Civilization 7 Should Bring Districts Back, But With a Caveat

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Civilization 7 Should Bring Districts Back, But With a Caveat

Highlights

  • Civilization 6’s districts added new strategy layers, but took up valuable city space. Civ 7 could improve this aspect for players’ benefit.
  • Districts were crucial for Civ 6’s victory, requiring thoughtful city planning. Civ 7 could enhance district system for better city-building.
  • Civ 7 can bring back districts with upgrades for improved gameplay. Adding unique district features would enhance the strategy element.

As a seasoned gamer with countless hours poured into the Civilization series, I eagerly anticipate the arrival of Civilization 7. The district mechanic introduced in Civ 6 was a game-changer, adding depth and complexity to city-building that I found immensely enjoyable. However, being the perfectionist that I am, I can’t help but dream of improvements for this beloved feature.

Incorporating Districts once more in Civilization 7 would undoubtedly enhance the game’s strategic depth, although they might require some tweaks upon their reintroduction. Districts caused quite a stir in Civilization 6’s gameplay, marking a substantial departure from the previous title. Given the popularity of the Civilization series as one of the top strategy games available, any additional complexity and planning options are beneficial. Districts delivered on this front abundantly, but they could benefit from further refinement with a second iteration. The idea of districts returning in Civilization 7 is logical, but some modifications to their strategic mechanics could prove fruitful.

In Civilization 6, the incorporation of districts significantly altered how players construct cities within the game. These districts serve as specialized zones for specific types of buildings. For instance, if a player wishes to construct structures that enhance science output like libraries or universities, they must initially establish a Campus district to accommodate them. However, there are a few exceptions, such as Canals and Aqueducts, which don’t require associated buildings. Generally speaking, districts govern various categories of buildings in the game. To truly prosper in Civilization 6, almost every city requires multiple districts.

Districts Could Return With a Upgrade in Civilization 7

Districts Were Key to Civilization 6’s Strategy

A good argument for districts returning in Civilization 7 is the extra layer of strategy that they provide. A district is required for a city to really start developing in any direction. Whether it’s science from Campuses, Culture from Theater Districts, or so on, districts provide several important pushes forward for the player’s civilization. For players focused on one victory type, making sure that every city has the appropriate district is a major part of putting themselves in the best position to win. Districts were vital to Civilization 6‘s strategy, and the extra layer of customization in planning cities is a welcome feature.

Including distinctive regions like Mbanza from Kongo could certainly enrich the landscape of Civilization 7.

Civilization 6’s Districts Took Up Space Surrounding its Cities

One potential issue with the feature comes in having to place districts in Civilization 6. There is admittedly another interesting element to district placement, as certain locations will provide bonus yields. For instance, a Campus generates more science for neighboring mountain and rainforest tiles, while a Neighborhood provides housing based on its tile’s appeal. However, the requirement to place districts on the map leaves less room for other important tile improvements such as farms, mines, and world wonders. A rework of how districts work could make players’ civilizations less cluttered, either by removing district placement entirely or changing how it works.

Civilization 7 Can Give Districts a New Look

A more effective strategy would involve striking a balance when introducing districts into Civilization 7’s gameplay. The concept of cities constructing specialized buildings due to districts is commendable, but there’s room for improvement in how they are integrated within the game. One possible solution could be to have districts become part of the city itself, with construction resulting in a noticeable visual alteration. Another idea might be to allow districts to coexist on the same tile as other improvements and even interact with them in various ways. For instance, a Commercial Hub on a farm could yield additional gold for fresh produce, while there are numerous other potential interactions to consider.

Districts were a great addition to Civilization 6, but Civilization 7 could make them more convenient. Civilization 7 can surpass its predecessors in several ways, and that includes taking past mechanics and reworking them. A reworked District system could keep its strategic value while also potentially easing back some of the restrictions surrounding it. With a few changes, Districts could go from being a new layer of planning to a way for players to edit their cities even more. Districts deserve a comeback in Civilization 7, even if they are left untouched.

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2024-08-19 20:14