In the summer, we looked at Sega’s humanity and were thrilled to see how it approaches the historic turn-based strategy genre currently dominated by Firaxis’ Civilization 6.
Sega expanded our shop at the Game Awards this evening with information about humanity and addressed the question of player identity. While Civilization games offer players a selection of historical leaders, mankind focuses on player-created avatars.
The company also released a fun new trailer that shows elements of battle, building and exploration while using iconic art styles such as Egyptian hieroglyphics and the Bayeux rug.
Humanity, developed by Amplitude, calls me the leader of a young society. I start with a settler unit on a hexagonal map dotted with hills, forests, rivers and special resources. I settle a city, explore technologies, build units, explore, build neighborhoods, fight enemies, expand, build miracles, and try to become the most impressive civilization in the world.
But instead of opting for a single civilization like the Aztecs or the Germans or the Zulu, I choose from a variety of cultures in six epochs of history. So in the Bronze Age I can be Hittite or Egyptian or Olmeke or seven others. In the course of time my civilization changes, so that in the Middle Ages I become French, Mesoamerican or Japanese.
This structure makes it difficult for the player to take on the role of a certain person like Cleopatra or Catherine de Medici. So players create their own avatar that evolves visually over time. This development depends on the choices the player makes regarding the civilizations I play, as well as my success and style of play. It will be interesting to see how my avatar develops when I choose to play as a bloodthirsty conqueror or as a cultured leader who enjoys the arts. I can also unlock custom looks as the game progresses, adding to the fun of multiplayer games.
In the coming months, we will learn more about humanity. In the meantime, you can read our first impressions of the game.