Civilization VII launched its Apple Arcade edition recently, and going in, expectations were kind of cautious. Strategy games on mobile aren’t exactly something I think can come close to matching something like Civilization.
This version surprised me.
On stream, playing on an iPad Pro, Civilization VII felt remarkably close to the PC experience. The core systems are intact, the interface is clearly designed for touch instead of awkwardly adapted, and nothing about it felt stripped down in a way that hurt the game. Huge map size is possible, all map types available, settings galore.
There are some things diehards may not like of course. First being that extra content via expansions or DLCS probably won’t happen because Apple Arcade doesn’t allow in-app purchases. Free updates may happen but would probably be delayed if they are. But as a full-featured Civilization experience that you can pick up and play without feeling like you’re using a “lite” version, this holds together far better than expected.
For something running through Apple Arcade, the parity with the PC version is amazing. ANd the ease to play it in my downtime means I will log plenty of off-stream hours.
Disclaimer: I was sponsored by 2K to play this on stream. Not for this.
Pronouncement: Still alive.