Civilization 7 vs. Civilization 6: Which Government System Reigns Supreme?

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The core concept behind the Sid Meier’s Civilization series is allowing players to create their unique civilization over time in history. This freedom extends to various elements such as city-building, technology advancements, diplomatic interactions, military defense, and even the structure of their government. In the upcoming Sid Meier’s Civilization 7, the government mechanic returns but with a fresh take on how it functions.

In the development of Sid Meier’s Civilization 7, Firaxis decided to significantly revise the fundamental gameplay mechanics, and this revision extends to the way governments function within the game. Previously, players had a higher degree of control over their civilization’s governance, and the impact of these governments on gameplay was more pronounced. However, in Civilization 7, the influence of these same governments seems less substantial. While this new approach fits well with the overall design of the game, some players might find themselves yearning for the system present in Civilization 6.

Civilization 6 and 7’s Governments Feel Like Completely Different Things

Civilization 6’s Governments Seemed to Matter More

In the thrilling world of Civilization 6, Firaxis ingeniously constructed governments using a deck-like system. As I advanced in my journey, I unveiled numerous policy cards hidden within the branches of the civic tree, categorized into four distinct hues: red for military advantages, yellow for economic prosperity, green for diplomatic alliances, and purple for Great People-related perks. Each government type had a set number of spaces for each card type, and as my civilization matured, I discovered more sophisticated governments with an expanded deck to wield.

Alongside policy cards, each administration came with unique perks, significantly enhancing their importance in constructing an ideal civilization. To make things even better, Firaxis incorporated upgradable governors within the Rise and Fall expansion pack. These governors provided additional advantages to cities and the entire civilization based on their specialization. Moreover, they played a crucial role in the new loyalty mechanism, ensuring stability in distant cities beyond the player’s territorial boundaries. As a result, they became an essential element of any Civilization 6 game, introducing a novel aspect to the government system.

Civilization 7’s Governments Don’t Really Change the Game Much

In Civilization 7, the system for governments has undergone significant changes compared to what Firaxis designed with the previous game. For instance, governors are no longer present in this version, and the concept of loyalty has been removed entirely. Interestingly, the game encourages players to establish cities at a distance from their capital, which aligns with the Exploration Age’s primary focus. While there’s a possibility that governors could make a comeback in future DLC packs, it appears they don’t fit within Civilization 7 as of now.

For this new round, policy cards and administrative systems have been decoupled. Policy cards can still be accessed through civics and research, yet they’re no longer categorized by type, and governments no longer restrict the number that can be utilized. Instead, players gain additional slots each time they participate in a celebration, the frequency of which is contingent on their civilization’s overall happiness. The rewards from these celebrations are influenced by the chosen form of government, with only one option being selectable per age within Civilization 7.

In Civilization 7, governments appear to offer less versatility compared to their counterparts in Civ 6. Previously, players could switch governments for strategic advantages with new cards, or combine different card types to maximize bonuses. This level of detailed management might have appealed to some, but the shift in focus towards conquest may be more appealing to those who prefer a less micromanaged gameplay experience.

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2025-02-16 14:04