Dawn of Man
" Immersive indie strategy simulation with deep prehistoric progression but abandoned post-release "
Dawn of Man Review
Dawn of Man is a survival city-building game that takes players on a journey from the Paleolithic era through the rise of civilization. The game is praised for its slow-paced, thoughtful gameplay that rewards patience and strategic planning. Players manage resources, technology progression, and population survival while facing environmental challenges and occasional raids.
Many players find the game relaxing and immersive, appreciating the detailed management of early human life and the gradual unlocking of technologies. However, the game is also criticized for being abandoned by its developers shortly after release, leaving some feeling the experience is incomplete and lacking ongoing content or updates. AI shortcomings and unintuitive controls contribute to frustration for some, though the core gameplay loop remains engaging for fans of the genre.
Overall, Dawn of Man offers a unique prehistoric city-building experience with solid mechanics but suffers from limited depth and polish due to lack of continued development.
Highlights
Players especially praise the game's thoughtful pacing and rewarding progression through ancient eras, which creates a satisfying sense of advancement.
The survival and resource management mechanics are engaging, with a focus on strategic planning rather than fast action.
Visually, the graphics are considered relaxing and detailed enough to immerse players in a prehistoric world.
The game’s sound design and atmosphere contribute to an enjoyable and chill gameplay experience.
Fans appreciate the uniqueness of the ancient setting compared to typical medieval or sci-fi city builders.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the game's abandonment by developers, leading to no new content or meaningful updates.
Players report AI and task management issues, such as villagers dying from avoidable causes and poor prioritization of tasks.
The user interface and controls are often described as unintuitive and frustrating, with a steep learning curve.
Some feel the game lacks mechanical depth and challenge, making it too easy and simplistic compared to other colony sims.
Graphics are viewed as merely average, and the map design can feel bland and repetitive.
Pros
- • Deeply rewarding progression through prehistoric eras and technology unlocks.
- • Relaxing and immersive atmosphere with detailed survival mechanics.
- • Engaging resource management and strategic planning gameplay.
- • Unique setting that stands out from typical city-building games.
- • Good pacing that balances challenge and chill gameplay.
- • Sound design effectively enhances the prehistoric experience.
- • Suitable for both casual and hardcore players seeking slow strategy.
Cons
- • Developers abandoned the game shortly after release; no new content.
- • Villager AI is often dumb, causing preventable deaths and inefficiencies.
- • User interface and controls are unintuitive and difficult to master.
- • Lack of meaningful challenge and mechanical depth for advanced players.
- • Graphics are average and maps can feel bland and repetitive.
- • No camera options for top-down view frustrate some players.
- • Population management tools are limited, causing issues at large sizes.
Rating Criteria
Command a settlement of ancient humans, guide them through the ages in their struggle for survival. Hunt, gather, craft tools, fight, research new techs and face the challenges the environment will throw at you.