For years, the idea that home consoles could handle extensive, intricate grand strategy games seemed far-fetched. It was commonly thought that console gamers simply wouldn’t embrace such complex titles, and this belief is probably why it took two decades for a mainline Civilization game to make its way onto consoles.
Civilization 6 marked the first console port of the series since Civilization 2 back in 1999. While using a controller didn’t feel quite as natural as the trusty mouse and keyboard, the game managed to translate well enough. Now, with Civilization 7, the developers have boldly opted to launch across all platforms simultaneously. This move has paid off, providing a robust and enjoyable console experience from day one, thanks to significant enhancements in controller support.
Civilization 7 truly shines on consoles like never before in the franchise’s history. New players might need a moment to adjust, but the control scheme is as user-friendly as it gets. Civilization 7 introduces a key refinement: the action-cycling mechanic. It gives players a convenient prompt in the bottom right, letting them toggle through every action available in their turn, whether it’s commanding units, picking a Civic, addressing crises, or expanding a city. This innovation ensures players maximize every single turn.
What sets this mechanic apart is the simplicity it brings. You can navigate most of the game using just a few buttons: cycle through actions with “Y” or triangle, choose an option with the left stick, and confirm with “A” or cross. This streamlined loop not only feels intuitive but also speeds up gameplay compared to earlier installments.
It’s no surprise that Civilization 7 is best experienced with a mouse and keyboard, but console users won’t miss out on much. One of the most compelling new features is the radial menu, accessible by pressing LB. This split menu offers quick access to crucial screens—like policy menus and tech trees—and lets players jump directly into diplomacy with rival leaders. This simple yet effective tweak makes the game more approachable, especially for newcomers to the 4X strategy genre.
However, Civilization 7’s console version does miss a couple of features from Civ 6. Notably, the ability to summon the cursor to the camera’s pointer with the right stick is absent. Instead, clicking the right stick just re-centers the camera on the cursor, which feels less practical.
Overall, Civilization 7 is carving its own path on consoles, proving that grand strategy games can indeed thrive beyond the traditional confines of PC gaming. This move might well turn out to be a game-changer, expanding the franchise’s reach to a whole new set of gamers.
