It’s hard to believe that Civilization VII has already been out (almost) a year.  Tomorrow will mark the fateful day that big spenders (like yours portly) began their early access to the game, which was clearly incomplete at the time of release.

That said, the game—for all of its flaws—was still fun.  Indeed, I still find it super fun.  If anything, the game has gotten better—much, much better!—over the last year.

Perhaps the best improvement to the game has been the big naval update a couple of months back.  That added lots of new water resources and improved naval combat.  It also added Edward Teach (Blackbeard the Pirate) and, in the Exploration Age, The Republic of Pirates.  I currently have a game going as Blackbeard and it is really fun.

Will the game ever reach the heights of Civ VI, it’s much-beloved predecessor?  It seems doubtful at the time of writing.  Have I played Civ VI since VII‘s release?  Nope!  That’s a testament to how much I enjoy this game.

With that, here is 5 February 2025’s “Civilization is Coming“:

Civilization VII is coming out next week.  Technically, players who pre-ordered the higher tiers of the game can start playing tomorrow.

I told Dr. Girlfriend that the release of Civ VII is for me what seeing Taylor Swift on the Eras tour was for her.  I was planning on pre-ordering the standard version ($70) after bringing in some juicy lessons incomes.

Out of the blue, she sends me the money to buy the coveted Founders Edition.  Holy moly!

So, after today, I will probably go without sleep for days.  Just… one… more… turn!

See you on the other side!

—TPP