Civilization 7 is a departure from its predecessor, feeling more like a branch than a sequel. The game introduces the concept of Age transitions, where leaders remain the same but civilizations change as you progress through three different Ages. Each Age brings new challenges and goals, keeping the game fresh and exciting. The game has streamlined many systems, making it more accessible and faster-paced, especially in multiplayer. The Legacy Path victory conditions offer attainable goals that keep the game suspenseful until the end. With each era, new game systems are introduced, such as religion, distant lands, and ideologies, making each era feel unique and defined. However, the Modern Age feels somewhat lacking compared to the previous eras. Diplomacy, city management, and other systems have been simplified, leading to a less rich and rewarding experience for veteran players. The game’s art style builds on Civilization 5’s grounded look, and while the UI isn’t great, the game still offers some improvements and enjoyable moments, particularly in warfare. Overall, Civilization 7 feels like a reaction to the complexity of its predecessor, aiming for a sleeker and faster experience. While some cuts are positive and help the game flow better, the simplification of certain systems might leave veteran players feeling like it’s a step back for the series. Despite addressing some longstanding issues, the game may not represent meaningful progress for the legendary series’ Legacy Path.