Civilization VI: Rise and Fall – Review (PC)

Every time a new Civilization game comes out there is a backlash from people complaining that the game doesn’t change enough from the previous one. And then, months down the line when the major DLC comes out, any negative thoughts from the original are blown away. This DLC is no different.

Akin to Civilization V, Civilization VI is ushered into it’s glory with its DLC, Rise and Fall. In short, this DLC adds constructs that make the game infinitely more difficult, as well as a more intimate adventure where every decision matters.

Rise and Fall has many notable additions, including new civs, leaders, and districts, but the most impressive are the introduction of Eras, Governors, Diplomacy, and Emergencies. Instead of allowing each Civ to progress into an era at its own time, in Rise and Fall this is a global event brought about by the first civilization to research into the next era – either through civics or scientific discovery. This is complicated further by including a quota that must be met to successfully make it into the next era, and also to advance into a golden age. With a successful era, you will get a chance to receive bonuses in your upcoming era. If you don’t meet the quota, you will fall into a dark age, setting you back significantly in your ability to compete at a global scale. The age you fall into also affects how loyal your cities will be.

For those who have played numerous Civ games, it may seem familiar that cities can leave a civilization if they are not happy, and this is exactly what will happen if they are not cared for properly in Civilization VI: Rise and Fall. This effect also comes about due to a lack of governance. A governor is chosen for specific cities, amplifying their effects (for instance, a city focusing in science may choose a governor that supports research). A governor can also be used to influence city-states and other civilization’s cities, possibly to the point of anarchy. This allows any civilization to sway the city to their loyalty either through brute force or diplomacy.

Unlike previous Civilization games where diplomacy only included trading and the occasional research agreement, this facet has been expanded to include specific alliances dealing in research, economy, and much more. This diplomacy is taken to new heights when an emergency occurs. In this situation, a civilization is flagged for either asserting too much egregious pressure, starting a holy war, or even taking control of a city-state in which others may be invested. There is a choice to join against the leader at fault, or to ignore. If the leader flagged by the emergency alert succeeds in thwarting those that try to stop them, they receive a great prize, and vice versa for those fighting against them.

Recommendation: If you are already a fan of the Civilization series, and/or knowledgable of Civilization VI, we HIGHLY suggest you play this DLC. The intricacies added to Rise and Fall bring out the best of Civ, especially to make it a much more thoughtful play through.

If you have not played Civilizatoin VI or any other Civ games, please try out an earlier option (like Civilization V) before you make any judgements on this DLC. Without a thorough knowledge of the mechanics of the Civilization series, you will be very confused, and even lost during your play through (like those of us who played Beyond Earth felt).