With the highly anticipated release of Sid Meier's Civilization VII just a week away, the review embargo has been lifted, giving us a glimpse into what fans can expect from this latest installment. Gaming outlets have shared their insights, and we've gathered the most significant takeaways for you.

The standout feature that has garnered widespread acclaim among reviewers is the new Era System, which marks a significant departure from the mechanics of previous games. This system introduces a dynamic evolution of civilizations over time, ensuring that they don't remain static. By dividing the game into three distinct eras, each with its own unique technologies and victory strategies, Civilization VII addresses long-standing issues such as overly long matches and the problem of one civilization gaining an unstoppable advantage. This approach creates a fresh and engaging experience in each era, revitalizing the gameplay.

Another feature that has been well-received is the ability to mix and match leaders with different civilizations. This innovative mechanic adds a new layer of strategic depth, allowing players to leverage the unique strengths of various leaders and civilizations in novel, though not always historically accurate, combinations.

Reviewers have also praised the improved city placement mechanics, enhanced resource management, better district construction, and a more streamlined user interface. However, some have noted that the interface might be overly simplified, which could be a point of contention for some players.

On the downside, several reviews highlighted that the maps in Civilization VII feel too small, which may detract from the sense of scale that fans of the series have come to expect. Technical issues, including bugs and frame rate drops when opening menus, have also been reported. Additionally, some players have expressed frustration over matches ending abruptly, leading to confusion about the game's conclusion.

Given the vast scope and replayability of a game like Civilization, forming a definitive opinion can take years, as the community explores every possible strategy and combination. Nevertheless, the early reviews provide a solid foundation for first impressions, offering a comprehensive overview of what to expect from Civilization VII.