The Humans
DOS game, 1992
Released in 1992 for DOS, The Humans stands as a notable entry in the puzzle genre, hailed upon its debut as a commendable successor to the popular game Lemmings. Despite its ambitions, as voiced by the distribution company, to surpass the fame of the Lemmings series, The Humans carved out its own niche as a highly engaging and challenging puzzle game, even if it didn't achieve its lofty goal of outshining its predecessor in terms of popularity. …read more
Game review
Released in 1992 for DOS, The Humans stands as a notable entry in the puzzle genre, hailed upon its debut as a commendable successor to the popular game Lemmings. Despite its ambitions, as voiced by the distribution company, to surpass the fame of the Lemmings series, The Humans carved out its own niche as a highly engaging and challenging puzzle game, even if it didn't achieve its lofty goal of outshining its predecessor in terms of popularity.
The Humans unfolds in the backdrop of prehistory, presenting players with a tribe of people characterized by their naivety, greed, and kind-heartedness. These early humans are initially limited in their abilities, setting the stage for a game centered around evolution and progress. The primary objective is to guide these humans from their primitive beginnings through the annals of time to the present, navigating a myriad of obstacles, discovering new tools, and learning to utilize these advancements to overcome challenges.
Gameplay involves leading the tribe through various traps and puzzles, requiring strategic thinking to manage the group's collective skills and tools effectively. Each new discovery, such as the spear, introduces additional gameplay mechanics—jumping long distances, lighting bushes on fire to clear paths, or warding off threatening dinosaurs. These tasks not only require the acquisition of tools but also the development of new skills, symbolizing the tribe's growth and learning.
As the game progresses, players encounter several key inventions that have defined human progress, including the wheel, gunpowder, and firearms. Mastery over these technologies is crucial for advancing through the levels, each presenting increasingly complex puzzles that challenge the player's ingenuity and resourcefulness.
The Humans distinguishes itself with a gameplay loop that emphasizes problem-solving and evolution, offering a unique take on the puzzle genre that resonates with themes of human advancement and innovation. Despite its difficulty, which becomes quite apparent by level 10, the game remains accessible and engaging, rewarding players for creative thinking and effective strategy.
In retrospect, The Humans may not have eclipsed Lemmings in terms of fame, yet it remains a beloved and respected title within the puzzle genre for its original concept, challenging gameplay, and the whimsical portrayal of early human life. Its legacy endures as a testament to the depth and variety that puzzle games can offer, providing a blend of entertainment, challenge, and a light-hearted look at the journey of mankind.
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