Ara: History Untold throws you into the heart of building a civilization, forcing you to confront the monumental task of transforming a humble settlement into a thriving metropolis. Unlike its predecessors, this game doesn’t shy away from the intricacies of creating a self-sustaining society. You’re not simply expanding your territory and engaging in warfare; you’re meticulously crafting intricate supply chains, managing resources, and fostering trade with your neighbors. It’s a complex dance of interconnected systems, and the game compels you to understand how everything fits together.
On the surface, Ara: History Untold bears a striking resemblance to Civilization. It shares the familiar turn-based 4X strategy foundation, offering a roster of historical leaders and the challenge of building a civilization from scratch. You’ll send out scouts, gather resources, and construct buildings, gradually evolving from a small tribe to a powerful nation.
However, Ara’s true brilliance lies in its dedication to granular city-building. Each turn demands meticulous attention, juggling construction projects, deploying troops, claiming new territories, and managing your ever-growing population. But the core of the gameplay lies in building and maintaining a complex supply chain. You’ll need to transform basic farm produce into luxurious feasts, cultivate paper for book production, and ensure a steady flow of resources to fuel your expanding empire.
This intricate system creates a steep learning curve. You’ll find yourself constantly experimenting, adjusting, and troubleshooting, but the rewards are immense. The moment you grasp the complex web of dependencies, you’ll be captivated by the depth of Ara’s systems. For instance, when your population outgrows your food supply, you’ll need to create metal tools to increase farm output, and if that’s not enough, you might have to engage in international trade to secure vital resources.
Beyond resource management, Ara introduces an engaging system of prestige, the driving force behind your civilization’s progress. Building landmarks, recruiting historical figures, creating masterpieces, and even conquering neighboring regions contribute to your prestige score. This streamlined goal offers a clear objective, allowing you to focus on the intricacies of managing your society.
Interestingly, the prestige system also addresses a common criticism of Civilization. At the end of each act, civilizations with low prestige are eliminated from the game, adding a dynamic element of competition and urgency. It’s a race against time and your rivals to claim land, build your prestige, and ensure your civilization’s survival.
Beyond the complex mechanics, Ara: History Untold excels in its intimate depiction of your cities. Zooming in, you can witness the bustling activity of your individual buildings and observe your citizens going about their daily lives. It adds a sense of scale and realism, transforming your cities from mere UI markers into vibrant, living ecosystems.
While Ara: History Untold offers a unique and engaging experience, it’s not without its shortcomings. The late game can feel repetitive, with diplomatic interactions becoming predictable and the strategic options feeling limited. The emphasis on micromanagement, while a key selling point, can also feel overwhelming at times, particularly for those who prefer a more streamlined approach to strategy games.
Ara: History Untold is a bold departure from the familiar Civilization formula, offering a deeper and more challenging exploration of civilization building. It’s a rewarding experience for those who crave a more nuanced and intricate strategy game, but its steep learning curve and potential for late-game repetition may not appeal to all players.
