Summary
The wait forCivilization 7continues to stretch on, and with Firaxis' most anticipated project yet still in its early developmental stages, there is a gap in the 4X Strategy market begging to be filled.Civilization 6has a cemented status as one of the far and away most popular options in the genre, and the developer continues to tweak the award-winning title’s experience with leader packs and scenario updates, making it a premier choice for players. However, there’s only so much sprucing up that can quench the thirst for a new installment, and the category is holding its breath for a new wave of content. There are plenty of alternatives for players to turn to while waiting forCivilization 7news, andTotal War: Warhammer 3is a perfect stand-in game.
Although officially announced back in February of this year, news aboutCivilization 7has been practically nonexistent in the months since, with Firaxis preferring a tight-lipped approach to its development. It seems likely not to expect any updates until 2024, and with the emergence of multiple blockbustergames likeStarfieldin the months leading up to the Game of The Year celebrations, the 4X Strategy category seems lacking for fresh options. However, some existing titles can fill the void while fans wait for the next earthshaking entry, andTotal War: Warhammer 3has a few features that make it a solid alternative to theCivilizationfranchise.
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Total War: Warhammer 3’s Attention to Detail Rivals Civilization
WhileCivilizationis focused on progression through humanity’s eras from ancient times and bronze tools to the Information Era and nukes,Total War: Warhammer 3is fantasy-oriented, filled with different mythical creatures and a story-driven approach never previously employed in the franchise.Games likeCivilizationandRise of Nationstypically don’t offer much in terms of story, letting players focus on smooth progressions and building out cities in the quest to craft the most powerful nation, butWarhammer 3employs a unique route, turning the traditional dreary tutorials into a story mode where gamers ease into the title’s features.
Warhammer 2neglected to include any tutorial, instead thrusting the player base directly into the thick of proceedings, soWarhammer 3’s story-based guidance was much appreciated.Civilizationhas often faced criticism for its diplomatic and negotiation features despite its focus on diplomacy as a victory condition, andCivilization 6attempted to rectify this dynamic with theGreat Negotiators expansion pack. Unfortunately, the changes did little to improve the diplomatic experience, with the leaders from the expansion pack instead receiving boosts tailored for Domination victories and negligible improvements in negotiations.
In contrast, diplomacy is one ofWarhammer 3’s strengths, with quick trade deals and a provision to automatically add enough money to ensure acceptance instead of negotiating tirelessly. Additionally, declaring war on anation inCivilizationis not a pleasant ordeal—no matter how logically justified the action may be—and can often attract denouncements from leaders.Warhammer 3’s AI is more reasonable, allowing players to warn trespassing armies before attacking without repercussions. Creative Assembly crafted the title with a hyper-focus on the workings of war, so the level of detail in war mechanics was no surprise for fans.
Perhaps the most alluring element inWarhammer 3lies in its flying formations, and they’re totally different from any units in theCivilizationfranchise. InWarhammer 2, flying units could only remain airborne, but the latest installment allows movement for most users between the ground and the skies. This dynamic is especially handy for sieges, which are a huge staple ofWarhammer 3from minor settlement battles to full-scale city warfare and the reworked skill tree is also a tantalizing prospect.Civilization 7may still be years away, butWarhammer 3offers enough variety to keep the strategy fan base occupied till then.
