With the highly anticipated release of Sid Meier's Civilization VII just a week away, the review embargo has been lifted, and gaming outlets have shared their initial impressions. We've distilled the key points from these reviews to give you a comprehensive overview of what to expect.

One of the most celebrated new features in Civilization VII is the Era System, a novel addition that was missing from its predecessors. This system introduces a dynamic evolution of civilizations over time, ensuring that gameplay remains fresh and engaging. The Era System divides the game into three distinct periods, each with its own set of technologies and victory strategies, effectively addressing previous issues such as overly long matches and the risk of one civilization dominating the game.

Another feature that has garnered praise is the flexibility to mix and match leaders with different civilizations. This innovative mechanic adds a layer of strategic depth, allowing players to experiment with various leader-civilization combinations, even if they aren't historically accurate. This freedom can lead to unique and exciting gameplay experiences.

Reviewers have also commended the game for its improved city placement mechanics, enhanced resource management, better district construction, and a more streamlined user interface (UI). However, some critics felt that the UI might be overly simplified, potentially impacting the depth of the gameplay experience.

On the flip side, several reviewers noted that the maps in Civilization VII feel too small, which can detract from the grand scale that fans of the series have come to expect. Technical issues, such as bugs and frame rate drops when accessing menus, were also mentioned. Additionally, some players reported that matches can end abruptly, leaving them confused about the final outcome.

Given the vast and replayable nature of Civilization games, forming a definitive opinion on Civilization VII will likely take years, as the community explores every possible strategy and combination. However, the early reviews offer a solid first impression, highlighting both the game's innovative features and areas that may need further refinement.