With Civilization 7, Firaxis is trying to cut out a lot of the micromanagement and the noise of the conventional 4X game. For that, the studio deserves credit – given the series’ history, and the endless success of Civilization 6, Firaxis could have rested on its laurels and just released a new, bigger version of the same thing. Civ 7 represents a vision. Alongside the likes of Stellaris and Manor Lords, it makes the strategy genre feel more varied than perhaps ever before. But there’s a better, more original, and purer 4X game out there. If you haven’t tried Solium Infernum before, it’s now on sale for the lowest price in its history.
It’s Hell. Lucifer has disappeared, and the infernal hordes are suddenly without a ruler. Out of the chaos arise several archfiends, all vying for the top job. Belial is a serial liar and manipulator who has mastered the art of mendacious diplomacy. Astaroth is pure power, and commands the mightiest armies. My personal favorite is Andromalius, the beautiful and narcissistic fallen angel. Once you’ve picked your demon, as well as their various buffs and abilities, Solium Infernum begins in earnest. Contrary to the enormous scale and swell of Civ 7, Endless Legend, and others, it’s a 4X game where you don’t make many decisions – where you control perhaps one military unit.
But that’s the whole point. While the sheer amount of controllable stuff is lower – you have one city, one army, you can only implement two choices per turn – the weight of your decisions is much, much greater. By cutting everything right back, Solium Infernum achieves an incredible clarity and power. There are no wasted turns. There’s no spamming the ‘skip’ button while you wait for something to be built or researched. Everything. You. Do. Matters. In my own Solium Infernum review, I call it one of the best strategy games on PC. A year since it was first released, I feel more certain of that than ever before.
And now, Solium Infernum is available for the lowest price in its history. If you want to try it for yourself, there’s a full 50% off, meaning you’ll pay $19.99 / £16.75. Just head here. You might also want to check out our Civilization 7 review, if you’re trying to decide which 4X game to buy next.
Alternatively, take a look at the best grand strategy games, or maybe the best RTS games on PC.
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