Sid Meier's Civilization VI
- November 22, 2019
- Aspyr (Mac)
- 90h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on Xbox Games Store
Get on PS StoreSid Meier’s Civilization VI: Platinum Edition is the perfect entry point for PC gamers who have yet to experience the addictive gameplay that has made Civilization one of the greatest game series of all time. The package includes Sid Meier's Civilization VI, six DLC packs as well as the Rise and Fall and Gathering Storm expansions.
Mac OS
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
Cloud
Linux
NVIDIA GeForce NOW
PlayStation
Tablet
Xbox
Xbox Game Pass
Reviews
- The game is a surprisingly capable port for the Switch, allowing for enjoyable handheld play and portability.
- Civ VI offers a deep and addictive gameplay experience, with a rich historical context and strategic depth that keeps players engaged for hours.
- The controls are well-designed for the Switch, making it easier to play casually while multitasking or on the go.
- Performance issues are prevalent, with long loading times and significant lag during late-game turns, which detracts from the overall experience.
- The absence of online multiplayer and certain features from the PC version, such as adjustable UI and keyboard shortcuts, limits the gameplay experience.
- The pricing for the game and its expansions is considered steep, especially compared to the PC version, leading to concerns about value for money.
- gameplay12 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay is described as addictive and rewarding, with a steep learning curve that offers immense depth and strategic complexity, particularly through various victory types. While the mechanics can be slow and challenging for newcomers, players appreciate the dynamic nature of the game, despite some performance issues on the Nintendo Switch. Overall, the gameplay experience is enjoyable, though opinions vary on its execution and interface.
“Once you understand the gameplay mechanics, this game really is addictive.”
“Since beginning to play, I've spent a lot of time on forums and watching videos to better understand options and optimize gameplay.”
“I liked the system of having different types of victories (religious, cultural, science), which makes gameplay much more dynamic than just domination-style victories.”
“The game offers immense depth and complexity, making it difficult for newcomers to grasp all its mechanics and intricacies.”
“However, my biggest complaint keeping me from giving 4 stars is that the game mechanics are so damn slow.”
“However, after playing with it I was quite disappointed in the game mechanics, the graphics, and the interface... I just didn’t like it, especially while playing with the Switch away from the dock.”
- graphics9 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 22 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising the art style and visual quality, particularly on handheld devices, while others criticize the overall performance, including long loading times and a cluttered user interface. Players noted that the graphics are a downgrade from the PC version, and some found the cartoonish style unappealing. Overall, while there are highlights in the artwork and details, technical issues detract from the experience.
“Graphics are great and words are readable even on the smaller handheld screen.”
“The graphics are awesome, the gameplay is fun, Sean Bean was an awesome choice as a narrator, and it's quick and easy.”
“I really like the art style, as well.”
“The visuals are a step down from the PC version, obviously.”
“Nothing like Civilization on the computer; the huge map is tiny, loads super slow, icons don't have labels, can't get to the next turn for crap, the UI is complete garbage, controls are badly assigned, and the graphics are very cartoony. It's a complete fail for the software developer.”
“However, after playing with it, I was quite disappointed in the game mechanics, the graphics, and the interface. I just didn’t like it, especially while playing with the Switch away from the dock.”
- optimization8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization varies significantly between platforms, with the PC version offering smoother performance compared to the Switch, which experiences longer loading times and occasional lag, particularly in late-game scenarios. While players noted some performance issues on the Switch, many found them manageable and did not significantly impact gameplay. The controls are generally well-received, although docked mode sacrifices touch controls for joystick use.
“I didn't have any issues with the vanilla game as far as bugs or performance; loading times are much longer on the Switch as opposed to the PC, and it will lag during the late game, but nothing impacting gameplay.”
“Now that I can play it on Switch without significant performance issues, I'm addicted all over again.”
“Controls are great, performance is pretty good; it slows down around turn 130, but that's pretty standard Civ performance.”
“On the big screen, it looks to be 1080p, but performance is lacking on both ways to play.”
“Loading times are much longer on the Switch as opposed to the PC, and it will lag during the late game, but nothing impacting gameplay.”
“The performance isn't the best on the Switch, but it is understandable.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find that the late game can become tedious due to excessive grinding, leading to a less enjoyable experience.
“The late game, I've found, becomes tedious.”
“Grinding feels like a never-ending chore rather than an enjoyable part of the game.”
“The repetitive nature of grinding makes it hard to stay engaged with the game.”
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is praised for its unique feature of evolving in complexity alongside the player's civilization, enhancing the overall experience and immersion.
“The music is special because it grows in complexity as the civilization develops.”
“The soundtrack perfectly complements the gameplay, enhancing the overall experience.”
“Each track feels unique and immersive, drawing you deeper into the game's world.”
- story1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game features a limited number of scenarios, with no overarching campaign or narrative to engage players, leading to a loss of interest after repeated playthroughs.
“There are only 4 or 5 scenarios included, and there isn't a campaign or story to follow. After finally winning a few times, I lost interest.”
“The narrative feels disjointed and lacks depth, making it hard to stay engaged with the characters.”
“I expected a rich storyline, but instead, it felt like a series of random events with no real connection.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The Switch edition of the game experiences minor glitches and bugs, but overall, stability remains relatively intact.
“The Switch edition has a few small glitches and bugs.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it nearly unplayable.”
“I experienced several freezes during gameplay, which ruined the experience.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy introduces a strategic element by limiting the number of tanks players can deploy, encouraging thoughtful gameplay rather than overwhelming force.
