Haven't bought it. I'm torn. I like a lot, the vast majority of what I've seen as changes. But.
I love the age system as a concept (and leaders detached from civs, and the leader selection is good), but it requires a *much* larger and much more diverse civ selection to realize its potential, and right now, not only does it not have that, but there are some very concerning signs that the Devs intend to waste design space on adding another age where half the civs would just be repeat of already-existing Modern civs (eg, Prussia/Germany, Russia/USSR, Ggreat Britain/UK, French Empire/France, and the worst offender of all, America/USA).
Additionally, the lack of support for larger map and messaging around it of the "We recommend you play on even smaller maps than the largest currently available even if you like larger maps" type is just galling me the wrong way - it comes off as a condescending push toward fast conflict-oriented games at the expanse of, you know, actually *building your empire*. I'm notably less than interested in that push, and until they rectify the problem with bigger maps, the game is not for me. IT'S not the first time (Civ VI was already trending that way) the Devs come off as having a massive "real civ is played on duel in a couple of hours" blinders on, and it's the antithesis of everything I like about the game.
In the same vein, the now well documented use of ridiculous level of forward settling by the AI, which falls right into the same mentality of "You're here for empire building? Nah, we've decided what you need is conflict" game design approach. Really not into that version of it either.
Finally, though I am loathe to mention it...while I am not fully boycotting (also it's nearly impossible) I am scrutinizing purchase from American companies a *lot* more than usual given current events, and it would take a far more intense "must have" of a game to justify this expenditure right now. Civ IV was the last Civ I felt that way about, not because it was necessarily a better game, but because my interests have evolved to the point where Civ is...a franchise I really like that still gives me many hours of fun, but I have other games I can play that will also do that.
Unless we see some major change or good news on the first three points, it feels unlikely I'll buy the game, and even then I may still wait until the current nonsense finally calms down.
and maybe a Greek leader sooner rather than later?
). My main reservations were eras and CIV switching but after having played several games, they are not game breaking for me.
