Humankind! A History-Making 4X Strategy Game That Will Have You Ruling the World (Or at Least Trying To)

Have you ever dreamed of guiding a civilization from its humble beginnings as nomadic hunter-gatherers to a technologically advanced superpower? Do you crave the thrill of strategic decision-making, balancing cultural advancement with military expansion while navigating the complex web of diplomacy? If so, then buckle up, because Humankind is here to whisk you away on an epic journey through history.
Developed by Amplitude Studios, renowned for their critically acclaimed Endless series, Humankind throws traditional 4X (explore, expand, exploit, exterminate) conventions out the window and offers a fresh take on the genre. Instead of adhering to a single civilization throughout the game, you’ll embark on a journey through different eras, choosing from a variety of cultures and their unique bonuses and gameplay mechanics.
From Humble Beginnings to Glorious Empires: A Timeline of Humankind’s Eras
Humankind is divided into eight distinct eras, each reflecting a significant period in human history. Starting with the Neolithic era, players must establish their first settlements, develop agriculture, and begin exploring the world around them. As your civilization progresses, you’ll navigate through the Ancient, Classical, Medieval, Early Modern, Industrial, and finally, Contemporary eras.
Each era presents unique challenges and opportunities, prompting players to adapt their strategies and make critical decisions. Will you prioritize military expansion, forging a mighty empire through conquest? Or will you focus on cultural development, nurturing your civilization’s arts and sciences? The choices are yours, and the path to victory is paved with both triumph and potential ruin.
Here’s a quick overview of each era and its defining characteristics:
Era | Characteristics |
---|---|
Neolithic | Founding settlements, developing agriculture, early exploration |
Ancient | Establishing empires, mastering warfare tactics, early philosophical thought |
Classical | Grand civilizations rise and fall, monumental architecture, philosophical debate |
Medieval | Feudal societies, chivalry, the Crusades, technological advancements |
Early Modern | The Renaissance, exploration of new lands, gunpowder warfare |
Industrial | Technological revolution, factories emerge, mass production |
Contemporary | Space travel, nuclear weapons, globalization |
Cultures: Shaping Your Civilization’s Destiny
One of the most innovative features of Humankind is its deep and multifaceted cultural system. Instead of being locked into a single civilization throughout the game, you can choose from a wide variety of historical cultures to lead your people.
Each culture offers unique bonuses, special units, buildings, and even gameplay mechanics that significantly influence your approach to victory. For example:
- The Babylonians: Excel in early-game expansion with their access to specialized builder units and powerful irrigation systems.
- The Egyptians: Masters of monument building, they gain additional Culture and Fame for erecting magnificent structures.
- The Greeks: Renowned for their philosophical prowess, they unlock unique bonuses to Science and Civic technologies.
- The Romans: Skilled conquerors with a strong military tradition, their legions are formidable on the battlefield.
Choosing your cultures strategically is crucial. For instance, you might begin as the Babylonians to quickly establish a foothold in the Ancient era, then transition to the Egyptians to amass cultural influence during the Classical era. Later, you could adopt the Romans for their military might in the Medieval era before embracing the industrial prowess of a nation like the British in the Industrial Era.
Victory: Defining Your Path to Glory
Humankind offers a variety of victory conditions, allowing players to achieve greatness through diverse paths.
- Domination Victory: Conquer your rivals and subjugate their territories through sheer military might.
- Science Victory: Achieve technological supremacy by launching a space probe to Alpha Centauri.
- Culture Victory: Spread your civilization’s influence across the globe through cultural dominance, renowned for its art, literature, and music.
- Score Victory: Accumulate the most points by excelling in all areas: culture, science, religion, economics, and military strength.
This variety ensures that there’s a path to victory for every type of player.
The Verdict: A Masterpiece of Strategic Depth
Humankind is an extraordinary 4X strategy game that transcends genre conventions. Its deep cultural system, innovative era progression, and diverse victory conditions offer unprecedented depth and replayability. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Humankind promises countless hours of engaging gameplay and strategic challenges. Prepare to rewrite history, one civilization at a time!