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

Civ 7’s Deluxe Edition release has only been out for a day, yet the internet is already buzzing with opinions about its user interface (UI) and other perceived shortcomings. But is the UI truly as bad as some claim? Let's dive in and analyze the game's UI elements to see if the criticism holds water.

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

Civ 7 has been available for just a day for those who purchased the Deluxe and Founder’s Editions, yet it's already receiving criticism, especially for its UI and the absence of certain quality-of-life features. While it's easy to join the chorus of detractors, it's important to take a step back and evaluate the UI objectively. Let's break it down and see if it meets the standards of a good 4X game interface.

What Makes a Good 4X UI?

Designing a 4X UI isn't a one-size-fits-all task. The effectiveness of a UI depends on the game's specific context, style, and objectives. However, experts have identified key elements that generally contribute to a successful 4X UI. Let's evaluate Civ 7’s UI against these criteria.

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 features should be reachable within a few clicks.

For instance, Against the Storm's building info menus exemplify clear information hierarchy. Each building's right-click menu is divided into tabs, with the default tab showing the most frequently used actions like worker assignment and production settings. Subsequent tabs cover less common features such as inventory management and late-game mechanics.

Now, let's examine Civ 7’s resource rundown UI. While it displays resource allocation across the empire through neatly organized dropdown menus, it lacks detail. It shows resource income, yields, and expenses, but doesn't specify which districts or hexes are contributing. Additionally, expense breakdowns are limited to unit upkeep, leaving other costs unaccounted for. While not the most effective, Civ 7’s resource UI is functional and could benefit from more granular detail.

Effective and Efficient Visual Indicators

Visual indicators are crucial for conveying information quickly and efficiently. A well-designed UI uses icons, colors, and overlays to communicate data without relying heavily on text.

Stellaris's Outliner is a great example of effective visual indicators, providing instant insight into ship statuses and colony needs.

Civ 7 uses iconography and numerical breakdowns effectively for resources. It includes useful overlays like the tile yield display and settlement viability indicators. However, the absence of certain lenses from Civ 6, like appeal and tourism, and the lack of customizable map pins, are notable shortcomings. While not terrible, there is room for improvement in this area.

Searching, Filtering, and Sorting Options

As 4X games grow complex, searching, filtering, and sorting options become vital for managing information overload. These features help players navigate the game more efficiently.

Civ 6's search function is a stellar example, allowing players to locate specific resources or features on the map quickly. Unfortunately, this feature is missing in Civ 7, which is a significant drawback given the game's scale. The absence of a robust search function and enhanced Civilopedia navigation is a notable flaw that hopefully will be addressed in future updates.

Design and Visual Consistency

The UI's aesthetic quality and consistency are crucial for player engagement. A cohesive UI enhances the overall gaming experience.

Civ 6's UI is celebrated for its thematic design, blending seamlessly with the game's cartographical style. In contrast, Civ 7 opts for a minimalist, sophisticated look with a regal black and gold color scheme. While this design aligns with the game's aesthetic, it may not resonate as strongly with players used to the more vibrant style of Civ 6. The UI's subtlety can make it less immediately engaging, leading to mixed reactions among players.

So What’s the Verdict?

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

After evaluating Civ 7’s UI against the criteria for a good 4X game interface, it's clear that while it isn't the best or most refined, it doesn't deserve the harsh criticism it's receiving. The missing search function is a significant issue, but not a game-breaker. Compared to other more pressing issues in the game, the UI's flaws seem minor. While it may not match up to some of the more visually striking and efficient 4X UIs, it still has its strengths.

As a player, I find the rest of the game strong enough to compensate for the UI's imperfections. With future updates and player feedback, the UI may improve and win over more critics. But even now, I believe it's not nearly as bad as some claim.

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