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CRITIK

Sid Meier's Civilization VI

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Sid Meier's Civilization VI
Item: Sid Meier's Civilization VI
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2016

GenresSimulation, Turn-Based, Top-Down Perspective, Strategy, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableOct 20, 2016

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC

DeveloperFiraxis Games

Overview

Civilization is a turn-based strategy game in which you attempt to build an empire to stand the test of time. Become Ruler of the World by establishing and leading a civilization from the Stone Age to the Information Age. Wage war, conduct diplomacy, advance your culture, and go head-to-head with history’s greatest leaders as you attempt to build the greatest civilization the world has ever known.

Elsewhere

8.1

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

story and narrative

Description unavailable

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

90%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers on the gameplay of Sid Meier's Civilization VI, it is evident that the majority of critics were highly positive about the game. Many praised the engaging and deep gameplay mechanics, with several new features introduced that added strategic depth to the experience. Critics like PlaySense and Game Over Online highlighted the game's deep gameplay mechanics, including the introduction of district-based city planning, cultural advancements, and the unstacking of cities, which added complexity and depth to the gameplay. The inclusion of new mechanics like the civics tree, government customization, and leader agendas, as mentioned by IGN and PCGamesN, were also well-received for providing players with more strategic choices and adaptability in shaping their empires. Despite the overwhelmingly positive sentiment towards the gameplay of Civilization VI, there were some criticisms raised by a few reviewers. The most common critique centered around the AI opponents' lack of intelligence and erratic behavior, as noted by The Digital Fix and games(TM). This issue detracted from the overall experience for some critics, impacting the strategic challenge and immersion of the game. Additionally, some reviewers, such as High-Def Digest and USgamer, mentioned shortcomings in certain gameplay aspects like diplomacy, civics, and historical depth, which they felt could have been further developed to enhance the overall gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Sid Meier's Civilization VI. The game was praised for its strategic depth, engaging mechanics, and the plethora of new features that added complexity and replay value to the experience. Critics appreciated the diverse ways to play and win, the deep customization options, and the overall addictiveness and rewarding nature of the gameplay. Despite some minor criticisms regarding AI behavior and certain gameplay elements, the majority of reviewers found Civilization VI to be a standout title in the 4X strategy genre, offering a rich and immersive gameplay experience that caters to both longtime fans of the series and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics laud Sid Meier's Civilization VI for its deep gameplay mechanics, strategic depth, and engaging features like district-based city planning and leader agendas. While some reviewers criticized the AI opponents' lack of intelligence and certain gameplay aspects, the majority praised the game for its addictiveness and rewarding nature, making it a standout title in the 4X strategy genre.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

77%

Mixed (50-79)

23%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Sid Meier's Civilization VI have garnered praise from several critics for various positive aspects. Critics like 3DJuegos, DarkStation, and Gameblog.fr have commended the game for its visually appealing and charming cartoonish art style, with vibrant and beautiful visuals that enhance the overall experience of leading a nation to world domination. The colorful and stylized graphics, engaging unit animations, and attention to detail in animations have also been highlighted by reviewers like DarkStation and PCGamesN. Additionally, the game's adaptation to different platforms like the Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One has been well-received, with critics like Nintendo Insider and Xbox Achievements mentioning bright and vibrant visuals that maintain an enchanting atmosphere. On the flip side, some critics have pointed out negative aspects of the graphics and visual design in Civilization VI. Reviewers like ZTGD and Critical Hit have criticized the choice to steer the presentation and animations towards a cartoonish style, with ZTGD mentioning that the graphics are jarring compared to Civilization V. Quarter to Three highlighted cluttered graphics and usability issues in the interface design, while Game Revolution on the Nintendo Switch noted rough edges and frame rate issues in later stages of the game. Impulsegamer on the PS4 also mentioned noticeable differences in texture quality compared to the PC version, indicating a potential downgrade in graphics fidelity on certain platforms. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the graphics and visual design of Sid Meier's Civilization VI is generally positive, with a few criticisms sprinkled in. The game's cartoonish art style, vibrant visuals, attention to detail in animations, and diverse choices in factions and game settings have been well-received by many reviewers, contributing to an immersive and engaging visual experience. Despite some critiques about the cartoonish style, rough edges on certain platforms, and usability issues in the interface design, the overall sentiment leans towards appreciation for the game's unique aesthetic and visual appeal. Critics like GRYOnline.pl and Telegraph have highlighted the game's stunning animations, living map with a night/day cycle, and top-notch production quality, underscoring the beautiful and immersive visual experience that Civilization VI offers to players.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics praise Sid Meier's Civilization VI for its visually appealing cartoonish art style, vibrant graphics, and engaging animations that enhance the experience of world domination. Some reviewers criticize the cartoonish direction and technical issues on certain platforms, but overall, the game's diverse factions, attention to detail, and immersive visuals receive positive feedback.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

84%

Mixed (50-79)

16%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Sound Design and Music of Sid Meier's Civilization VI, highlighting various positive aspects. Critics like COGconnected appreciated the relaxing and non-obnoxious music that remained enjoyable even after extended play sessions. PlaySense and PlayStation Universe commended the game for its epic and thematic soundtrack, tailored to each civilization, which enhanced the sense of discovery and immersion. TheXboxHub and GameCrate also lauded the game for its culturally appropriate music and era-specific sound effects, contributing to the overall atmosphere and authenticity of the gameplay experience. Additionally, the voice acting, particularly by Sean Bean, was a standout feature, as noted by God is a Geek and IGN Sweden, adding depth and emotion to the game. On the other hand, a few critics expressed some negative opinions regarding the Sound Design and Music of Civilization VI. DarkStation on PC found the music to be forgettable, lacking standout tracks compared to previous entries in the series. Push Square mentioned that while the voice acting by Sean Bean was praised, the music could sometimes be obnoxious, indicating a potential inconsistency in the overall audio experience. GameCrate also pointed out some odd technology quote choices in the sound effects, which could potentially disrupt the immersion for some players. Despite some minor criticisms, the overall consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Sid Meier's Civilization VI. The enchanting and immersive soundtrack, along with the engaging voice acting, was widely appreciated by reviewers such as GameSpot, PC Gamer, and Post Arcade (National Post). The evolving themes for each nation, as highlighted by TheSixthAxis, and the excellent presentation of the score, as noted by USgamer, further solidified the game's audio experience as a significant strength. The combination of stirring music, culturally appropriate sound design, and impactful narration by Sean Bean collectively contributed to the immersive atmosphere of leading civilizations, making Civilization VI a standout title in terms of audio presentation according to the majority of critics.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about the Sound Design and Music of Sid Meier's Civilization VI, praising its immersive soundtrack tailored to each civilization and standout voice acting by Sean Bean. While some found the music forgettable and voice acting inconsistent, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The game's culturally appropriate music, era-specific sound effects, and emotional narration enhance the gameplay experience, making Civilization VI a top choice for audio presentation according to critics.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

80%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

In analyzing the opinions of various critics on the voice acting in Sid Meier's Civilization VI, it is evident that the general consensus leans towards the positive aspects of the performances. DarkStation commends the game for its engaging voice acting, setting a strong foundation for the immersive experience. God is a Geek specifically highlights Sean Bean's voice acting, praising it for adding depth and authenticity to the game. Push Square echoes this sentiment by appreciating Sean Bean's contribution to the overall quality of the voice acting, emphasizing its positive impact on the player's engagement with the narrative. Telegraph further reinforces the positive reception by lauding the voice acting for bringing the characters to life with personality and historical charm. On the other hand, there are some mixed opinions regarding the depth of evaluation provided by certain critics. Xbox Achievements merely mentions the presence of Sean Bean without delving into a detailed assessment of the voice acting, which could be seen as a missed opportunity to provide a comprehensive analysis of this aspect of the game. New York Daily News, while acknowledging the distinct personalities of world leaders in the game, does not specifically mention the voice acting, leaving room for ambiguity regarding the overall quality of the performances. Overall, the majority of critics, such as DarkStation, God is a Geek, Push Square, and Telegraph, emphasize the positive impact of the voice acting in Sid Meier's Civilization VI. The engaging performances, particularly by Sean Bean, are highlighted as a significant strength that enhances the immersive and authentic nature of the game. While there are some instances of lackluster evaluation from critics like Xbox Achievements and New York Daily News, the overall sentiment leans towards the praise for the voice acting, underscoring its importance in enriching the player's experience and adding depth to the narrative of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics rave about the voice acting in Sid Meier's Civilization VI, especially praising Sean Bean's performance for its depth and authenticity. While some critics provide mixed evaluations, the general consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with voices like DarkStation, God is a Geek, Push Square, and Telegraph lauding the engaging performances that bring the game to life with historical charm and personality.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

18%

Mixed (50-79)

82%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on different gaming platforms, Sid Meier's Civilization VI received a mix of positive and negative feedback. On the PlayStation 4, reviewers like Gameplanet and PlayStation Universe praised the flawless performance on the PS4 Pro, highlighting smooth gameplay and visually appealing art style. However, some critics like Push Square and CGMagazine noted issues such as long loading times and delays when completing actions, impacting the overall experience on the console. Moving to the Xbox One, reviewers like IGN Spain and Windows Central commended the excellent technical performance, ensuring a smooth gaming experience. However, critics such as JeuxActu and Xbox Tavern pointed out drawbacks like longer loading times and occasional laggy performance, especially in late-game scenarios, affecting the gameplay experience on the platform. On the Nintendo Switch, critics like Press Start Australia and GameSpace highlighted smooth gameplay without massive frame rate drops, providing an enjoyable experience even in the later stages of the game. However, reviewers such as Game Revolution and Impulsegamer mentioned technical issues like occasional crashes, lengthy load times, and frame rate drops, particularly in the late game, which detracted from the overall experience on the Switch. Overall, while some critics like PC Gamer and GameCrate praised the game's performance on PC, mentioning solid performance and manageable system requirements, others like Critical Hit and Twinfinite highlighted issues such as excessive loading times, occasional crashes, and unstable multiplayer. The consensus among critics is that Sid Meier's Civilization VI offers an engaging experience across different platforms, but technical issues like long loading times, occasional crashes, and performance hitches need to be addressed to enhance the overall gameplay experience for players.

TL;DR

technical performance

Civilization VI's technical performance varies across platforms: PS4 Pro praised for smooth gameplay, Xbox One for excellent performance, and Switch for enjoyable experience despite occasional issues. PC version generally well-received but noted for excessive loading times and occasional crashes. Critics agree overall experience is engaging but suggest improvements needed to address technical issues for a smoother gameplay.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

80%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of critics praised the Replay Value of Sid Meier's Civilization VI, highlighting various aspects that contribute to its high replayability. Critics like ZTGD, Game Informer, and GameSpot appreciated the depth and strategic choices offered by the game, with multiple paths to victory and diverse gameplay mechanics that make each playthrough unique and engaging. The inclusion of expansions, such as those mentioned by DarkStation and God is a Geek, further adds to the replay value by introducing new features and civilizations. The game's addictive nature, as mentioned by Kill Screen and Gameblog.fr, with its 'one more turn' gameplay loop, keeps players coming back for more, ensuring long-lasting enjoyment and exploration of different strategies. On the downside, some critics pointed out certain aspects that could potentially detract from the overall replay value of Civilization VI. Xbox Achievements criticized the separate DLCs as exploitative, while Impulsegamer highlighted the lack of online multiplayer at launch for certain platforms, such as the Switch version. Additionally, GameCrate mentioned that the Religious victory condition may feel shallow and in need of tweaking, suggesting that certain aspects of the game could be further refined to enhance the overall replay experience for players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Replay Value of Sid Meier's Civilization VI. The game is praised for its depth, strategic complexity, and addictive gameplay loop that keeps players invested in exploring new civilizations, victory conditions, and gameplay mechanics. Critics like Gameplanet and Critical Hit emphasize the endless replayability of the game, catering to both newcomers and series veterans with its diverse strategies and engaging gameplay. Despite some minor criticisms, the majority of reviewers agree that Civilization VI offers a highly replayable and rewarding experience that guarantees hours of enjoyment and exploration for players.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics laud Sid Meier's Civilization VI for its exceptional replay value, praising its depth, strategic choices, and diverse gameplay mechanics that keep each playthrough unique and engaging. The addition of expansions further enhances replayability, offering new features and civilizations. However, some critics note issues like separate DLCs and lack of online multiplayer at launch. Overall, the game's addictive 'one more turn' loop ensures long-lasting enjoyment and exploration of different strategies, making it a highly replayable and rewarding experience for players.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

93%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The critics' opinions on Sid Meier's Civilization VI overwhelmingly lean towards the positive, with many praising the game for its depth, engaging gameplay, and overall quality. Critics like Game Over Online and GRYOnline.pl commend the game for being a significant addition to the series, offering new content and improvements while maintaining a high level of quality. The Digital Fix and Push Square also highlight the game's appeal to both new and seasoned strategy gamers, with Gameplanet noting that the console version provides the complete Civ VI experience without compromising on depth. On the flip side, some critics do point out areas for improvement in Civilization VI. Quarter to Three and Metro GameCentral mention issues with AI limitations and design flaws that hinder the overall experience. IGN Spain and Xbox Achievements criticize the decision to sell DLC separately, while Game Revolution and PlayStation Universe note technical issues and the absence of certain features like online multiplayer on certain platforms. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive, with many considering Civilization VI as a standout title in the strategy genre. Critics like Post Arcade, Twinfinite, and TheSixthAxis praise the game for its addictive gameplay, visuals, music, and replay value, with Game Revolution even predicting it to become one of the most popular PC titles. The majority of critics view Civilization VI as a must-have for strategy game fans, with its innovative features, immersive experience, and overall quality setting a high standard for the genre. Despite some minor criticisms, the game's strengths overshadow its flaws, making it a highly recommended title with the potential for further enhancements through expansions, as noted by USgamer.

TL;DR

Critics unanimously praise Sid Meier's Civilization VI for its depth, engaging gameplay, and overall quality, with many considering it a standout title in the strategy genre. While some critics point out areas for improvement such as AI limitations and technical issues, the game's innovative features, immersive experience, and high quality make it a must-have for strategy game fans. Overall, Civilization VI receives overwhelming positive feedback, setting a high standard for the genre and showing potential for further enhancements through expansions.

CRITIK

Reviews

196 reviews found

100

TheSixthAxis

Oct 21, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Civilization VI is highly praised for its addictive gameplay, visuals, music, and replay value. The reviewer considers it a new favorite addiction and rates it 10/10.

100

Twinfinite

Oct 25, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review gives Civilization VI a perfect score of 5/5, calling it an exemplary game.

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100

TheXboxHub

Xbox One

Dec 13, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sid Meier's Civilization VI on Xbox One is an utterly compelling and deeply rewarding experience, offering the best strategy game on the platform with stunning presentation, addictive gameplay, and a wealth of content.

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100

Digitally Downloaded

PlayStation 4

Nov 21, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Civilization VI is described as essential, educational, informative, and deeply pertinent to today's world. It is praised for its accessibility, polish, and relevance, making it one of the best releases on the PS4.

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100

Telegraph

Oct 20, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Civilization 6 is a supremely strong strategy experience with only a handful of quirks and flaws, offering a feature-full state that remains fun, exciting, and unpredictable even after extensive playtime.

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100

New York Daily News

Nov 23, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Civilization VI as a fair and challenging game with a depth both classic and newfound, and highly rewarding for players who enjoy careful decision-making.

ZTGD

Nov 3, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Civilization VI is praised for reinvigorating the franchise with fresh and intuitive changes, making it a complex yet accessible strategy game that sets the benchmark for the genre.

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GameGrin

Nov 5, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that Civilization VI is the best base-game installment of the franchise yet, with beautiful visuals, improved AI competence, and a lot to do. It mentions that it may be less accessible for newcomers, but is a great game for returning players.

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Post Arcade (National Post)

Oct 25, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Sid Meier’s Civilization VI is a joy to play and the best the series has produced, making it the best 4X strategy game yet made, with high praise for its gameplay, graphics, and overall appeal.

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Game Informer

Oct 25, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Civilization VI as a refined and rewarding 4X experience, potentially the pinnacle of the series.