New Civilization 7 update makes huge changes to Ages mechanic, adds sandbox mode

Here I am again to argue that Civilization 7, as much as it may be too radical a departure from 4X game tradition, has the potential to be very, very good. Four months since Firaxis launched the strategy sequel and its Steam user ratings are still relatively dismal. Players find that the Ages system fractures and breaks the flow of your empire building, and that certain mechanics like crises and Legacy paths are too punitive or limiting. Competition is stiff. Stellaris keeps evolving, Ara History Untold is mounting a comeback, and beloved classics like Age of Empires 2 and even Civ 5 and 6 are pulling players away from Firaxis' latest. The new Civilization 7 update, however, feels like it could mark the beginning of a turnaround.
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