Summary
Civilization 6was released nearly eight years ago, and many fans of the franchise are looking forward to something new withCivilization 7. While the next game in the long-running Sid Meier series will surely carry the legacy of its predecessors through thoughtful gameplay and historically accurate worldbuilding, it will also have to compete with anew generation ofCivilization-style grand strategy games. Focusing on experimentation and differentiation could be one way to keepCivilization 7feeling exciting and inventive.
One way thatCivilization 7could stand out from the rest of the series is through new single-player content, perhaps in the form of a story mode or campaign. While the games in the franchise typically feature a number of specific scenarios through post-launch DLC, these expansions are far more limited than a traditional story mode. However, scenarios may set a solid foundation for complex and comprehensive narrative campaigns inCivilization 7, and Firaxis ought to capitalize on the potential that such an idea presents.
How Civilization 7 Can Implement a Proper Story Mode
Civilization 7 Can Take Notes from Fighting Games
It may sound like an odd pairing, but the general structure ofCivilizationmay be well suited to fighting game campaign conventions. This is because, while grand strategy and fighting games are mechanically very different,Civilization’s wide roster of leadersoffers the same sort of variety found in the likes ofStreet FighterorTekken.
Many fighting games feature a more straightforward and static story, which may have the player controlling either a single character or several, in a predetermined order. Alternatively, or in addition to this story mode, there may be a collection of more character-specific narratives, sometimes called “arcade mode” or something similar. In these modes, players can make their way through shorter narratives centered around a given character.Civilization 7can retainmany ofCivilization’s core features, while having satisfying narrative content, by drawing from either of these types of fighting game story modes.
Civilization 7 Could Have One Grand Narrative
Following the first option,Civilization 7could present a broad story that encapsulates a number of different civilizations and eras. This mode could be titled something like “The Story of Mankind” and could follow human civilization from a tribal beginning all the way up to the modern day or the far future. However, unlike in a traditionalCivilizationcampaign, this mode could swap between a number of different, real civilizations, showing the state of different cultures across various eras. Players could still work towardsgetting a traditionalCivilizationvictory, but the context for victory would be specific to the narrative or theme the campaign is trying to convey.
Civilization 7 Could Have Smaller, More Specific Narratives
Adopting the other most common fighting game framework would mean thatCivilization 7could provide a number of distinct story modes, though they would likely not be as ambitious as a single, overarching narrative. Players could work through these individual, shorter stories for each leader, engaging with historical elements specific to the chosen civilization. Essentially, these could function like more in-depth versions of the scenarios that have been featured in previousCivilizationgames.
Alternatively,Civilization 7could feature multiple medium-sized story campaigns, covering the broad history of a large region like North America or Africa, rather than individual leaders.
TheCivilizationfranchise is prestigious, with its shadow looming over just about every grand strategy or historical city-builder. It has inspired many AAA and independent games, which has helped the 4X genre grow, but this growth means more competition. IfCivilization 7were to introduce a new, dedicated story mode, it could help remind players of its dominance in the strategy gaming space.
Sid Meier’s Civilization 6
WHERE TO PLAY
Civilization VIoffers new ways to engage with your world: cities now physically expand across the map, active research in technology and culture unlocks new potential, and competing leaders will pursue their own agendas based on their historical traits as you race for one of five ways to achieve victory in the game.Expansive empiresSee the marvels of your empire spread across the map like never before. Each district, wonder, and improvement is built on its own hex, allowing you to customize your city to your heart’s content. From the Commercial Hub to the Spaceport, every district provides unique and powerful bonuses. Pick and choose which districts to build to fit your needs! Build better than your opponents, place yourself strategically for your allies, and become the best civilization on Earth.Active ResearchBoost your civilization’s progress through history to unlock powerful bonuses before anyone else! To advance more quickly, use your units to actively explore, develop your environment, and discover new cultures. Research isn’t just limited to science. Explore the Civics tree to unlock powerful new governments and cultural policies Cultivate the civilization that fits your playstyle, or switch it up every time you play!Dynamic diplomacyAs the game progresses, so do your diplomatic relationships. From primitive first interactions where conflict is a fact of life, to late game alliances and negotiations. Carry influence with nearby city states to gain its diplomatic allegiance and earn game-changing city-state bonuses. Enlist spies to gather crucial intel on rival civilizations, steal precious resources, and even topple governments.
