Sid Meier's Civilization VI

One of the biggest PC launch exclusives of recent memory is now available for a home console. It may not be the first one you’d suspect however. Play the world’s most epic strategy franchise at home or on the go with Sid Meier’s Civilization VI for Nintendo Switch.

Sid Meier's Civilization VISid Meier’s Civilization VI Details

Platform: Nintendo Switch
Developer: Firaxis Games, Aspyr Media
Publisher: 2K Games
Genre: Strategy
Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10+)

Is it worth the “Switch”?

I am an absolute Sid Meier’s Civilization VI fanatic.  I’m currently approaching 400 hours in the game’s original PC release. I even have the mobile port at hand on my iPhone X.

So upon first hearing that the game would be coming to the Nintendo Switch console, I was cautiously optimistic. While Sid Meier’s Civilization VI is easily one of my favourite games of recent memory, it is also one with strong ties to a traditional PC gaming setup. Furthermore, the mobile version—while impressively portable—simply does not cut the mustard for proper gameplay.

I’m happy to say that I was blown away by the quality of the port to Nintendo Switch. This version utilizes the layout of the console beautifully, and compromises very little in the process. This is definitely no watered-down mobile port.

Sid Meier's Civilization VI

Taking control

Whether your Switch is on the dock or in your hands, Sid Meier’s Civilization VI looks fantastic and controls with ease. You can accomplish any and all tasks using the console’s touch screen feature. This is great, especially if you are ever lost for a button mapping—but in my books it’s the ingenious controller layout that really shines.

I was able to jump right into a game without missing my keyboard and mouse setup whatsoever. Nearly every control or action feels as though it is intuitively set up the way I would expect. I expect that most players will find it equally easy to master Sid Meier’s Civilization VI’s control scheme.

Sid Meier's Civilization VI

Seamless integration

Not only are the controls intuitive, they are easy and effective to use, which makes for a fun experience indeed. Despite the complex series of actions and menu screen that make up the game, I was maneuvering with ease and accomplishing my goals at a pace commensurate with the PC experience. The game’s developers really succeed in perfectly optimizing every aspect for the Nintendo Switch.

If I do have just one small complaint about the layout, it’s to do with the troop information pop-up. When you have a troop selected, its vitals and commands window takes up the entire bottom right side of the screen. Don’t get me wrong—this is vital information and necessary for gameplay.

What’s bothersome though is that with this window blocking such a large part of the map, it’s difficult to see where you are moving to. I only wish there was a quick and easy way to toggle this information on and off. Instead the game forces you to pan the camera out and away every time you want to move in a southwest direction. Either that or risk moving blindly!

Sid Meier's Civilization VI

Fun for everyone

Sid Meier’s Civilization VI’s exceptional Switch port makes it a wonderful option for fans of the game who want to break free from the limitations of their home PC setup. Yet it’s also a fantastic entry for those new to the series, or who haven’t had the opportunity to play on PC. The intuitive controls along with the game’s in depth tutorials and help menus are a great way to get into the strategy genre by easing in the younger, often more casual Switch audience.

I was brimming with both shock and pride when my 12 year old daughter decided to forego her staple games such as Fortnite and Mario Tennis Aces, electing instead to spend hours on end just playing Sid Meier’s Civilization VI. Furthermore, she sought out very little advice from me in the process. Instead I simply received enthusiastic updates on her friendship with China and her war with the Egyptian empire.

This tells me that there is a special appeal to a game like this on the Nintendo Switch. When done correctly, as it most certainly is in this case, it has the potential to introduce a whole new wave of gamers into a realm of strategy and exploration that they may be missing otherwise.

Sid Meier's Civilization VI

A wealth of content

Sid Meier’s Civilization VI on Nintendo Switch does not include the subsequent large scale expansions of its PC counterpart. It does however include the full breadth of the original release—and that’s an awful lot. As stated earlier, I have nearly 400 hours with just this content alone, and I’m certainly not getting bored yet.

The game is of course optimized with all the latest updates. On top of that, it also includes an additional four content. These include the Vikings Scenario Pack, Poland Civilization & Scenario Pack, Australia Civilization & Scenario Pack, and the Persia and Macedon Civilization & Scenario Pack.

That’s a full four additional leaders and civilizations to choose from. This is in addition to the massive 20 leaders and civilizations already part of the core game. Not to mention the boost in the number of playable scenarios as well.

Sid Meier's Civilization VI

Sid Meier’s Civilization VI on Nintendo Switch is the ultimate console strategy experience

I came into Sid Meier’s Civilization VI on Nintendo Switch with my expectations in check. Instead I was absolutely blown away by what an excellent port it is. Almost nothing is lost between the PC and Switch experiences, save perhaps for a bit of loading time depending on the power of the PC you may be comparing it to. Still the game shines and delights whether playing on the big screen or on the go.

The seamless integration of both touch screen and button controls is done flawlessly. The joy of such a serviceable experience on a handheld console is more than enough to make you forget all about the ease of mouse and keyboard. And as my daughter has certainly proven to me, Sid Meier’s Civilization VI on Nintendo Switch has broad appeal indeed. The only issue now is having to battle her for playing time!

+ Control mapping and menu optimization
+ Runs flawlessly on the big screen or on the go
+ Tons of content and endless replayability

– Unit information window takes up a lot of real estate on the screen 

OVERALL ASSESSMENT OF SID MEIER’S CIVILIZATION VI

Gameplay: 5/5
Graphics: 4/5
Sound: 4/5
Lasting Appeal/Replayability: 5/5

Overall Rating 4.5/5 (90%)

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Dave Neufeld
Dave is an avid gamer, a musician/songwriter/recording artist, and an ardent reader with a degree in the Classics but a love for comics too. When he's not gigging with the band or pulling books at his local comic shop, he can usually be found gaming on any platform, from consoles to PC to his self-built personal arcade cabinet.

1 COMMENT

  1. I can’t say that I have ever been big into the strategy game style. I’d like to give this a try and see how I’ll enjoy it. I’m glad that you are enjoying it!

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