[mvd366]

I'm a bit surprised at the graphics they have shown so far. I originally saw a screenshot and assumed it was a mobile game rather than a full-fledged AAA title for the PC.

[jcdavis]

Ditto. The cartoony feel doesn't really fit what I would expect from a CIV title, hopefully that will change.

The gameplay changes themselves seem very promising, though

[jandrese]

Art usually doesn't change much from the screenshots. What you see is probably what you're going to get.

[placeybordeaux]

I feel like V is fairly cartoony. These screen shots just don't feel polished though.

[undersuit]

99% of my time in Civ 5 is spent in strategic view. Keep that mode and fix that I can't tell if a tile has a coast line and you can base the graphics on the My Little Pony for all I care.

[mfoy_]

Alternatively, Civ 6 for the tablet could be amazing.

[lewisl9029]

Definitely. I'd love to be able to pick up a Civ game I started on desktop and continue it on my tablet/smartphone on the go.

[xlm1717]

Civ 5 and Beyond Earth both have tablet modes. They work very well.

[mfoy_]

Tablet "mode" isn't too useful if I can't install it on my tablet in the first place.

[majormajor]

It's the Surface Pro's killer app.

[bd]

Let's hope some mods will make the look more palatable.

Here is a fan made mockup of how Civilization VI could look with a different art direction:

http://i.imgur.com/ZawuP8E.jpg

Here is the original look for comparison:

http://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/289070/ss_a79c8...

[radley]

While the new one looks more natural, the original is more iconic: the colors are exaggerated to make items stand out more clearly.

[mywittyname]

I think the original looks so much better. I guess I'm tired of the trend in games where they remove most of the color and add some filters to them.

[bd]

Well, the fan-made mockup has such look because that's the only thing you can do with the screenshot.

Real mod could do much more, e.g. changing textures or models geometries.

It's the whole new cartoony art direction that's weird and off-putting, unfortunately evoking the feel of cheap mobile games.

Here is a real world photo example of what look modern AAA "Civ-like" game could strive for:

http://i.imgur.com/p4XZDeR.jpg

It's possible to be lush and colorful, yet realistic and more mature looking.

[floatalong]

100% agree. Reminds me of the Diablo 3 art debate: http://www.diablowiki.net/Art_controversy

[Narishma]

I prefer the original. It's more consistent and I don't think realistic graphics are a good fit for something like Civ.

[douche]

Sort of looks like Rome Total War 2 vs Clash of Clans there.

The 2D isometric art in Civ 2 will always be my favorite, though.

[xlm1717]

I have to admit I'm not a fan of the graphics. I had high hopes for Beyond Earth but haven't played more than 100 hours of it, as opposed to 1500+ with Civ 5. I hope Civ 6 doesn't disappoint like Beyond Earth did.