like in real life, it would be up to the player to work around this for the betterment of their country.
Adding these NPCs could help shake up the feature immensely, and if implemented well, may be exactly what the franchise needs. For years, it has felt like Firaxis has failed to fully capture the essence of a government structure. But, if it followed inthe footsteps of titles likeStellariswhile also injecting a fewSid Meier’s Civilizationfeatures into it, it might lead to something truly special.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII
WHERE TO PLAY
The award-winning strategy game franchise returns with a revolutionary new chapter.Sid Meier’s Civilization® VIIempowers you to build the greatest empire the world has ever known!InCivilization VII, your strategic decisions shape the unique cultural lineage of your evolving empire. Rule as one of many legendary leaders from throughout history and steer the course of your story by choosing a new civilization to represent your empire in each Age of human advancement.Construct cities and architectural wonders to expand your territory, improve your civilization with technological breakthroughs, and conquer or cooperate with rival civilizations as you explore the far reaches of the unknown world. Pursue prosperity in an immersive solo experience or play with others in online multiplayer.Whether you choose to follow a path rooted in history or reimagine possibilities to chart your own way forward, build something you believe in and create a legacy that echoes through the Ages inCivilization VII.
