In the realm of grand strategy games, Ara: History Untold emerges as a captivating entry that invites players to traverse the annals of history in a unique 4X format. Developed by Oxide Games and published by Xbox Game Studios, this title is set to launch on September 24, 2024, with a price tag of £50, also available through Game Pass.
Gameplay Mechanics and Visual Appeal
Ara offers a visually stunning experience, allowing players to zoom in and witness the vibrant life of their civilizations. From bustling towns to serene farmlands, the game is teeming with activity, including townsfolk engaging in daily tasks and wildlife roaming freely. This attention to detail breathes life into the world, making it feel dynamic compared to other titles in the genre.
The city-building mechanics are equally engaging. Players start with a single city and expand their empires by claiming regions composed of multiple zones. Strategic placement of buildings is encouraged, as similar production structures within a region yield bonuses. The organic layout of cities, shaped by the land’s contours, enhances the immersive experience, showcasing everything from agricultural fields to monumental wonders like the Pyramids and The London Eye.
Ara’s gameplay unfolds across three acts, each divided into four eras. Players advance through these eras by researching technologies, with the added twist that the bottom 25% of civilizations in Prestige rankings face elimination at the end of each act. This mechanic introduces a sense of urgency and competition, compelling players to adapt and strategize as they navigate the evolving landscape of their civilizations.
Prestige and Strategy
One of the standout features of Ara is its Prestige system, which tracks achievements across various domains, including military, scientific, and cultural accomplishments. This multifaceted approach allows players to pivot their strategies as the game progresses, rewarding defensive maneuvers and diversifying development paths. Unlike traditional 4X games, where singular victory conditions dominate, Ara encourages a broader focus on overall achievement.
However, while the game excels in certain areas, it does exhibit some shortcomings. Diplomacy feels underdeveloped, with animated leader avatars lacking depth and personality. Negotiations are limited, and the rapid depletion of relationship bars can create a hostile environment, detracting from the potential for meaningful alliances.
Combat and Crafting Systems
Combat mechanics evoke nostalgia for earlier titles, with a focus on stacking units for tactical advantages. While there are opportunities for strategic formations and guerrilla tactics, the core combat often boils down to numerical superiority. The absence of customization options for units further simplifies the combat experience, which may leave some players wanting more depth.
The crafting system introduces an intriguing layer of complexity, allowing players to create items that enhance city attributes or provide temporary boosts during critical moments. However, the user interface can become cumbersome as the number of crafting queues increases, leading to potential micromanagement challenges.
Accessibility and Future Potential
Ara: History Untold positions itself as a more accessible entry point for newcomers to the 4X genre, with a streamlined experience that avoids the bloat often seen in its competitors. While it may not yet rival the giants of the genre, there is ample room for growth through future expansions. By refining existing systems and introducing new mechanics, Oxide Games has the opportunity to deepen the gameplay experience and enhance the overall narrative.
As players prepare to embark on their historical journeys, Ara promises an engaging and visually captivating adventure, inviting exploration and strategic mastery in equal measure.
