Civilization leaders are iconic, almost as famous as the civilizations themselves. But how Firaxis chooses each nation's representative has evolved significantly over the years. Let's explore Civilization VII's roster and how it redefines leadership.
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Civ VII Redefines What it Means to Be a Leader
Civilization leaders have always been central to the series' identity, shaping gameplay since the very first game. Each leader embodies their civilization, making them as crucial as the civilization itself. While their role remains constant, the representation of leaders has evolved dramatically across each installment, refining the concept of leadership and its impact on gameplay.
This exploration delves into Civilization's history, examining how its leader roster has evolved, the changes in each iteration, and how Civilization VII uniquely redefines leadership.
Early Civilization: A Club of Superpowers
The original Civilization featured a relatively simple roster compared to later games. Mostly global superpowers from antiquity and the early 1990s were represented, with their leaders being fairly predictable.
Limited by design and technology, the game included only 15 civilizations, featuring familiar names like America, Rome, Greece, Japan, China, France, Egypt, and Russia. Leadership was straightforward: leaders were historical heads of state. The selection prioritized widely recognized figures.
This resulted in leaders like Abraham Lincoln, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Mahatma Gandhi, and Julius Caesar—alongside more controversial figures like Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin. Elizabeth I was the sole female leader. It was a direct, almost textbook approach, understandable given the game's era. However, the series would evolve significantly.
Civilization II Through V: Increasing Diversity and Creativity
Civilization II expanded the roster and included lesser-known powers like the Sioux alongside established superpowers like Spain. Importantly, it introduced a separate female leader roster, providing both male and female options for each civilization.
The definition of "leader" broadened. Figures who weren't heads of state but were pivotal to their civilization's identity, such as Sacagawea (Sioux) and Amaterasu (Japan), took center stage.
Civilization III integrated more female leaders directly into the main roster, including Joan of Arc replacing Napoleon for France and Catherine the Great replacing Stalin for Russia.
Civilization IV and V further expanded the roster and the definition of leadership. Revolutionaries, generals, reformists, and even consorts became common. Traditional leaders were either replaced or supplemented, as seen with Wu Zetian replacing Mao Zedong for China and both Victoria I and Elizabeth I representing England. The focus shifted to a broader representation of humanity's story.
Civilization VI: A Flourishing of Character and Creativity
Civilization VI saw a significant leap in characterization, diversity, and creativity. Leaders became stylized animated caricatures, and Leader Personas were introduced—alternative versions emphasizing different aspects of a leader's personality and offering varied playstyles. Lesser-known figures from less prominent civilizations were included.
Lautaro (Mapuche), Bà Triệu (Vietnam), and Queen Gorgo (Sparta) are prime examples. Leaders were no longer defined solely by their entire legacies but by distinct chapters of their lives, foreshadowing Civ VII's approach. Multiple leader options for civilizations like America and China further enhanced diversity. Leader Personas for figures like Catherine de Medici and Theodore Roosevelt added further depth.
Civilization VII: Fresh Faces and Unique Leadership
Civilization VII represents the pinnacle of Firaxis' leader selection philosophy. It features the most diverse roster yet, with unconventional leaders, multiple personas, and carefully curated choices tailored to different playstyles.
The mix-and-match approach to civilizations and leaders allows even lesser-known figures to shine. Harriet Tubman's inclusion as an American abolitionist leader, filling the spymaster role, is a significant example. Niccolò Machiavelli's inclusion, despite not being a head of state, perfectly embodies his diplomatic strategies. José Rizal of the Philippines represents a significant upgrade for his civilization.
Over nearly 30 years, Civilization has evolved from a game about superpowers to a diverse representation of humanity's great minds. The definition of leadership has broadened dramatically, yet the significance of leaders remains unwavering.
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