Dec 2019
Ever wanted to control a bunch of prehistoric humans and make sure they don't get eaten by every scary creature this side of extinction? No? Well, too bad because that's exactly what Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey wants from you. Welcome to an era where evolution is just as tricky as getting your friends to pick up pizza.
In Ancestors, you dive straight into the heart of prehistory, where survival means dodging giant rodents and getting smacked around by hungry predators. You get to control a hominid, which basically means a fancy ape who can climb trees and look very confused about life. As you're strolling through the vibrant landscapes, don’t forget – it’s not just about enjoying the view; you need to eat, drink, and sleep like you're preparing for a weird role-playing sleepover. You’ll gradually help these early humans evolve (sorry, Charles Darwin), as you uncover foods and tools, engage with the circus of fauna – you might even make some new hominin friends. The game ditches traditional mechanics like a mini-map, which means you’re flying blind most of the time, resembling that friend who always gets lost going to the bathroom at parties. You’re also encouraged to switch between hominin members if your current one gets into a bit too much trouble – embrace the chaos! Also, if a few of your clan happen to bite the dust, don't sweat it. Just start over, I guess? It’s 8 million years of evolution, and they might just be having an off-day. The game captures that allure of ancient life – from straight-up lethargy during crafting and scavenging to fast-paced tree climbing when something with sharp teeth decides you look like a snack. And yes, if you're wondering, there's plenty of legwork to gather resources. Trust me, you’ll get a workout in the digital jungle. So, drop by your nearest bush; you might discover it’s full of medicinal plants, or a vengeful giant python. It's a mixed bag, much like opening a mystery cereal box. And if you're thinking 'What’s my goal?' Well, it's to evolve, survive, and undoubtedly ask yourself how these people ended up in this mess. It’s like the primate version of starting a family and realizing, wow, this is a lot of responsibility. If all your clan members die, congratulations! You've officially wiped out your lineage and are free to restart your journey without a single ounce of regret, just like losing a round of Mario Kart.
Graphically speaking, Ancestors has that 'visually stunning but seriously can you fix the framerate' look that might captivate you for a few moments. The environments, vibrant and detailed, let you forget that you're likely to trip over a rock (again) while pretending you have some ancient wisdom in navigating this world. Tree climbing looks majestic until you fall off and hit a rock, resulting in a 'not-so-majestic' faceplant that would make even an Olympian jealous. Long story short – it’s fairly good looking, but you’ll quickly lose track of how the trees appear when you're literally being chased by a predator.
Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey presents a bold, if sometimes frustrating, look at evolution and survival through the eyes of early humans. With gorgeous landscapes and evolutionary mechanics just waiting to consume your hours, it’s a mixed gift. It might not cater to everyone's tastes (especially if instant gratification is your jam), and pacing feels more like a meandering stroll through the jungle than a quick jog towards progress. So if you're looking for a game that lets you play God for a few hours, or you have a penchant for ancient history and love losing the occasional family member to wildlife, then give Ancestors a go. Otherwise, remember that there are other titles where you can shoot things instead of running from them. Don't forget to evolve, which at times feels oddly similar to adulting. So, good luck!
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