Civ 7’s Deluxe Edition has only been available for a day, and already, the online community is buzzing with critiques, particularly about its user interface (UI). But is the UI truly as problematic as the internet suggests? Let's delve into the details of Civ 7's UI and determine if the criticism is justified.

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

Civ 7, released for Deluxe and Founder’s Edition owners just a day ago, is facing immediate scrutiny, especially for its UI and perceived lack of quality-of-life features. While it's easy to follow the crowd in criticism, it's crucial to objectively evaluate the UI. Let's dissect its components and see if it meets the standards expected of a 4X game's interface.

What Makes a Good 4X UI?

The design of a 4X game's UI is not a one-size-fits-all proposition; it depends on the game's specific context and goals. However, experts have identified key elements that contribute to effective UI design in 4X games. Let's assess Civ 7's UI against these standards.

Clear Information Hierarchy

A good UI should prioritize information based on its relevance to gameplay. In 4X games, essential resources and mechanics should be easily accessible, while less critical information should be a few clicks away. A great example of this is Against the Storm's building info menus, which organize data into tabs based on usage frequency.

Civ 7's resource UI displays allocations across the empire, using dropdown menus and tables for clarity. While functional, it lacks detailed breakdowns of resource origins and expenses, suggesting room for improvement in specificity.

Effective and Efficient Visual Indicators

Visual indicators like icons and colors should convey information quickly and effectively. Stellaris's Outliner is a prime example, using icons to show ship status and colony needs at a glance.

Civ 7 employs iconography and numerical displays effectively for resources, with useful overlays for tile yields and settlement viability. However, the absence of certain lenses present in Civ 6 and the lack of customizable map pins are notable drawbacks.

Searching, Filtering, and Sorting Options

To manage the complexity of 4X games, robust search, filter, and sort functions are essential. Civ 6's search function is exemplary, allowing players to find resources and features across the map easily.

Civ 7's biggest UI flaw is the absence of a search function, which significantly hampers usability. This omission is particularly felt given the game's scale, and it's hoped that future updates will address this.

Design and Visual Consistency

The UI's aesthetic and consistency are vital for player engagement. Civ 6's UI is praised for its thematic integration with the game's cartographical style.

Civ 7 opts for a minimalist, sophisticated design with a black and gold color scheme. While this aligns with the game's aesthetic, it may not resonate as strongly with players accustomed to the more vibrant style of Civ 6. The design is professional but less visually engaging, 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 key criteria, it's clear that while it has its flaws, it's not as bad as some claim. The lack of a search function is a significant issue, but overall, the UI is functional and aligns with the game's aesthetic. With potential updates and player feedback, Civ 7's UI could improve further. For now, it's not the best, but it's far from the worst.

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