Episode 21: Civ VII Sucks, So Play These Instead

In this episode of Critical Moves, hosts Joe, Adam, and Tim take a deep dive into the world of strategy gaming, offering a variety of alternatives to Civilization 7. Whether you’re drawn to city-building, grand strategy, or turn-based empire management, there’s something here for every type of strategy enthusiast. Here’s a breakdown of the games discussed and why they might be worth your time.

City-Building Alternatives

For players who love the city-building aspect of Civilization, the hosts recommend several standout titles. Cities: Skylines is a top pick for urban design enthusiasts. Tim explains that the game allows you to manage everything from traffic logistics to public transportation, offering a realistic simulation of city planning. You can even redesign your own city, experimenting with infrastructure changes like replacing highways with metro systems. While the first installment is highly praised, the second game has received mixed reviews.

If you’re looking for something with a lighter tone, Tropico is a fantastic option. Joe, a self-proclaimed Tropico fan, highlights its unique charm, where you play as “El Presidente” managing a tropical island. The game’s humor and life-simulation elements, like tracking individual citizens’ lives, set it apart from more serious city-builders. While the DLCs are plentiful, they’re not essential to enjoying the base game.

For those who enjoy deep economic simulations, Adam recommends Anno 1800. This game challenges you to manage resources, trade routes, and island development, with randomized elements keeping each playthrough fresh. However, its real-time mechanics can be stressful for players accustomed to the relaxed pace of Civilization.

Historical and Grand Strategy Games

If progressing through historical eras is your favorite part of Civilization, Empire Earth is a classic choice. Tim explains that the game allows you to guide your civilization from the Stone Age to the futuristic era, with a focus on real-time strategy. While the sequels have their fans, the original and Empire Earth II are the most beloved.

For a more in-depth grand strategy experience, Paradox games like Crusader Kings, Europa Universalis, and Victoria 3 are highly recommended. Joe and Tim discuss how Crusader Kings focuses on dynasty management, while Victoria 3 delves into economic and political simulations. These games offer a mix of real-time and turn-based mechanics, allowing players to pause and strategize at their own pace. Stellaris, Paradox’s space-themed strategy game, is also a great option for fans of sci-fi 4X games.

Turn-Based Empire Management

For fans of turn-based strategy, the Total War series combines empire management with real-time battles. Tim suggests choosing a game based on your preferred historical period, whether it’s Napoleon Total War for its unique ship combat or Total War: Warhammer for its fantasy elements. However, these games are more combat-focused than Civilization, so they may not appeal to players who prefer peaceful building.

Another standout in the turn-based genre is Age of Wonders 4. Joe praises its unique society-building mechanics, where you can transform your civilization into plant people, giants, or dwarves. The game’s randomized events and deep customization make each playthrough feel fresh.

For sci-fi enthusiasts, Endless Space 2 is a simpler, space-themed alternative to Civilization. Tim notes that while it’s not as complex as Paradox games, its sleek interface and familiar mechanics make it an accessible option for 4X fans.

Hidden Gems and Niche Picks

The hosts also highlight some lesser-known strategy games that deserve more attention. Shadow Empire is a complex, cult-favorite 4X game that simulates post-apocalyptic empire-building. While its steep learning curve can be intimidating, Joe admits it’s on his list of games to try.

Adam raves about SpellForce: Conquest of Eo, calling it a hidden gem. This game blends 4X mechanics with hero-focused gameplay, allowing you to develop a single hero while managing an empire. Its mix of magic, exploration, and strategy makes it a standout title.

Old World is another historical strategy game that focuses on the ancient and medieval eras. Joe describes it as a more condensed version of Civilization, with deeper mechanics for diplomacy and empire management.

Civ Clones: Millennia and Humankind

The hosts also discuss two games that attempt to reinvent the Civilization formula. Humankind allows players to switch civilizations throughout the game, offering a unique twist on the 4X genre. While it has its fans, Joe and Tim feel it lacks the staying power of Civilization.

Millennia is another Civ clone with unique mechanics, like alternate historical ages (e.g., magical or post-apocalyptic eras). However, its underwhelming visuals and lack of polish hold it back. Adam speculates that a sequel could address these issues.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

The episode wraps up with some bonus recommendations. Galactic Civilizations 4 is a space-themed 4X game with hex-based mechanics, while Spore offers a quirky life-simulation experience that takes you from single-celled organisms to spacefaring civilizations. For players who enjoy complex strategy games, Terra Invicta is a deep dive into managing Earth’s factions and defending against an alien invasion.

Whether you’re looking for a deep historical simulation, a lighthearted city-builder, or a sci-fi empire manager, there’s no shortage of alternatives to Civilization 7. Tune in to Critical Moves for more gaming insights and recommendations!

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