Summary
It’s been a longer-than-imagined wait for official information aboutCivilization 7, but last month’s Summer Game Fest finally confirmed a 2025 release date that, pending any potential delays, should plug the eight-year gap since the franchise’s most recent installment. However, there’s still a degree of ambiguity to the confirmation, since Firaxis' teaser trailer only revealed the year and neglected the specific date it would be launching.Having a defined timeframe to expectCivilization 7is a win regardless, and attention can now turn to filling the time till it releases with similar 4X games. Ara:History Untoldcomes to mind as one of the most highly anticipated upcoming titles in the genre, and its September 24 release date is one thatCivilizationfans can look forward to.
While the strategy 4X scene is as competitive as any other in the gaming industry,Sid Meier’s Civilizationhas been the face of the category since the turn of the century. This dominance was due in so small part toCivilization 4’s sophistication and depth compared to other titles, and the franchise hasn’t looked back since. However, there’s hardly been a better time for competitors than the last few years, as whileCivilization 6’s Leader Packs and various expansions have pumped some fresh blood into the title, strategy gamers have been on the hunt for new experiences.Ara: History Untoldis the next title primed to take advantage of the gap in the market, and given its hype,Civilizationfans shouldn’t be afraid to take it for a spin.
Ara: History Untold Could Give Civilization 7 a Run for Its Money
From the stables of Oxide Games,Ara: History Untoldhas a similar outlook of progression through the eras of human history. On the surface, it may appear to be a twin of theCivilizationfranchise, with much of its development team being former Firaxis devs. However, there are quite a few key differences that should appeal to fans wanting to experience something different from whatCivilizationhas to offer ahead ofCiv 7’s launch.
Simultaneous Turn-Based Mechanics Usher in a New Age of Strategy
Firstly, classic strategy 4X games have their roots in turn-based gameplay, where players get to read and react to the moves of other leaders in the hopes of gaining an advantage.Ara: History Untold’s simultaneous systemputs a different spin on the status quo, with every player carrying out their turns and each action ordered in a timeline dubbed the “resolution phase”. The concurrent approach adds an extra flavor of strategy since players have to factor in hypothetical moves from their opponents instead of merely counteracting what a different ruler has just done.
Ara: History Untold’s simultaneous system adds its own flavor to the classic turn-based mechanics.
After the conclusion of the resolution phase, on-screen indicators will give a quick rundown of steps taken by other players, which in turn would logically birth a series of reactions and countermeasures while trying to stay ahead of the competition. That’sAra: History Untold’s greatest advantageif the mechanic turns out right; it calls for strategizing on a scale most titles haven’t explored yet, and that dynamic has led to it receiving a lot of spotlight in Xbox’s Developer Direct and the gaming landscape at large.
Ara: History Untold’s Cumulative Prestige System Offers a Different Outlook
Secondly,Ara: History Untoldwill feature a prestige system, which is something that appeals to theCrusader Kingsfan base as well asCivilization. Where Firaxis implements several victory conditions for players to explore, Oxide Games' endgame for players is to build the most influential nation in a playthrough, and the metric for measuring this is Prestige. It’s divided into seven categories, from Science to Religion, similar toCivilization’s playbook. However,Civilizationpractically encourages players to focus on one branch, whereasAra: History Untoldtakes a more cumulative approach.
The holistic idea is for players to rule as they like, but that’s not to say there won’t be repercussions for certain actions. It’s possible to lose this “currency” in some ways, such as declaring war and failing to complete quests.Civilization 7’s exact release datemight still be unknown, but with its projected features,Ara: History Untold’s schedule of September 24 could be a date worth highlighting in the gaming calendar for strategy fans.
