
Humankind, developed by Amplitude Studios and published by SEGA, isn’t just another 4X strategy game (explore, expand, exploit, exterminate). It’s an epic journey through history, tasking you with guiding civilizations from their humble beginnings as nomadic tribes to the distant future, where humanity spreads amongst the stars.
Think of it like a choose-your-own-adventure book, but instead of choosing text options, you’re making critical decisions about your empire’s culture, technology, and expansion. Will you be a brutal warrior civilization conquering your neighbors? Or perhaps a peaceful scholar nation focused on innovation and diplomacy? The choice is yours, making each playthrough unique and endlessly replayable.
The Tapestry of Time: Eras and Cultures
Humankind’s core mechanic revolves around its innovative “era star” system. You don’t pick one civilization to play as; instead, you progress through 10 historical eras, starting from the Ancient era and ending in the Transhuman era (think cyberpunk, spaceships, and advanced genetic manipulation). At the end of each era, you choose a new “culture,” adopting its unique bonuses, units, and buildings.
Imagine transitioning from the Ancient Egyptians with their majestic pyramids and powerful archers to the Medieval Franks with their heavily armored knights and sprawling castles. Or perhaps you prefer the allure of the Indus Valley Civilization, renowned for its trade networks and advanced urban planning, leading into the Industrial Revolution as a technologically driven nation like Britain. This dynamic system allows you to craft your own unique civilization, blending elements from different cultures throughout history.
Mastering the Art of Empire Building
Humankind’s gameplay is surprisingly approachable while still offering depth for seasoned strategy veterans. The map is divided into hexagonal tiles representing diverse terrain types, each with its own resources and potential for development. You’ll need to manage your cities effectively, constructing buildings to boost population, food production, industry, science, and culture.
Beyond building and resource management, Humankind emphasizes diplomacy, trade, warfare, and exploration. You’ll forge alliances, negotiate treaties, declare wars, and send explorers to uncover ancient wonders and hidden resources across the globe. The game’s AI opponents are surprisingly cunning, making for engaging diplomatic encounters and challenging battles.
Warfare: From Bronze Swords to Laser Cannons
The combat system in Humankind is tactical and turn-based. Units are categorized by era and culture, reflecting the evolution of warfare throughout history. In early eras, you might deploy spearmen and archers against rival tribes, while later you’ll command armored knights, powerful artillery, and even futuristic mechs.
Terrain plays a crucial role in battles, offering tactical advantages to those who utilize it wisely. Positioning your units on hills grants them range bonuses, while forests provide cover from enemy fire.
Victory: Defining Your Legacy
Reaching the final Transhuman era presents you with the ultimate choice – how will you define your civilization’s legacy? Will you aim for Domination, conquering all rivals and establishing a global empire? Perhaps you’ll pursue Scientific Victory, launching massive spaceships to colonize distant stars. Or maybe Cultural Victory, inspiring the world with your art, literature, and advancements in technology, appeals to you most.
Humankind offers multiple paths to victory, encouraging players to experiment with different strategies and playstyles. This flexibility ensures countless hours of replayability as you explore new combinations of cultures and strive to achieve different goals.
A Feast for the Eyes: The Art of Humankind
Visually, Humankind is a treat. The isometric view showcases the beautifully detailed environments, from rolling hills and lush forests to sprawling cities and towering mountains.
Era | Cultural Examples |
---|---|
Ancient | Egyptians, Babylonians, Indus Valley Civilization |
Classical | Greeks, Romans, Celts |
Medieval | Franks, Vikings, Byzantines |
Early Modern | Ottomans, Mongols, Aztecs |
Industrial | British, Americans, Prussians |
Contemporary | Soviets, Germans, Japanese |
The unit models are equally impressive, featuring intricate details that reflect their historical context and cultural origins. The game’s soundtrack complements the experience perfectly, immersing you in the atmosphere of each era with its evocative melodies.
Verdict: A Must-Play for Strategy Fans
Humankind is a truly exceptional strategy game that offers an unmatched blend of depth, flexibility, and historical immersion. Whether you’re a seasoned 4X veteran or just starting to explore the genre, Humankind has something to offer. Its innovative era star system allows for endless customization, ensuring that every playthrough feels unique and engaging. So gather your resources, build your empire, and leave your mark on the tapestry of history – you won’t regret embarking on this epic journey.