"Civ 7 Steam Version Hit with Negative Reviews Upon Early Access Launch"

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Civilization 7 is currently rated “mostly negative” on Steam, based on early feedback from players who accessed the game's Advanced Access version. Below, we break down the core issues that are fueling player dissatisfaction.

Civilization 7 Receives “Mostly Negative” Rating on Steam at Launch

Players Criticize UI Design, Map Options, and Resource Management Mechanics

Civilization VII, often referred to as Civ 7, launched its Advanced Access edition five days ahead of the official February 11 release date. However, many Steam players who paid extra for early access have expressed disappointment with the current build, leading to a "mostly negative" review score on the platform.

Given that this is the first mainline installment since Civilization VI in 2016, expectations were high. Unfortunately, the initial reception has been marred by several recurring complaints from the community.

One of the most frequently mentioned concerns involves the User Interface (UI). Multiple players have described the UI as unpolished, calling it "janky" and "visually unappealing" compared to its predecessor. One reviewer likened the interface to something you'd expect from a "low-budget mobile clone." There are also suggestions that the development team may have prioritized console optimization over PC, resulting in what some perceive as a simplified or stripped-down experience.

Map-related frustrations are another key pain point. Issues include difficulties navigating the map interface, limited options for map types, reduced size selections, and minimal customization features. Notably, Civ 7 only offers three map sizes—Small, Medium, and Large—down from the five available in Civ 6, which catered to various playstyles and game lengths. Additionally, players have noted that scrolling through different map types doesn’t provide enough descriptive information.

The new resource mechanics have also sparked backlash. Unlike Civilization VI, where resources were randomly placed on the map and had to be controlled strategically, Civ 7 introduces a centralized system where resources are assigned to cities or the empire as a whole. This shift has led some players to feel that the new mechanic reduces replayability and strategic depth.

In response to one particularly detailed review, Firaxis Games acknowledged the concerns, stating:
"We are aware of and looking into feedback on the game's UI. We're continuing to make improvements to Civilization VII, and appreciate you taking the time to drop your feedback. For the maps, Civilization VII is going to keep growing and changing with future updates and expansions, so please let us know what you'd like to see!"

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