Civ 7's UI: Is It Really That Bad?

Civ 7’s Deluxe Edition has been released for just a day, and the online community is already buzzing about its user interface (UI) and other perceived shortcomings. But is the UI really as bad as the internet suggests? Let's delve into the specifics of the game's UI and evaluate the criticisms.

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

Civ 7, available for those who purchased the Deluxe and Founder’s Editions, has quickly become a topic of discussion, especially regarding its UI and the absence of certain quality-of-life features. While it's easy to join the chorus of critics, it's crucial to take a closer look and assess the UI's effectiveness. Let's break it down to determine if it meets the standards expected from a 4X game interface.

What Makes a Good 4X UI?

Designing a 4X UI isn't a one-size-fits-all task; it depends on the game's context, style, and goals. However, experts have identified key elements that generally contribute to an effective 4X UI. Let's evaluate Civ 7's UI against these standards.

Clear Information Hierarchy

A good 4X UI should prioritize information based on its importance to gameplay. Essential resources and mechanics should be easily accessible, while less critical elements should be available with a few clicks. For instance, Against the Storm's building info menus exemplify this by organizing data into tabs based on usage frequency.

Civ 7's resource management UI attempts to do this with a summary menu that displays resource allocation across the empire, using dropdowns for income, yields, and expenses. While it's structured and collapsible, it lacks detailed breakdowns of resource origins and expenses. It's functional but could benefit from more granularity.

Effective and Efficient Visual Indicators

Visual indicators like icons and color coding help players quickly understand information. Stellaris's Outliner is a great example, using icons to show ship status and colony needs.

Civ 7 uses icons and numerical displays for resources, with effective overlays for tile yields and settlement viability. However, the absence of certain lenses from Civ 6 and customizable map pins has drawn criticism. While not perfect, the UI still communicates essential information visually.

Searching, Filtering, and Sorting Options

As games grow complex, search and filter options become vital for managing information. Civ 6's search function and Civilopedia are exemplary in this regard, allowing players to locate specific elements quickly.

Civ 7 lacks this search functionality, which is a significant drawback given the game's scale. The absence of this feature impacts usability, and it's hoped that Firaxis will address this in future updates.

Design and Visual Consistency

The UI's visual appeal and consistency are crucial for player engagement. Civ 6's cartographical style seamlessly integrates with its gameplay, enhancing the overall experience.

Civ 7 adopts a more minimalist and sophisticated design, using black and gold to convey regality. While this aligns with the game's aesthetic, it's less vibrant than Civ 6, leading to mixed reactions. The UI's subtlety may not appeal to all players, but it's a deliberate choice that fits the game's theme.

So What’s the Verdict?

It’s Not The Best, But Undeserving of Such Disapproval

After analyzing Civ 7's UI against key 4X standards, it's clear that while it's not the most polished or feature-rich, it's far from the disaster some claim. The lack of a search function is a notable flaw, but it doesn't detract from the overall gameplay experience. Compared to other pressing issues in the game, the UI's weaknesses are relatively minor. With potential updates and player feedback, the UI could improve further. For now, it's functional and deserves a fair assessment rather than outright condemnation.

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