Review of Ara: History Untold
Ara: History Untold enters the realm of turn-based 4X games, offering a fresh take on a genre dominated by Sid Meier’s Civilization. This new challenger stands out with its vibrant and detailed animated towns and cities, creating a historical ant farm experience that captivates players.
While Ara follows a similar historical trajectory as other 4X games, spanning from Neolithic times to a futuristic era, it introduces unique elements like a focus on general AI, transhumanism, and cybernetics instead of traditional space exploration. This deviation adds a refreshing twist to the gameplay.
Leaders and Bonuses
Similar to Civilization, Ara allows players to choose from a diverse selection of historical leaders, each uniquely represented in a simple yet expressive 3D style. While the roster includes unconventional choices like Copernicus and Sappho, the passive bonuses associated with these leaders lack substantial differentiation.
Additionally, the absence of culturally distinct units tied to leader selection detracts from the potential for strategic depth. The system of opposing personality traits, while promising in theory, falls short in impact and balance, failing to add significant depth to diplomatic interactions.
Visual Appeal and Performance
Ara’s procedurally-generated worlds mesmerize players with their attention to detail and liveliness. From animated towns to flourishing wildlife, the visuals breathe life into the game world. However, the automated road-building system often results in unnatural and chaotic road networks, detracting from the overall aesthetic.
Performance issues may arise in the late game, particularly on larger map sizes, impacting the fluidity of gameplay. Despite these setbacks, the visual consistency across different eras raises concerns about architectural diversity and its impact on player immersion.
Economic Complexity and Management
Ara introduces a complex goods-based manufacturing economy that adds depth to the gameplay experience. Players must manage resources like grain and processed goods to sustain their cities and stimulate growth. However, the lack of intuitive notifications and cumbersome management tools hinder the player’s ability to optimize their economy effectively.
The economic intricacies in Ara, while engaging on a smaller scale, become overwhelming in larger settlements, leading to a tedious and laborious late-game experience. Balancing economic decisions with other gameplay mechanics becomes a challenge, ultimately dampening the overall enjoyment.
Combat and Diplomacy
Combat in Ara offers tactical depth through unit choices and formations, albeit with limited player control during engagements. The knockout mechanic, removing players with lower Prestige, introduces a unique twist but may disrupt the strategic landscape in later eras.
Diplomacy features basic interactions, such as alliances and trade agreements, without significant depth or complexity. Government, religion, and advisers largely serve as additional modifiers, lacking substantial impact on gameplay variety or problem-solving approaches.