Have You Heard Of the Grand Strategic Brilliance Hiding in Humankind?!

Humankind, developed by Amplitude Studios and published by Sega, catapults you into the grand theater of history, tasking you with forging your own civilization from the dawn of time to the distant future. It’s not just another Civilization clone; Humankind delves deeper, offering a nuanced experience that celebrates cultural diversity and the ebb and flow of empires throughout the ages.

The game boasts a unique “one city per era” system. This means you don’t settle in one spot and build an empire sprawling from your initial capital. Instead, as your civilization progresses through history, transitioning between different eras like Ancient, Medieval, Early Modern, Industrial, and beyond, you essentially “re-found” your nation with a new settlement and a fresh starting point.

This design choice introduces a thrilling sense of dynamism. You’ll experience the joys and sorrows of founding a bustling city on the Nile in the era of pharaohs, then embarking on a daring voyage westward across the Atlantic during the Renaissance, finally settling down as a technologically advanced society in a futuristic metropolis.

But choosing your path isn’t just about geography; it’s about selecting distinct cultures that define your civilization’s identity. Want to be remembered for your scientific prowess? Embrace the Babylonian legacy and focus on developing knowledge and technologies. Crave military dominance? Channel the Spartans, forging an unstoppable war machine. Or perhaps you yearn for cultural influence, drawing inspiration from the Greeks with their magnificent art and philosophy.

The Symphony of Cultures and Choices:

Humankind’s charm lies in its intricate system of cultures. Each era offers a selection of civilizations to choose from, each embodying unique traits and bonuses that shape your gameplay. For example, the Maya civilization excels at building districts, granting extra yields and expanding their city centers. The Egyptians are masters of diplomacy, forging alliances with remarkable ease.

Choosing a culture is not a one-time decision. Throughout the game, you can adopt new cultures based on your evolving priorities and strategic goals. Want to shift from peaceful expansion to aggressive conquest? Transition into the Roman culture, renowned for its military might.

But be warned: cultural shifts are not without consequence. While they grant access to new bonuses and unit types, they also come with penalties if you’re not aligned with the chosen culture’s ideals. For example, a warlike civilization that suddenly switches to a peaceful one may face unrest among their populace who were trained for battle.

The Game Mechanics: A Balancing Act of War, Diplomacy, and Progress:

Humankind’s gameplay mechanics are intricate yet rewarding. Players must juggle several factors, including resource management (food, industry, science, gold), population growth, infrastructure development, technological advancement, and military strategy.

• Warfare: Battles take place on a hex-based grid system. You control individual units with distinct strengths and weaknesses. The terrain plays a crucial role, providing tactical advantages to those who understand its intricacies. Conquering cities allows you to expand your territory and access new resources, but it can also strain diplomatic relations with neighboring civilizations.

• Diplomacy: Diplomacy is as vital as military might. Establishing trade routes, forging alliances, and engaging in espionage are essential tools for navigating the complex geopolitical landscape of Humankind. Treaty negotiations, diplomatic missions, and even bribery play a crucial role in shaping the destiny of your civilization and influencing other nations.

• Technology and Progress: Advancing through the technological tree unlocks new units, buildings, districts, wonders, and government types. You can choose to focus on scientific breakthroughs, military innovations, cultural advancements, or economic development, tailoring your civilization’s path based on your desired victory condition.

Victory: More Than Just Conquest:

Humankind offers multiple paths to victory. Conquer the world through brute force? That’s one option. But there are other ways to claim supremacy.

• Domination: The classic route – conquering all rival civilizations and establishing global hegemony.

• Science Victory: Be the first civilization to launch a spaceship into space, colonizing distant worlds.

• Culture Victory: Spread your culture’s influence across the globe through art, philosophy, religion, and tourism.

• Score Victory: Accumulate the most points across various categories, such as population size, territory controlled, technological advancements, and cultural impact.

Humankind: A Legacy of Exploration and Innovation:

Humankind is not just a game; it’s a testament to the power of human ambition, ingenuity, and the enduring quest for progress. It’s a game that invites you to explore history’s vast tapestry, weaving your own narrative into its intricate threads. Whether you dream of building an empire spanning continents or launching humanity into the stars, Humankind offers an unparalleled experience that will leave you wanting to play just one more turn… or perhaps several thousand more.