Civilization's leaders are as iconic as the civilizations themselves. Firaxis' approach to choosing each nation's representative has evolved significantly over the years. Let's explore the evolution of Civilization VII's leader roster and how it redefines leadership.
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Civ VII Redefines What it Means to Be a Leader
Since the first game, Civ leaders have been integral to the series' identity. Each leader embodies their civilization, making them as important as the civilization itself. While their role remains constant, the types of leaders and how they influence gameplay have evolved with each installment. This exploration delves into Civilization's history, examining the evolution of its leader roster and how Civilization VII presents a unique and redefined approach to leadership.
Early Civ: A Club of Superpowers
The original Civilization featured a relatively simple roster compared to later iterations. Most were global superpowers from history and antiquity, with predictable choices for leaders.
With limited scope and technology, the game included 15 civilizations (America, Rome, Greece, Japan, China, France, Egypt, Russia, etc.). Leadership was straightforward – 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. This approach, while simple, reflects the context of the game's release. However, subsequent iterations brought significant changes.
Civ II Through V: Increasing Diversity and Creativity
Civilization II expanded the roster and included lesser powers like the Sioux. Significantly, it introduced a separate female leader roster, providing both male and female options for each civilization.
The definition of "leader" broadened. Figures pivotal to their civilization's identity, even if not heads of state, became prominent. Examples include Sacagawea (Sioux) and Amaterasu (Japan).
Civ III integrated female leaders into the main roster, featuring six. Some replaced historically dominant male counterparts (Joan of Arc replacing Napoleon, Catherine the Great replacing Stalin).
Civ IV and V further expanded the roster and the definition of leadership. Revolutionaries, generals, reformers, and consorts became common. Traditional figureheads were replaced or doubled, with examples like Wu Zetian replacing Mao Zedong in China, and both Victoria I and Elizabeth I representing England. The focus shifted from solely the powerful and famous to a broader representation of humanity.
Civ VI: A Flourishing of Character and Creativity
Civilization VI saw a flourishing of characterization, diversity, and creativity. Leaders became stylized animated caricatures. Leader Personas—alternative versions emphasizing different aspects of a leader's personality or rule—offered varied playstyles. Lesser-known figures from less prominent civilizations were included.
Lautaro (Mapuche), Bà Triệu (Vietnam), and Queen Gorgo (Sparta) are notable examples. Leaders were no longer defined by their entire legacies, but by specific chapters of their lives, a concept that influenced Civ VII. Eleanor of Aquitaine (France or England) and Kublai Khan (Mongols or China) embodied this. Multiple leader options for civilizations (America, China) were introduced. Leader Personas added further diversity (Catherine de Medici, Theodore Roosevelt, etc.).
Civ VII: Fresh Faces and Unique Approaches
Civilization VII represents the pinnacle of Firaxis' leader selection philosophy. It features the most diverse and creative roster yet, with unconventional leaders, multiple personas, and carefully curated choices for different playstyles.
The mix-and-match approach to civilizations and leaders is key. Lesser-known figures take center stage. Harriet Tubman's inclusion as an American abolitionist leader, filling the spymaster role, is a prime example.
Niccolò Machiavelli, despite not being a head of state, embodies the self-serving diplomacy of his writings. José Rizal of the Philippines, focused on diplomacy and narrative events, is another notable addition.
Over nearly 30 years, Civilization has evolved from a game about superpowers to a diverse and imaginative collection of influential figures, telling the story of humanity. The definition of leadership has changed, but its significance remains unwavering.
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