Introduction

Welcome to the seventh installment of the game that makes you a terrible neighbor, Sid Meier's *Civilization VII*! It's the type of game that can turn a simple evening into a 12-hour binge session, during which you may or may not forget about your responsibilities in the real world (Looking at you, laundry!). So, get ready to hop onto your Switch, grab your thinking cap (and maybe a snack or two), and learn how to rule the world with the finesse of a cat trying to knock things off a shelf.

Gameplay

Let's break it down: At its core, *Civilization VII* hands you the keys to your civilization and throws in a healthy dose of historical context to keep things interesting. The gameplay focuses on exploration, resource management, and strategic warfare, combined with a dash of diplomacy (or passive-aggressive messages, depending on your style). You'll navigate through eras, build cities, gather resources, and crush your enemies while singing your favorite 90s boy band songs—a true Renaissance experience. This new edition introduces a simplified historical era system—think antiquity, exploration, and modernity. The game places a spotlight on leaders and civilizations, allowing you to mix and match characters like it’s a high school dance (who knew history could be this trendy?). From military might to cultural triumphs, it’s a labored love affair with history that tests your skills in decision-making, time management, and, of course, patience (because yes, that one turn can take what feels like an eternity). Expect the unexpected, too! As you advance, crisis events loom like that weird shadow in your closet that you’ve been avoiding. They’ll require you to adapt, pivot, and potentially change your entire strategy, making decision-making feel reminiscent of a sitcom plot twist. Only in this case, the stakes are nothing less than global domination and your legacy! Don’t fret if you’re defeated—there’s a multiplayer mode that disallows friend-feuding and awkwardness. You can engage in a world-building competition with friends, ensuring the familiar thrill of rivalry while dodging actual confrontation. Bonus points if you can embarrass them with a particularly crushing diplomatic defeat. Ah, the joy of virtual vengeance and shared pizza! Finally, be prepared for the learning curve, which can be steeper than a pyramid scheme sales pitch. It takes time to master the balance between developing cities, managing resources, and waging war—all while trying not to become the civilization equivalent of that one kid in class who just doesn’t get it. Like, really doesn’t get it.

Graphics

Now, let's discuss the visuals. While the Switch version might not handle high-end graphics like your gaming PC, it proves surprisingly capable in rendering big sweeping views of your budding empire. The cartoony aesthetic offers a delightful charm that brings the intricate maps and units to life— and we all know it helps distract from the occasional stutter when you realize your entire society is on the verge of collapse due to gross mismanagement. Animations grace the screen with flair, even if occasionally, they may feel slower than your Wi-Fi during a holiday movie-streaming marathon. However, the game remains vibrant, colorful, and expressive, allowing your strategic genius to shine brighter than your neon-green Doritos nachos.

Conclusion

In summary, *Civilization VII* on the Switch manages to deliver a fascinating blend of accessibility and depth, making it an enjoyable (if time-consuming) experience. Just remember, while world-building might prevent you from living in your parents' basement permanently, it can also lead to real-life distractions, like socializing or basic hygiene (who knew science could be so difficult?!). So, if you're prepared to turn your friends into frozen-framed enemies and construct a flourishing empire, then this game is perfect for you. Just be sure to feed your pet while you plan your next course of conquest. Happy conquering!