Sid Meier’s Civilizationis primarily a turn-based strategy series that plays within the realm of history, but that has not stopped Firaxis from exploring some wild scenarios over the years. The studio not only tookCivilizationto the stars withCivilization: Beyond Earth, but it also introduced a slew of unique game modes throughCivilization 6’s New Frontier Pass that brought it well past history. It seems like Firaxis really wants to stretch the franchise beyond its limits, andCivilization 7is its chance to really run wild.
One of the unique game modes that the New Frontier Pass introduced wasCiv 6’s Zombie Defense mode. This mode gave the turn-based strategy game a zombie apocalypse skin, and it led to a unique gameplay experience. It was far from perfect, but the studio could do a lot more with the concept if given the chance. If Firaxis really wantsCivilization 7to stand out from the crowd, then expanding upon its most unique mechanics may be the best way to do it.
RELATED:Civilization 7 Should Take the Apocalypse to the Next Level
Civilization Should Go All in On Zombies
The Zombie Defense mode was introduced inCivilization 6’sPortugal Pack. While the game mostly plays the same, this game mode adds an extra layer with the addition of the zombie apocalypse. Units no longer stay dead, and will return as hungry zombies bent on spreading their infection. If the player does not act fast enough, the world can quickly become overwhelmed by the undead.
Every singleCivilization 6unit has the chance to return as a zombie after they die. These zombies will then attack the nearest non-zombie, and any unit that it kills will respawn as a zombie. Players can construct traps and barricades tostopCivilization’szombie hordes, but things can quickly spiral out of control.
The addition of zombies also comes with multiple new projects for civilizations to focus on. Two different projects allow the player to subjugate the zombies and gain control of them for a brief period. Players can also spawn zombies on other civilizations via a spy operation, making zombies a powerful asset throughout the game. While they can still be a major nuisance, these zombies also serve a greater purpose for those willing to utilize the undead to help themachieve aCivilizationvictory.
The zombie game mode adds many interesting mechanics to the game, but something is missing. This is the first iteration of a game mode like this, thus Firaxis did not go absolutely wild with the concept.Civilization’s zombies and mythsmay stray from the series' core idea, but they still play it relatively safe. If the studio wants the next game to really blow players away, then maybe it should consider going even deeper into this unique mode.
The Zombie Defense mode could be even more high-stakes than it already is. Zombies should be harder to kill, they could infect tiles they cross, they could spawn more hordes, and there could be multiple variations likesurvival zombie gameshave. Players could be forced to utilize far more than traps and barricades to stop them, and they should even be given the option to research a cure. It should feel like the literal zombie apocalypse and making it as scary as possible would go a long way in accomplishing that.
Firaxis should focus on getting the coreCivilization 7gameplayexperience right before branching out into these unique scenarios. The historical leaders are the main reason players come to this franchise, and that should not change any time soon. However, there is also room to make these optional game modes even more interesting going forward. Playing around with history will only get the studio so far, and it would be great to see modes like Zombie Defense become as fun as they can be.
