Civ 7’s Deluxe Edition has just hit the market, and the gaming community is already buzzing with opinions about its user interface (UI) and other potential drawbacks. But is the UI really as problematic as some claim? Let's delve into the specifics and see if the criticisms hold up.
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Is Civ 7's UI as Bad as They Say?
Civ 7, available for just a day to Deluxe and Founder's Edition owners, has sparked significant discussion, primarily focusing on its UI. While it's easy to join the chorus of criticism, it's crucial to take a closer look and evaluate whether the UI truly falls short of expectations. Let's dissect the UI and compare it to the standards of an effective 4X game interface.
What Makes a Good 4X UI?
The design of a 4X game's UI isn't one-size-fits-all; it varies based on the game's specific needs and style. However, experts have identified common traits in successful 4X UIs. Let's evaluate Civ 7's UI against these benchmarks.
Clear Information Hierarchy
A well-designed 4X UI prioritizes information based on its importance to gameplay. Essential resources and mechanics should be easily accessible, while less critical features should be just a few clicks away.
For instance, Against the Storm's building info menus exemplify this principle. Each building's pop-up menu is organized into tabs, prioritizing the most commonly used actions like worker assignments and production settings, while less frequent options are neatly tucked away.
Now, let's assess Civ 7's resource rundown UI. While it organizes resource allocation across the empire into income, yields, and expenses, it lacks the granularity needed for deeper insights. It's functional but could benefit from more detailed breakdowns.
Effective and Efficient Visual Indicators
Visual indicators in a UI should convey information quickly and intuitively. Stellaris' Outliner uses icons to show the status of survey ships, reducing the need for extensive menu navigation.
Civ 7 uses iconography and numerical data effectively for resources. Features like the tile yield overlay and settlement overlays provide clear visual cues. However, the absence of certain lenses from Civ 6 has been a point of contention among players.
Searching, Filtering, and Sorting Options
As games grow complex, the need for tools to manage information becomes critical. Civ 6's search function and Civilopedia are prime examples of how these features can enhance usability.
Civ 7's lack of a search function is a significant omission, especially given the game's scale. This absence hampers the user experience, and players hope for its inclusion in future updates.
Design and Visual Consistency
The UI's aesthetic plays a vital role in player engagement. Civ 6's cartographical style seamlessly integrates with its overall theme, enhancing the game's identity.
Civ 7 opts for a more minimalist and sophisticated design, using a restrained color palette and simplified icons. While this choice aligns with the game's aesthetic, it's less visually striking, leading to mixed reactions among players.
So What’s the Verdict?
It’s Not The Best, But Undeserving of Such Disapproval
After evaluating Civ 7's UI against key criteria, it's clear that while it has room for improvement, it's not as bad as some claim. The missing search function is a notable flaw, but the UI's other aspects are functional and align with the game's overall design. With future updates and player feedback, Civ 7's UI could become more user-friendly and appreciated.
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