Historical rulers are front and center of Firaxis' strategy franchiseCivilization, giving players unique bonuses that favor specific playstyles and victory conditions that do wonders for the replay value of installments in the series. With this in mind, the depth and range ofCivilization 7’s ruler lineup might well be the deciding factor in its success, although it remains to be seen how the developer would realistically top the stellar diversity seen inCivilization 6. However, some famous characters in history are yet to appear in the franchise, and they could go a long way to piquing fan interest.
It’s been a while sinceCivilization 7’s development was officially confirmed, and it’s fair to say that Firaxis' focus has now shifted from the Leader Pass to what features to carry over and improve upon in the upcoming title. WhileCivilization 6was one of thebetter strategy 4X gamesof its time, there’s a growing sentiment that the developer’s formula needs a little tweak forCiv 7to advance the franchise’s legacy. One way for Firaxis to do that is to expand on itsCiv 6leader gimmick and give more historical figures time in the limelight.
New Leaders Could Shape Up Civilization 7 For Greatness
Constantine I of Rome
No history-focused game would be complete without some representation of the Roman Empire, andCivilization 6made the obvious choice of Julius Caesar to head the nation, complementing his character with Trajan’s Optimus Princeps leader agenda.Civilization 7could explore more niche rulers of the culture, however, starting with Constantine I, who last appeared inCiv 3. Typically, Firaxis' depictions of Rome are steeped in militarism, but Constantine the Great is better known for advancing Christian practices.Domination victoriesare the norm for playthroughs of the Roman nation, and adding Constantine toCivilization 7’s lineup would add a valuable alternative for fans of religiousCivplaystyles.
Emperor Meiji of Japan
In theCivilizationfranchise, Japan has traditionally been headed by samurai figures, withCivilization 6continuing the trend through Tokugawa and Hojo Tokimune. However, an oversight has plagued Japan’s gameplay over the years: the conspicuous absence of Emperor Meiji. Ironically,Civ 6’s Japan has the Meiji Restorationas a bonus for district placement, but the character is missing from the leadership cast. Judging from his popularity – Meiji even had a popular mod that allowed him to lead the nation inCivilization 5– it’s high time he makes a full appearance inCivilization 7.
Sun Yat Sen of China
China has a bevy of rulers for Firaxis to choose from, as evidenced by the developer’s addition of the Rulers of China pack inCivilization 6, which brought the powerful Yongle and Wu Zetian to the game. With these introductions, alongside Kublai Khan’s impact, there’s a thirst for more leaders from the nation. Sun Yat Sen should be a frontrunner as one of the most influential figures in Chinese history, playing a pivotal role in overthrowing the Qing dynasty and modernizing the government. While diplomacy is regarded as one of the worstvictory conditions inCiv 6, a revamp with Sun Yat Sen leading the charge could turn its fortunes around inCivilization 7.
Queen Elizabeth II of England
Civilization’s English rulers have leaned towards female representation over the years, andCivilization 6maintained the status quo with Elizabeth I and Victoria wearing the crown. There’s no reason to expectCivilization 7to deviate from this modus operandi, as the franchise has a perfect chance to pay homage to the longest-reigning British monarch. A depiction of theruler inCivilization 7could be centered around bonuses in troop movements, in line with Queen Elizabeth II’s experience as a mechanic during World War Two.
Sid Meier’s Civilization 6
WHERE TO PLAY
Civilization VIoffers new ways to engage with your world: cities now physically expand across the map, active research in technology and culture unlocks new potential, and competing leaders will pursue their own agendas based on their historical traits as you race for one of five ways to achieve victory in the game.Expansive empiresSee the marvels of your empire spread across the map like never before. Each district, wonder, and improvement is built on its own hex, allowing you to customize your city to your heart’s content. From the Commercial Hub to the Spaceport, every district provides unique and powerful bonuses. Pick and choose which districts to build to fit your needs! Build better than your opponents, place yourself strategically for your allies, and become the best civilization on Earth.Active ResearchBoost your civilization’s progress through history to unlock powerful bonuses before anyone else! To advance more quickly, use your units to actively explore, develop your environment, and discover new cultures. Research isn’t just limited to science. Explore the Civics tree to unlock powerful new governments and cultural policies Cultivate the civilization that fits your playstyle, or switch it up every time you play!Dynamic diplomacyAs the game progresses, so do your diplomatic relationships. From primitive first interactions where conflict is a fact of life, to late game alliances and negotiations. Carry influence with nearby city states to gain its diplomatic allegiance and earn game-changing city-state bonuses. Enlist spies to gather crucial intel on rival civilizations, steal precious resources, and even topple governments.
