A New Era in 4X Strategy Gaming
In the realm of 4X strategy games, few titles have achieved the iconic status of the Civilization series. However, developer Oxide Games is poised to carve out its own niche with the upcoming release of Ara: History Untold, set to launch this week on Windows and Steam, and available from day one on PC Game Pass. With a team that boasts experience from the Civilization franchise, players can expect familiar elements, yet Ara aims to innovate within the genre, offering a fresh take that has already captivated many players.
For those new to the 4X grand strategy genre, Ara: History Untold presents a rich tapestry of gameplay. Players begin by selecting from an impressive roster of thirty historical leaders, each representing diverse cultures and backgrounds. This selection not only enhances the game’s inclusivity but also introduces a variety of skills that encourage players to explore different strategies with each playthrough.
Upon choosing a leader, players are greeted with a map tailored for their session. Ara embraces replayability, allowing users to either generate a unique map or select from pre-designed ones that may offer increased challenges. For seasoned strategists, various difficulty settings enable a customizable experience, ensuring that even the most adept players find a suitable level of challenge.
The gameplay kicks off with the establishment of a player’s first city, introducing a notable shift from the traditional hex-based system familiar to fans of the genre. Instead, cities are composed of multiple regions, each offering unique bonuses for resource management and development. Players must strategically consider the resources available in each region to optimize their construction plans, whether they aim to build factories, barracks, or palaces. While the absence of a hex grid marks a departure from convention, the movement of units across the map retains a board game-like feel, providing a seamless transition between regions.
Ara: History Untold further distinguishes itself by implementing a simultaneous turn system, allowing all players to execute their actions concurrently. This innovative approach not only streamlines gameplay but also reduces downtime, resulting in a more dynamic experience. Although the game unfolds over three acts with hundreds of turns, the simultaneous actions ensure that players remain engaged throughout their empire-building journey.
Beyond its single-player offerings, Ara: History Untold supports an impressive online multiplayer mode, accommodating up to 36 players. Gamers can join ongoing matches or initiate their own, with a range of customizable options to tailor the online experience. Features such as AFK rules, turn timers, private lobbies, and AI assistance for inactive players enhance the multiplayer functionality, promising an engaging environment for competitive play.
My experience with Ara: History Untold has been thoroughly enjoyable, and I believe that fans of the Civilization series will find themselves at home in this new world. The game includes a comprehensive tutorial designed to ease newcomers into the mechanics of 4X strategy, ensuring accessibility for all players. With numerous pathways to empire-building and a Prestige system that rewards various actions, Ara offers a compelling framework for determining victory, even amidst multiple surviving nations. As the launch approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a noteworthy addition to the genre.
Note: Xbox Game Studios provided us with an Ara: History Untold PC code for review purposes.