PGC NEWS

The Civilization series, brainchild of legendary game designer Sid Meier, stands as a cornerstone of the 4X genre (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate). It has not only defined the genre but also served as a benchmark and inspiration for countless other 4X games, including titles like Age of Wonders: Planetfall, Stellaris, and Imperiums: Greek Wars. Despite Sid Meier’s Civilization VI, the latest installment, now entering its fifth year with two major expansions (Rise and Fall and Gathering Storm) that introduced significant gameplay and graphical enhancements, Firaxis Games appears to be holding off on a new sequel, deviating from their usual development cycle. Instead, they’ve released the New Frontier Pass, a collection of DLC content released between May 2020 and March 2021. But does this extensive collection of new content truly deliver a compelling experience for fans?

New Frontier Pass – Game Review

A Polished Presentation

4X strategy games often prioritize intricate gameplay mechanics over stunning visuals and sound design. Many successful titles in the genre, like Imperiums: Greek Wars and Endless Space 2, feature stylized art rather than graphically intensive environments. However, Sid Meier’s Civilization VI, particularly with the New Frontier Pass, has seen considerable graphical improvements since the Rise and Fall and Gathering Storm expansions. The game boasts DirectX12 support with impressive visual effects, and its built-in benchmark tool can challenge even mid-range gaming PCs at 4K resolution. This visual fidelity makes Civilization VI appealing to a broader audience, including younger players who might typically perceive 4X games as niche or dated.

The New Frontier Pass maintains this high level of polish in its presentation. Each DLC pack demonstrates meticulous attention to detail in both visuals and audio. The Vietnam & Kublai Khan Pack, for example, showcases carefully researched designs for buildings and characters, reflecting the unique characteristics of each civilization. While some existing assets from the base game and previous expansions are reused, the developers have clearly invested effort in crafting distinct and authentic representations.

New Frontier Pass – Game Review

The soundtrack, composed by Firaxis Games veteran Geoff Knorr, features new music that captures the essence of each new civilization. While the historical accuracy of some gameplay elements, such as Vietnam’s city-building mechanic, has sparked debate, it’s important to remember that the Civilization series is a work of “alternate history.” Sid Meier himself has admitted to prioritizing gameplay over strict historical adherence. Therefore, players should approach the game with a sense of playful interpretation rather than rigid historical scrutiny.

New Frontier Pass – Game Review

The Babylon Pack introduces a new “Heroes and Legends” game mode, featuring mythical figures that can be unlocked by constructing specific cultural buildings. This addition provides an enjoyable, albeit minor, layer of gameplay for those interested in exploring legendary characters.

An Ambitious (and Pricey) Package

Despite its appealing presentation and new content, the New Frontier Pass carries a hefty price tag of $40, nearly the cost of a full AAA game release. While cheaper than purchasing each DLC individually, the New Frontier Pass lacks the fundamental gameplay changes that made Rise and Fall and Gathering Storm so compelling. The six new civilizations and numerous leaders offer variety, but they ultimately feel like superficial additions, particularly for veteran players who have already invested countless hours in the game.

New Frontier Pass – Game Review

Furthermore, the staggered release schedule, spanning nearly eight months, dampened the excitement for many players. By the time the final DLC arrived, even the most enthusiastic fans may have already moved on to other games.

New Frontier Pass – Game Review

In conclusion, while the New Frontier Pass adds a considerable amount of content to Civilization VI, its high price and lack of significant gameplay innovations make it feel more like a “cash grab” than a true expansion. It caters to dedicated fans eager for more civilizations and leaders but might not justify the cost for casual players or those looking for substantial gameplay changes.