Red Dead Redemption 2may be a world away from theCivilizationseries, but it could serve as a healthy inspiration forCivilization 7’s take on America. After six installments, it would be a good time to try something different with one of the series' mainstay civilizations.Civilization 7is the perfect opportunity to do some reinvention, as while the game’s mechanics are solid, there are a few ideas that have yet to be tried. Among all the series' recurring civilizations, America may be the best example of this.
WithTeddy Roosevelt inCivilization 6, America has been further established as one of the series' most consistent participants. Although America has seen more cycling leaders throughout the franchise than most civilizations, particularly compared to India with Gandhi or the Aztecs with Montezuma, the nation’s presence has been a constant. It’s certain thatCivilization 7will include America when it comes out, but just because the same civilization is returning doesn’t mean that its next incarnation can’t take a new direction.
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Civilization 7 Could Spotlight America’s Wild West Period
America’s path toachieving victory in theCivilizationgamesis almost always the same. Its unique abilities and units usually show up in later historical periods, making it one of the game’s stronger late-game civilizations. It’s odd that a society with such a long history of diverse leaders rarely sees its role change, especially with mismatches like George Washington having B-17 Bombers as his unique unit. Rather than focusing on the endgame,Civilization 7’s America could aim for a different approach by embracing the cowboys of America’s wild west period.
Although the games couldn’t be more different,Red Dead Redemption’s wild west settingwould be an excellent inspiration for America inCivilization 7. Rather than the late-game technology this civilization usually focuses on, it could have abilities inspired by the rough-and-tumble nature of cowboys. A horse-mounted cowboy could be a unique mid-game unit, able to attack from close or medium range with their firearms. As for abilities, something like slower consumption of food or better yields from farms could be a way to show the agrarian culture or hardiness of this lifestyle.
While America has never been a bad choice in theCivilizationgames, a rework of its approach could give the society more of an interesting identity. Thelong-awaitedCivilization 7could use a wild west America to focus on a different vision of the country than it does usually, and it’s surprising the series has not embraced this part of history considering how iconic the images of cowboys and outlaws on horseback are to American culture.Red Dead Redemption’s success only emphasizes that. For this reason, a cowboy-themed approach would be the best way to changeCivilization’s long-running American representation.
Civilizationis a series based on innovation, with every civilization playing a different way due to their unique traits from history. The series is highly memorable for this reason, and withCivilization 7now in development, it can really play on its creative spirit with a rework of America’s design. Replacing the aircraft and bombers of the past with ranches and cowboys would pay tribute to one of the most iconic periods of American history while also introducing some new ideas that fit with the idea of manifest destiny.Red Dead Redemptionshows that this version of America has potential in the gaming world, andCivilization 7has the chance to capitalize on that.
Civilization 7is in development.
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