Have you ever pondered the intricate dance of supply chains, how they evolve from nascent beginnings to become the lifeblood of a nation? Ara: History Untold, the latest strategy game from Xbox Game Studios and Oxide Games, doesn’t shy away from this complexity. It challenges players to not only conquer lands and engage in warfare but also to meticulously manage resources, fostering interconnected economies and navigating the delicate art of trade. This in-depth review explores the intricacies of Ara: History Untold, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses as a unique entry in the 4X strategy genre.
From Humble Village to Thriving Metropolis
Ara: History Untold echoes the familiar framework of Civilization, tasking players with guiding a chosen leader, from historical figures like Genghis Khan to Wu Zetian, to transform a modest village into a sprawling empire. The core gameplay loop involves exploration, resource gathering, construction, and technological advancement, mirroring the classic 4X formula. However, Ara distinguishes itself through a heightened emphasis on city management and intricate supply chains.
Menus from Ara: History Untold.Alt: In-game menus from Ara: History Untold showcasing various resource management and city-building options.
Each turn presents a multi-faceted challenge: managing construction queues, deploying scouts and troops, claiming new territories, and, crucially, orchestrating a complex web of resource production and distribution. Transforming basic foodstuffs into elaborate feasts, utilizing mills to produce paper for books and encyclopedias, and establishing libraries are just a few examples of the interconnected systems players must master. This intricate gameplay loop presents a steep learning curve but offers a rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time.
Mastering the Art of Resource Management
The game’s complexity lies in its delicate balancing act. Overpopulation necessitates innovative solutions, like constructing workshops to produce metal tools, boosting farm yields, or engaging in trade with neighboring nations to secure essential resources. This constant problem-solving, the intricate puzzle of resource acquisition and allocation, forms the core of Ara’s strategic gameplay.
Technological advancement introduces further strategic choices. Each completed research project contributes to a new era, unlocking advanced options while potentially sacrificing unexplored paths. This dynamic creates a compelling tension between embracing new technologies and maximizing the potential of existing ones, often necessitating diplomatic maneuvering to acquire missing resources through trade agreements.
A pyramid built in Ara: History Untold.Alt: A majestic pyramid, a testament to architectural achievement, stands tall in the game Ara: History Untold.
The ability to zoom in on cities, observing individual buildings and the bustling activity of citizens, adds a layer of intimacy to the gameplay. This detailed view transforms settlements from abstract markers on a map into vibrant, living entities. However, the zoomed-out view, with its large and often cluttered UI markers, can hinder strategic decision-making, particularly during combat scenarios.
The Prestige Race and Diplomatic Intrigue
Ara: History Untold introduces a unique win condition: the accumulation of Prestige. This resource is earned through various means, from constructing landmarks and commissioning artistic masterpieces to engaging in strategic warfare and territorial expansion. This streamlined objective allows players to focus on the intricate mechanics of civilization building.
The game’s “battle royale” element, where nations with the lowest Prestige are eliminated at the end of each act, adds a layer of dynamic tension and strategic depth. This mechanic incentivizes competition for resources and territory, fostering diplomatic intrigue and strategic alliances.
Nefertiti in Egypt menu in Ara: History Untold. An upgrade on screen is called Rays of the Aten: Farms and their Upgrades provide an additional +1 food per turnAlt: A screenshot from Ara: History Untold displaying the Egypt menu with Nefertiti and the “Rays of the Aten” farm upgrade, highlighting the detailed resource management system.
The focus on Prestige also encourages diverse playstyles. Whether pursuing peaceful artistic endeavors or engaging in aggressive expansion, players can tailor their strategies to achieve victory. However, the game’s diplomatic system, while offering more options than Civilization, can feel somewhat limited, with relationships fluctuating seemingly at random and nations lacking distinct personalities.
Endgame Challenges and Areas for Improvement
While Ara: History Untold offers a compelling and complex gameplay experience, it struggles in the endgame. The initial dynamism of events and diplomatic decisions often gives way to repetitive loops of research agreements and alliances, leading to a sense of automated monotony. This, coupled with the game’s steep learning curve, can make it less accessible than Civilization.
Despite its shortcomings, Ara: History Untold offers a refreshing take on the 4X strategy genre. Its emphasis on intricate resource management, dynamic Prestige system, and intimate city-building mechanics provides a uniquely engaging experience. The game’s true triumphs lie not in grand military victories but in the meticulous management of resources, ensuring the health and prosperity of one’s civilization.
Ara: History Untold was tested on PC.
