Civ 7 UI: Is It Really That Bad?

Civ 7’s Deluxe Edition has been out for just a day, and the internet is already buzzing with criticism about its user interface (UI) and other perceived shortcomings. But is the UI really as bad as the online chatter suggests? Let's delve into the specifics of the game's UI and evaluate whether the criticism is justified.

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Is Civ 7's UI as Bad as They Say?

Civ 7 has been available for less than a day for Deluxe and Founder’s Edition owners, yet it's already facing significant criticism, particularly for its UI and the absence of certain quality-of-life features. While it's easy to join the chorus of detractors, it's important to take a closer look and evaluate the UI objectively. Let's break down the UI elements and see if they meet the standards expected of a 4X game.

What Makes a Good 4X UI?

The design of a 4X game's UI can vary based on the game's specific needs and style, but there are common elements that are generally considered essential. Let's assess Civ 7's UI against these key criteria.

Clear Information Hierarchy

A good 4X UI should prioritize information based on its importance to gameplay. Essential resources and mechanics should be easily accessible, while less critical features should be available with minimal effort.

For instance, Against the Storm's building info menus exemplify this principle well. Each building's pop-up menu is organized into tabs, prioritizing the most common actions like worker assignment and production settings, while less frequently used features are neatly tucked away.

Now, let's examine Civ 7's resource management UI. It displays resource allocation across the empire, using dropdown menus to separate income, yields, and expenses. The table format aids in tracking, and the menu can be collapsed without additional navigation. However, it lacks detailed breakdowns of resource origins and expenses, which could enhance its effectiveness.

Effective and Efficient Visual Indicators

Visual indicators should allow players to quickly understand information without needing to read through menus. Stellaris's Outliner is a great example, using icons to show the status of survey ships and colony needs.

Civ 7 uses iconography and numerical data for resources, with effective visual indicators like the tile yield overlay and settlement overlays. However, the absence of certain lenses from Civ 6, such as appeal and tourism, and the lack of customizable map pins, are notable drawbacks.

Searching, Filtering, and Sorting Options

As games grow in complexity, the ability to search, filter, and sort information becomes crucial. Civ 6's search function is a standout feature, allowing players to locate specific elements on the map easily.

Unfortunately, Civ 7 lacks this search function, which is a significant omission given the game's scale. This absence impacts usability, and its addition in future updates would be a welcome improvement.

Design and Visual Consistency

The UI's aesthetic and consistency are vital for player engagement. Civ 6's cartographical style seamlessly integrates with its gameplay, enhancing the overall experience.

Civ 7 opts for a more minimalist and sophisticated design, using a restrained color palette and simplified iconography. While this aligns with the game's aesthetic, it may not resonate as strongly with all players, leading to mixed reactions.

So What’s the Verdict?

It’s Not The Best, But Undeserving of Such Disapproval

After evaluating Civ 7's UI against these criteria, it's clear that while it has room for improvement, it's not as bad as some claim. The lack of a search function is a notable flaw, but overall, the UI is functional and aligns with the game's aesthetic. With future updates and player feedback, it could become even more effective.

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