Game Review: Civilization VI (Switch)

Civilization VI is the first Civ game I've ever played, so it was a steep learning curve for me, but overall super worth it. Fragrant Husband warned me that the game would turn me into a "One more turn!" maniac, and boy was he right. The gameplay is so utterly absorbing, and the music so inoffensively epic, that I could start a turn and then look up and it's been three hours. Whoops, was it my turn to watch the kids???

For the uninitiated, Civ is like a giant board game with hexagonal tiles that consume one movement point each, and with environmental features (e.g. desert or forest) that impact your empire-building. In a basic game, the victory condition is having the highest score, out of several categories: domination (conquering a capital), science (researching technologies), culture (building Wonders, parks, resorts, etc), and religion (convert everyone!!!). You play as a great leader from history, including famous ones like Cleopatra or Gandhi, and lesser-known rulers like Jadwiga of Poland or Tomyris of Scythia. Leaders come with unique abilities, units, and infrastructure. For example, Gilgamesh can declare war without a warmonger penalty, Gorgo can produce Hoplites, and Qin Shi Huang can build the Great Wall.

Players begin in the Ancient Era, and progress through time is determined by your civilization's scientific and cultural development. The fog of war mechanic, so very familiar to those of us who played World of Warcraft, enhances the tension--what's over there? Crabs? Barbarians? Australia???

Civ VI has adorable graphics, with units updating their lewks to match the time period. For instance, Builders start out as beefy men in tunics, and later become guys in safety vests. Settlers begin with robes and a walking stick, and by the end they're putt-putting around in a van. Meanwhile, combat units can be upgraded: Archers become Field Cannons and Knights turn into Tanks. In terms of static visuals, available resources are well represented: stalks of wheat, horses, iron, a bag of tea, bars of gold, petrol, oranges, grapes, etc. all appeal to players--"Build near me so you may partake of my bounty!"

There are numerous difficulty settings: Settler, Chieftain, Warlord, Prince, King, Emperor, Immortal, and Diety. Prince is the default for single player, but you can also choose your own challenge level by creating a campaign or playing a preset scenario. There's a multiplayer option as well, and one day I shall have the courage and confidence to venture into those waters!

Civ VI can be picked up and enjoyed by total noobs, because the controls are fairly intuitive and you can have an advisor who guides you toward the best play during turns. When I first started out, I just chose whichever building or unit or technology that had her icon winking promisingly on it. I owe the few victories under my belt to her, I'm sure.

Now if only there were some way to stop the narrator from yammering automatically whenever I finish researching something or building a Wonder...

In closing, Civ VI is a strong game with high replay value, especially with the optional scenarios and customizable difficulty levels. Every campaign presents a gratifying challenge, and the thoughtful player who takes the time to read descriptions reaps rewards and accolades. Highly recommended for nerds.

TL;DR: Two thumbs up! And then back down to the buttons! One! More! Turn!

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This post brought to you by a strong craving for tacos!