Developed by the Paris-based Amplitude Studios, known for turn-based strategies such as Endless Legend and Endless Space, Humankind has been an intriguing alternative to 4X video games such as the Sid Meier's Civilization series by imbuing the base concept of leading an empire of mankind through history with concepts that Amplitude's other games are famous for.
Much like Civilization, the player undertakes a journey through historical eras in Humankind – yet where the two games dramatically differ is that players are not bound to the culture they have chosen to represent, but rather are encouraged to evolve and grow by picking new cultures to complement the roots they have started the game with. To this vast tapestry of choices available to the player, the developers have decided to add six African cultures (one per era) in Humankind's first content pack.
With the arrival of the new DLC, the 60 base cultures in Humankind are now joined by the Bantu, Garamantes, Swahili, Maasai, Ethiopians, and lastly, Nigerians. Among these additions, the content pack also introduces new wonders to the game, seven new independent people, and 15 new narrative events.
The focal point of the content pack's announcement, as well as the trailer itself, seems to rightly be about showcasing Humankind's new cultures. The expansionist Bantu for example, available in the Ancient Era, would be a fine addition for those players who seek to play wide. In the Medieval Era, the mercantile Swahili culture can make use of their seaport trading prowess to fill the player's coffers should they find themselves building a coastal empire.
True to history, the militaristic Ethiopians – having never been conquered by a European force during the period of aggressive colonization – will provide the players with all the tools they need to ensure their own sovereignty in the industrial era. Should the players survive to the contemporary era, however, they can choose the agrarian culture of the Nigerians whose unique gameplay flavor provides a significant boost to oil production.
After Humankind released last year, the game has enjoyed considerable success, but the straightfowardness in the means with which a player could obtain victory has limited its replayability compared to other games in the genre. However, the potential for the game to build upon its foundation is massive and it is the hope of its fanbase that Amplitude Studios continues its post-launch support of Humankind. A content pack expanding upon the culture system, arguably the pillar of its gameplay, seems like a step in the right direction.
Humankind is available on PC and Stadia.
