I can’t wait to sail the seven seas as Goro Majima.
While I cant speak about anything beyond the Exploration Age, theres still a lot to cover here.
Then you build two scouts (this is my usual strategy) to explore nearby territory.
The map is gorgeous and I love the little details.
Natural Wonders are particularly stunning.
As you explore, you encounter ruins, cairns, and camps that grant bonuses to your civilization.
These are definitely more nuanced than in previous games, with more narrative and mechanical choices.
Im playing as Confucius, who has a bonus for growth rate and extra science per specialist.
This time Im going to focus on science and build an early army to protect my lands.
The Game Begins
A foreign scout emerges from the mist.
Its a member of an independent faction, which is this games version of city-states.
I really enjoy how much choice there is so early on in Civ 7.
As expected, a short while later there are hordes of hostile troops on my borders.
I train a couple of Chu-Ko-Nu, Confucius unique ranged units, at the expense of my important buildings.
They are also the only unit that can receive promotions and continue into a new age.
Conflict is pretty much inevitable.
My Chu-Ko-Nu makes short work of the invading hordes.
Thankfully, my neighbour, Pachachuti, has also sent some soldiers to assist.
He actually has a worrying number of troops.
This is a problem for later.
I just need to focus on my own empire.
Expansion, Conflict, Progression
My first run on Immortal is not going so well.
I give up on that and lean heavily into my Chu-Ko-Nu.
Warfare in Civ 7 is enjoyable.
Im able to take a border city, and slowly my empire begins to grow.
As the conflict progresses, Im building up towards a military victory for the age.
Ive got a lot of work to do.
Ages And Legacy Points
Unfortunately, Im unable to muster 12 settlement points.
Im still not 100 percent sure how I feel about this.
The transition between ages feels disjointed.
I also have to switch civilizations, but remain as Confucius - so now I am Roman Confucius.
It doesnt make any sense.
I didnt like this system in Humankind, and Im not sure if I like it here either.
Undoubtedly something Ill chew on a bit more in my review.
Its time to start exploring.
In defense of the ages system, this feels like a separate, standalone part of the game.
I dont mind the soft reset because it staggers progression in the game.
Rather than just one long slog, you could approach this era with a completely different strategy.
The exploration feels similar to when you first sent out your scout right at the beginning of the game.
Its clear Firaxis has tried to capture that new game feeling with the Exploration Age.
The Exploration Age is relatively peaceful for my empire.
I build my treasure fleets and focus on building scientific buildings with the gold I procure.
The strategy seems to be working, for now.
But this is Civilization.
Anything can happen in the Modern Age.
