Nov 2019
Civilization VI isn't just a game, it's an epic saga where world leaders don’t just plot their empires but also make buddy cop films with history, politics, and at least 100 hours of your life. As you step into the role of a civilization's leader, prepare for a narrative so deep, you might just need a snorkel. From Cleopatra convincing you to trade or else, to Gandhi perpetually smiling while plotting world domination – it's a bureaucratic zoo, and we're all invited to the chaos.
In Civilization VI, the gameplay revolves around an excruciatingly detailed strategy of managing cities, negotiating with other leaders, and navigating through endless menus. Whether you're founding a new city, deciding how to allocate your resources, or raising a literal army to invade your neighbor because they dared to build a wonder instead of a campus, each turn feels like a mini heart attack. With new features like districts that unstack cities (because even your cities need personal space) and a tech tree influenced by surrounding terrain (yes, even topography is judging your Civilization-building skills), Civilization VI will have you second-guessing every decision. And let’s not forget about the artificial intelligence (AI) – the leaders in this game are less predictable than your best friend on a Friday night. They can be friendly allies one moment and deceitful backstabbers the next, keeping you perpetually on your toes, and your cities even more defensively stacked.
On the graphical side of things, Civilization VI opts for a more whimsical, cartoon-like aesthetic. Gone are the realistic textures of past entries, replaced with a look that feels like a colorful history textbook you once considered reading. The aesthetic serves its purpose, allowing players to quickly identify units and cities. It’s eye-catching but not overwhelming, ensuring that the gameplay remains the star of the show. With modern-day-day-night cycles and beautifully designed wonders, your civilization exists in a bright and vibrant world that’s just as chaotic visually as it is strategically.
At the end of the day, Civilization VI is a whirlwind of strategy and endless entertainment wrapped in a historical package poofing colorful virtual confetti all around you. Spending hours negotiating treaties, watching Gandhi stack up nuclear gain while simultaneously preaching peace, or declaring wars to protect your precious resources makes this a unique ride. The amalgamation of leaders with their complex narrative arcs and the layers of mechanics keeps players engaged long after they said, "just one more turn." If this review sounds like your kind of fun, charge up your controllers, put the phone down, and let your empire-building journey begin – because this game is a time eater of epic proportions, and it’s hungry. 9/10, would recommend even if it means you’ll forget what day it is!
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