Civilization 7 is here, and for fans of strategy games (or just world domination in general), it’s a fresh spin on the classic 4X (explore, expand, exploit, exterminate) formula.
But this time, there’s a special reason for Filipinos to pay attention. José Rizal is officially part of the leader roster. Yes, you can now guide the Philippines to victory through diplomacy, culture, and possibly a bit of accidental warfare (oops).
Gameplay & Mechanics: Brain power required
At its core, Civ 7 still follows the classic turn-based strategy formula: you pick a civilization, build cities, research tech, manage resources, and either outsmart or outlast everyone else. The game gives you four major paths to follow (economic, scientific, cultural, and militaristic) so you’re free to rule as a peaceful philosopher or a warmongering overlord (or both, if you’re indecisive).
If you’re new to Civilization, prepare for information overload. There are mechanics for city-building, unit management, trade, diplomacy, and war, and each decision can change the course of your civilization’s fate. Fortunately, the tutorial does a decent job of walking you through the basics, but Civ 7 is still the kind of game where you’ll learn best by making a ton of mistakes.
The Rizal Factor: Diplomatic flex or total chaos?
The highlight for Filipino players is definitely José Rizal’s inclusion. He’s designed as a peaceful, culture-focused leader, which means you can win without relying on brute force. But when the AI (or another player) starts getting aggressive, things can go south fast.
In my playthrough, what started as a diplomatic approach quickly turned into a defensive mess when another civ (cough Greece cough) decided they didn’t want to be friends. Lesson learned: peace is great, but having a solid military doesn’t hurt.
Oh, and hearing Rizal speak in Tagalog in a Civilization game? Kinda surreal, but also really cool.
Graphics & Presentation: History, but make it pretty
Visually, the game looks great. The world map is vibrant, the cities feel alive, and leader animations add personality to historical figures. The UI has been streamlined, making things easier to navigate, though there’s still a lot of information to absorb.
Multiplayer & Replayability: Clear your schedule
Civ 7 is best enjoyed at your own pace, but if you’re stepping into multiplayer, prepare for marathon sessions. Games can last hours (or days, if you’re playing with slow decision-makers). That said, the unpredictability of human opponents makes for some of the most entertaining matches. Alliances are formed, betrayals happen, and sometimes, you just get steamrolled out of nowhere.
Final Thoughts: Worth it?
If you’re a longtime Civ fan, Civilization 7 brings enough new features and polish to keep things interesting. If you’re a newcomer, the learning curve is steep, but once you get the hang of it, it’s incredibly rewarding. And if you’re Filipino? Seeing Rizal in a major strategy game is a definite flex.
Rating: 8.5/10
✅ Deep, satisfying strategy gameplay
✅ Seeing José Rizal in Civilization is a win
✅ More accessible UI and tutorial improvements
❌ Still a huge time commitment
❌ New players will need patience (or a mentor)
Verdict: A must-play if you love strategy, history, or just want to see Rizal go from a peaceful reformer to an empire-building legend.