Humankind (2021)
Game Description:
Humankind is a historical strategy game released in 2021, where players are tasked with rewriting the narrative of human civilization. Starting from the Neolithic era, you guide your people through the ages, merging cultures to create a unique civilization. Each decision shapes your society's culture, history, and values, offering endless possibilities and strategic depth. As you progress, you'll face challenges and opportunities that test your leadership and vision. With a focus on cultural convergence, the game allows you to explore different paths, from diplomacy to warfare, to achieve your goals. How far will you push humankind in your quest to leave a lasting legacy?
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What Parents Should Know About Humankind
Age Rating
Release Date
2021
ESRB Age Rating Summary:
HUMANKIND is rated E10+ for Everyone 10+ by the ESRB with Alcohol Reference, Mild Language, and Mild Violence. Also includes Users Interact. This is a strategy game in which players develop a civilization through exploration, collecting resources, and engagement with societies. From a top-down view, players move units around a hexagonal grid-like map, choosing action paths over a series of turns. Players send troops (e.g., infantry, swordsmen) and eventually military vehicles (e.g., tanks, helicopters, battleships) to hunt animals and attack rival units. Fighting is turn-based, highlighted by battle cries, clashing sounds, gunfire, and small explosions. Some timeline events reference alcohol/legality of alcohol (e.g., Prohibition). The words “damn” and “hell” appear in the dialogue.
Content Warnings:
Alcohol Reference, Mild Language, Mild Violence
Interactive Elements:
Users Interact
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Parental Notes
The sentiment among parents is very positive about Humankind. The game features mild language, with words like “damn” and “hell” appearing infrequently in dialogue. Violence is mild and presented in a strategic, turn-based format, with battle cries, clashing sounds, and small explosions during combat. The game includes references to alcohol, such as historical events like Prohibition, but these are not central to gameplay. Parents appreciate the educational aspect of guiding a civilization through history, and many find it suitable for children 10 and older, aligning with its age rating. The game’s focus on strategy and decision-making is seen as a positive aspect for developing problem-solving skills.
Positive Notes About The Game From ParentsParents appreciate Humankind for its educational value, as it encourages strategic thinking and decision-making. The game’s historical context provides a unique opportunity for children to learn about different cultures and historical events. Its calm pacing and emphasis on cultural convergence allow players to explore various paths, from diplomacy to warfare, fostering creativity and critical thinking. Many parents find it a valuable tool for teaching children about history and the consequences of their choices in a virtual environment.
Why Your Kid Might Like Humankind
Humankind offers a unique experience that many teens enjoy due to its strategic depth and historical context. The game allows players to rewrite the narrative of human civilization, which can be both educational and entertaining. Teens appreciate the ability to merge different cultures and create a unique civilization, as it provides a sense of creativity and control. The game's focus on decision-making and leadership challenges keeps players engaged, as they navigate through various historical eras and face different scenarios that test their strategic thinking.
The game's emphasis on cultural convergence and exploration of different paths, such as diplomacy and warfare, adds layers of complexity that appeal to those who enjoy strategy games. The opportunity to shape a society's culture, history, and values offers endless possibilities, making each playthrough a new adventure. While Humankind may not be for everyone, those who enjoy deep strategy games find it rewarding to see the impact of their decisions unfold over time. The game's ability to combine historical elements with strategic gameplay makes it a popular choice among teens who are interested in history and strategy.