So let's talk about Rome then...

[NukeAJS]

Rome is arguably the best all-around civ in the game. It's near impossible to get a start where you won't be using all or most of their abilities to very high effect. The only situation I can think of where they wouldn't be so great is an archipelago map. But who likes playing archepelago maps in Civ6? Little land to means nowhere to plop districts.

Legions, while really expensive in the iron department, are infinitely more useful than most other military units in peacetime -- they can run around and repair and chop stuff. Other units just sit there and fog-bust (which legions can do when they aren't repairing or have used their chop. Yeah, Rome is quite versatile.

Actually, the more I think about it, the more I think Japan is probably the most versatile civ out there. There are others though -- Australia comes to mind immediately -- but I dunno if Australia's relatively easy high adjacency bonuses is better than Japan's faster districts (all three of which are "victory districts").

 

[Sostratus]

Actually, the more I think about it, the more I think Japan is probably the most versatile civ out there. There are others though -- Australia comes to mind immediately -- but I dunno if Australia's relatively easy high adjacency bonuses is better than Japan's faster districts (all three of which are "victory districts")

Aztec district builder rush is always useful, as is the 2 extra amenities per lux. Even peaceful games. 1 builder=free district at serfdom. That;s one of the most efficient production transfers in the game (create builder in productive city, use to make district in low production city.) Great for those big grassy areas with lots of food but no cogs. Or getting harbors set up generally.

I've yet to come across a map that Germany couldn't succeed at. I suppose a high sea level archipelago would do it, but otherwise you always have terrain - even barren snow- that can be converted into a production super generator. But you have to exploit hansas aggressively for that. Production is just too useful. (And the free red slot never hurts.)

Also you're leaving out Australia's hilariously strong outback station! That thing is a menace.