HUMANKIND™
" Innovative strategy game with unique cultural fusion and tactical combat but cluttered UI and slow late game pacing "
HUMANKIND™ Review
Humankind™ is a turn-based 4X strategy game that offers a fresh take on civilization-building by allowing players to evolve their societies through a unique cultural fusion system. Players start as nomadic tribes and progress through eras by adopting different cultures, blending traits to create a personalized civilization. The game features robust city-building, tactical combat with terrain considerations, and nuanced diplomacy. Visually, it boasts beautiful maps and animations that enhance immersion. Many players appreciate its innovative mechanics and replayability, finding it a strong alternative to the Civilization series, especially given issues with Civ 7.
However, the game has notable drawbacks, including a steep learning curve, occasional UI and visibility problems, and AI behavior that can feel unbalanced or overly aggressive. Some report bugs, crashes, and frustrating mechanics like the Congress system and late-game pacing. Despite these, ongoing updates have improved many aspects, making it enjoyable for dedicated strategy fans. Overall, Humankind is praised for its creativity and depth but still needs refinement in AI and interface polish.
Highlights
Players praise Humankind's innovative cultural fusion mechanic, which allows dynamic civilization evolution across eras. The tactical combat system with terrain effects and diverse unit abilities adds strategic depth. City-building is considered robust and natural, with multiple paths to develop economies and populations. The game's visuals are lauded for their artistic style and detailed animations, creating an immersive historical atmosphere. Many enjoy the varied victory conditions and diplomacy, finding the gameplay engaging and rewarding. The soundtrack and evolving map aesthetics also receive positive remarks for enhancing the experience.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include a complicated and sometimes cluttered UI that can be difficult to navigate, especially for players with vision impairments. The AI is often described as inconsistent, sometimes overly hostile or exploiting game mechanics unfairly, leading to frustrating war and diplomacy scenarios. Late-game pacing can feel slow, with building and unit production times dragging. Players report bugs such as lost saves, crashes, and issues with multiplayer stability. The Congress system and war support mechanics are considered poorly balanced, limiting peaceful playstyles. Additionally, some find the fame and policy systems restrictive and the tutorial insufficient.
Pros
- • Innovative cultural fusion system allows unique civilization evolution each era.
- • Tactical combat with terrain and unit abilities adds strategic depth.
- • Robust city-building with multiple development paths enhances gameplay.
- • Beautiful, stylized visuals and detailed unit animations create immersion.
- • Engaging diplomacy system with meaningful alliances and rivalries.
- • Dynamic soundtrack complements changing eras effectively.
- • Early game nomadic phase offers strategic exploration opportunities.
Cons
- • User interface can be cluttered and hard to read, especially for poor vision.
- • AI behavior is inconsistent, sometimes overly aggressive or exploitative.
- • Late-game pacing is slow with long build and unit production times.
- • Bugs include lost saves, crashes, and multiplayer instability.
- • Congress and war support mechanics limit peaceful diplomatic options.
- • Tutorials are insufficient for explaining complex mechanics.
- • Some game systems like fame and policies feel restrictive and unbalanced.
Rating Criteria
Rewrite history by shaping a civilization as unique as you are. Combine 60 cultures from the Ancient Era to the Modern Age to lead your empire to victory. Build thriving cities, outsmart rivals in epic battles, spread your influence and leave your mark on HUMANKIND™.