Sid Meier's Civ 7: A Revolutionary Vision of Strategy

Civilization's leaders are as iconic as the civilizations themselves. Firaxis' approach to selecting national representatives has evolved significantly over the years. This article explores Civilization VII's leader roster and how it redefines leadership throughout the series' history.

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Civ VII: A New Era of Leadership

Civ leaders have been a core element of the series since its inception. Each leader embodies their civilization's identity, playing a crucial role in gameplay. However, the portrayal of leaders has diversified with each installment, refining the concept of leadership and its impact on the game.

This article examines the evolution of Civilization's leader roster, highlighting changes across different iterations and how Civ VII presents a unique and diverse lineup.

Early Civ: A Focus on Global Superpowers

The original Civilization featured a relatively small roster, primarily representing major global powers of the early 1990s and historical antiquity. The leaders were largely established heads of state, reflecting the most widely recognized figures from each civilization.

With only 15 civilizations, the game included figures like Abraham Lincoln, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Mahatma Gandhi, and Julius Caesar. The selection, while straightforward, prioritized established historical figures. The limited scope of the original game reflects the technological constraints of its time.

This approach, while simple, was a product of its time. However, subsequent iterations introduced greater diversity and innovation.

Civ II-V: Expanding the Definition of Leadership

Civilization II expanded the roster and introduced a separate female leader roster. It also broadened the definition of "leader" to include influential figures beyond heads of state, such as Sacagawea and Amaterasu.

Civ III integrated female leaders directly into the main roster, with notable examples like Joan of Arc and Catherine the Great replacing their male counterparts.

Civ IV and V further expanded the roster and the definition of leadership. Revolutionaries, generals, and reformists became common, with major civilizations often represented by multiple leaders. The focus shifted towards representing a broader spectrum of human experience.

Civ VI: Characterization and Creativity Take Center Stage

Civilization VI emphasized characterization, diversity, and creativity, presenting leaders as stylized animated figures. Leader Personas were introduced, offering alternative versions of the same leader with distinct playstyles. Lesser-known historical figures gained prominence.

Examples include Lautaro of the Mapuche and Bà Triệu of Vietnam. The game also featured multiple leader options for some civilizations, such as America (Lincoln and Roosevelt) and China (Qin Shi Huang, Wu Zetian, and Yongle).

Leader Personas added further depth, showcasing different facets of a leader's personality and rule. This approach laid the groundwork for Civ VII's innovative leader selection.

Civ VII: A Bold New Approach to Leadership

Civilization VII represents the culmination of Firaxis' evolving leader selection philosophy. It features the most diverse roster yet, with unconventional leaders, multiple personas, and carefully curated choices tailored to different playstyles.

The game's mix-and-match approach allows lesser-known figures to take center stage. Harriet Tubman, the American abolitionist, is a prime example, filling a unique spymaster role.

Other notable additions include Niccolò Machiavelli and José Rizal, representing a shift towards a broader and more inclusive representation of historical figures.

Over nearly 30 years, Civilization has evolved from a game focused on major world powers to a diverse and imaginative exploration of humanity's story. The definition of leadership has transformed, but the importance of these figures remains constant.

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