Stunning Visuals and Enhanced Detail

Civilization 7 is shaping up to be the most visually impressive entry in the iconic series to date. The attention to detail in the game’s landscapes, cities, and units is remarkable, with elaborate animations and a wide variety of unit models that elevate the gaming experience. A recent developer livestream from PAX Australia highlighted these advancements, showcasing a total of nine distinct cultural variations for units across different civilizations.

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The confirmed cultural groups include:

Roman

Egyptian

Mediterranean

European

Middle Eastern

African

Asian

North American

South American

These variations contribute to the game's immersive atmosphere, allowing players to experience history through the lens of diverse civilizations. For instance, Rome and Egypt, two of the most iconic ancient powers, receive special treatment with unique unit aesthetics during the Antiquity Age.

Cultural Accuracy and Historical Details

While the units’ visual representations are generally accurate and authentic, there are a few areas where historical liberties have been taken. One example is the Roman unit, which is shown wearing fur on its helmet—an element typically reserved for legionary standard-bearers. Similarly, the “European” unit’s lack of head protection contrasts with the “Mediterranean” unit's Gallic-inspired helmet. These minor discrepancies aside, the majority of the models reflect accurate historical details, such as the differentiation between sword types and armor styles. For instance, the depiction of European units wearing pants, which Romans and Greeks considered "barbaric," adds a nuanced touch.

Sub-Ages and Unit Progression

One of the exciting revelations from the livestream is the division of Civilization 7’s historical Ages into sub-ages. This adds depth to the gameplay, offering a richer experience in each era. For example, during the Age of Exploration, players can still enjoy classic medieval content despite the name evoking thoughts of early colonization. Unit models from this era range from Italic swordsmen to Greek hoplites and Roman legionaries.

The Exploration Age is further divided into three phases, providing a more comprehensive progression. Players will encounter Norman foot soldiers, then fully-armored men-at-arms, and finally, Arquebusiers—early gunpowder units. This structured transition allows for a smoother evolution of military units, from knights to the dawn of gunpowder weaponry.

The Modern Age and World War II Focus

As players progress into the Modern Age, they will encounter Napoleonic infantry, followed by units reminiscent of World War I and World War II. Interestingly, the game appears to conclude around the end of World War II. Despite hints of early Cold War elements and the space race, no significant content set after the Second World War has been shown in screenshots, livestreams, or blogs. This suggests that Civilization 7 might not delve into contemporary warfare, choosing instead to focus on earlier historical periods.

Unit Variety and Visual Flavor

One standout feature in Civilization 7 is the variety of unit types. Rather than seeing a monotonous repetition of the same model, players will notice diversity within unit formations. For example, when creating a men-at-arms unit, the models won’t be identical copies but will consist of multiple distinct figures. This addition enhances the visual appeal of the game and creates a more dynamic battlefield experience.

31 Civilizations and Expansive Gameplay

Civilization 7 is set to launch with 31 civilizations, offering players a vast array of options when choosing their leaders and strategies. This expansive roster promises a fresh and engaging gameplay experience, with each civilization bringing its own unique strengths and units to the table.

For fans eager to dive deeper into the specifics of these civilizations, more details can be found in Civilization 7’s leader and civ overview, where interviews with key developers, such as Dennis Shirk, shed light on what’s in store for players when the game is released.