Stepping into the virtual world of Civilization VII, the player is immediately immersed in the grandeur of the historical setting. The detailed museum-like environment sets the stage, inviting the player to explore the rich tapestry of human civilization.

The intuitive controls allow for seamless navigation, enabling the player to zoom in and out, gaining a bird's-eye view or delving into the intricate details of their burgeoning empire. The smooth movement and ability to manipulate the virtual landscape, such as adjusting the height of the table, create a sense of tangibility and engagement.

As the player establishes their first settlement, the sense of progress and growth is palpable. Decisions regarding technology, resource allocation, and diplomacy become more than mere abstractions, as the player directly interacts with the virtual world. The visual fidelity and attention to detail in the character models and environments further enhance the immersive experience.

While the gameplay may feel somewhat basic compared to the depth of the PC version, the VR implementation offers a unique and engaging perspective. The ability to survey the landscape, command troops, and witness the unfolding of history from a first-person viewpoint adds a level of immersion that traditional gaming experiences struggle to replicate.

For Civilization enthusiasts, the VR version provides an opportunity to experience the beloved franchise in a novel and captivating way. The potential for the online multiplayer mode to foster a thriving community of virtual conquerors further enhances the appeal of this innovative take on the classic strategy game.

As I enter the virtual museum, I'm greeted by a warm welcome from the lady guide. The museum offers guided tours, allowing me to explore the history at my own pace. I decide to skip the guided tour and head straight to the Civilization setup.

Presented with the multiplayer and quick play options, I opt for the quick play mode. I don't want to risk getting wrecked in a multiplayer match, especially since it's been a while since I've played a Civilization game.

The game introduces me to my civilization, with its unique traits and features. I take a moment to familiarize myself with the interface, learning how to manipulate the table and navigate the various menus. The smooth movement and ability to zoom in and out provide a comfortable VR experience.

Establishing my first settlement, Roma, I focus on building the necessary infrastructure, such as production and science. As I progress, I encounter a neighboring civilization and have to make the decision to either collaborate or declare war. Choosing the latter, I engage in my first battle, leading my troops to victory.

With the initial setup and conflict behind me, I find myself slowly building and expanding my civilization, eager to see how the game unfolds in this virtual reality setting.

Behold Roma, the cultural center of the Roma people! As the founder unit, I have the ability to establish my first settlement. I've selected the "found settlement" action, and now I can see my new city taking shape.

Roma looks like a proper city now, and I can see that we need to focus on production, science, and other key resources to grow our civilization. I'll need to carefully manage and develop this settlement to ensure its prosperity.

Next, I'll need to place some scouts and warriors to explore the surrounding area and secure our borders. There's a lot of work to be done, but I'm feeling optimistic about the future of Roma and the Roma people.

As the leader of my civilization, I set out to expand and develop my empire. With my founder unit, I established my first settlement, Roma, the cultural center of my people. Recognizing the need for production, science, and other key resources, I began to strategically place buildings and infrastructure to support the growth of my city.

Scouting the surrounding area, I encountered a small group of locals, but rather than show them tolerance, I chose to ignore them and take their resources - a decision that, while pragmatic, came at the cost of goodwill. Nonetheless, my city continued to grow, and I soon had a larger population and more land under my control.

Eager to advance my civilization, I carefully selected technologies to research, prioritizing those that would provide the greatest benefits. I constructed a granary to ensure a steady food supply, and my warriors began to patrol the borders, ready to defend against any potential threats.

As my empire expanded, I encountered a new civilization, the French, led by Lafayette. Seeing them as a potential rival, I quickly declared war, surrounding their forces and emerging victorious. The bloody truth of war was not lost on me, but I remained resolute in my pursuit of dominance.

With my military might established, I turned my attention to the governance of my civilization. Choosing an oligarchic form of government, I set about imposing new taxes and policies to further strengthen my hold over the people. Though they may have grown wary, I was determined to forge ahead, building a powerful and prosperous civilization that would stand the test of time.

As the player's civilization grew, they encountered a new civilization led by a representative. The player was presented with several diplomatic options, including collaborating on research, providing military aid, or imposing sanctions. However, the player chose to immediately denounce the new civilization and declare war.

The player's decision to go to war was driven by a desire for conquest and expansion, rather than seeking diplomatic solutions. They moved their military forces closer to the neighboring civilization, disregarding the distress of their own people. The player justified their actions by imposing new taxes on wine, claiming it was necessary in "these trying times."

The war that followed was a brutal affair, with the player's forces surrounding and overwhelming the opposing civilization. The player took satisfaction in the victory, describing the "bloody truth of war" and the "murderous civilization" they had built. This aggressive and expansionist approach to diplomacy reflects the player's playstyle and priorities, prioritizing military might and conquest over peaceful coexistence and cooperation with neighboring civilizations.

The gameplay loop of this Civilization VR experience appears to be a mixed bag. While the virtual museum and exploration aspects offer an immersive way to engage with the franchise, the core strategy and empire-building mechanics seem rather basic and simplistic compared to the PC version.

The ability to physically interact with the game world, such as manipulating the table and moving units, provides a novel twist. However, the overall presentation, including the lifeless character models and underwhelming visuals, suggests that the VR implementation may not be as polished or feature-rich as fans of the series might hope for.

For dedicated Civilization enthusiasts, the PC version is likely to provide a more robust and satisfying experience. The VR mode, while an interesting experiment, may be better suited for casual players or those seeking a more relaxed, exploratory approach to the franchise in a virtual environment.