The reviewer, Jake, discusses the game "Ancestors: Humankind Odyssey". He praises the game's uniqueness, ambition, and beauty, but criticizes its repetitive and slow gameplay, lack of payoff, and frustrating mechanics.
The game is set in prehistoric times, where players take on the role of early humans, exploring, discovering, and learning new skills. The game's core mechanics involve using detective vision modes to scan and identify objects, and unlocking new skills and abilities through a skill tree.
However, Jake expresses disappointment with the game's repetitive gameplay, slow progression, and lack of satisfaction. He notes that the game's "aha" moments, where players discover new skills or combinations, are the best parts of the game, but are not enough to make up for the game's overall flaws.
Despite his criticisms, Jake acknowledges that the game is still more interesting than average survival games, and its unique approach and beautiful visuals make it worth considering. He recommends watching a Let's Play video to get a better understanding of the game's mechanics and loop.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. The game "Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey" is available on PC and will be released on consoles in December.
2. The game is developed by Patrice Désilets, one of the original creators of the Assassin's Creed series.
3. The game is set in prehistoric times and allows players to control early human ancestors.
4. The game has a unique gameplay mechanic where players must figure out how to survive and progress through the game without any guidance or tutorials.
5. The game has a skill tree system where players can unlock new abilities and upgrades by earning neurons.
6. Players can discover new plants, rocks, and other items in the environment, which can be used to craft tools and other items.
7. The game has a day-night cycle and a vast, detailed environment to explore.
8. The game's soundtrack is memorable and the sound design is great, but some audio cues may be too quiet for players with hearing impairments.
9. The game's progression system allows players to unlock new abilities and upgrades by earning neurons and completing tasks.
10. The game's ultimate goal is to evolve the player's character into a fully upright walking ape-man.
11. The game has a slow movement speed and can feel like a grind at times.
12. The game has a unique mechanic where players can have children and progress through generations.
13. The game's community is encouraged to share their discoveries and strategies with each other.
14. The game is available to play on PC and will be released on consoles in December.