In the better Civ games, there's a balance between the demands of historical accuracy and wanting to rush to tanks to drive your tanks over the horses of people who don't have tanks.

This is not one of the better Civ games. It's not even close.

Civ 7 isn't a historical sandbox. It's a historical theme park. A curated historical experience. No matter what you do in the first age, you're going to spend the second age amassing treasure fleets and doing a colonization on someone. Would you rather build tall and be a benevolent dictator of an island utopia? Too bad, so sad: it's colonialism for you. Every game feels very samey.

While not a live service game, this game does embrace the live service ethic of grinding out progression. Do you have no interest in playing as Ben Franklin and just want to live out your Charlemagne fantasies? Too bad. If you don't spend time grinding Franklin, you're locked out of his mementos, which have a direct impact on gameplay going forward.

Samey gameplay plus a grinding requirement does not equal a fun experience. Because I love novelty and love Civ, sure, I'm going to play it. A lot. There's something wrong with me. But do I recommend others join me in my insanity? No. Get out while you can. Wait a year, maybe two, then wait for a big sale.