Humanity is a board game designed by Fred Augis, Paul Chadeisson, Pierre Lazarevic, and Remy Paul. It was published in 2023 and falls into the categories of City Building and Space Exploration. The game is designed for 2 to 4 players aged 14 and above, with a runtime of around 90 minutes.
Game Components of Humanity
2-4 player boards2-3 astronaut workers per playerModule tilesTunnel segment tilesLand tilesResource tokens (methane, ice, bugs)Objective cardsResearch trackCentral board with a rotating mechanism
How To Setup Humanity
To set up Humanity, each player starts with a 3×3 grid player board containing 9 starting tiles, including three land tiles. Each player begins with two astronaut workers, which will be used to gather resources and modules. The central board is prepared with module and tunnel segment tiles, and the game’s objectives and research track are laid out. Players also receive their initial resources and any starting modules or tunnel segments as indicated by the game rules.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Worker Placement: Players place their astronauts on non-exclusive spots around the central board to gather module and tunnel segment tiles.Resource Collection: Modules provide basic resources (methane, ice, bugs) and more sophisticated resources.Module Placement: Modules must be placed in the spot the astronauts had left, which can be restrictive.Rotating Board: The central board rotates after each round, causing some astronauts to be returned to their players.Module Rotation: Astronauts can rotate modules and land tiles to optimize resource collection or remove lab tiles.Upgrading Astronauts: Completing specific module arrangements upgrades astronauts, allowing more rotations.Objective Completion: Players earn victory points (VPs) by assembling greenhouses, meeting objectives, or advancing on the research track.Tunnel Collection: Assembling tunnels provides bonuses and VPs.
Player Experience
Playing Humanity involves strategic planning and resource management. Players must balance the need to collect and place modules efficiently while navigating the dynamic central board. The game features a unique mechanic where the central board’s rotation can significantly impact player strategy, requiring adaptability.
Pros
Innovative Mechanics: The rotating board and module rotation mechanics add a fresh twist to traditional worker placement games.Resource Optimization: Players can optimize their resource collection through careful module placement and rotation.Multiple Paths to Victory: Various objectives and the research track offer multiple ways to earn VPs.Thematic Artwork: The game features thematic artwork, including cute astronauts, though some players found the iconography a bit confusing.
Cons
Unintuitive Rules: Some rules, such as the module placement restriction, can be frustrating and unintuitive.Downtime: The game can drag on due to downtime, especially when players are competing for specific modules.Overly Complex: The game has several quirky rules that can make gameplay more difficult without adding fun.Hidden VP Track: The VPs earned on the research track are hidden, which some players found unnecessary.
Personal Thoughts on Humanity
Humanity is a game that will appeal to fans of complex worker placement games who enjoy strategic planning and resource management. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer simpler rules or faster-paced gameplay. The unique mechanics and immersive theme can be engaging, but the game’s complexity and potential for downtime may deter some players. Overall, it is a game best suited for experienced board game enthusiasts looking for a challenge.
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