Indie game studio Gorilla SoftWorks, alongside publisher Camlann Games, has unveiled the first gameplay footage for their upcoming game, The Ancients. The strategy turn-based game takes players back to the prehistoric era, tasking them with leading a tribe through the harsh realities of the last Ice Age.
The Ancients marries historical accuracy and immersive gameplay, guided by the knowledge of an influential archaeology scholar during its development. As players navigate through different climates and biomes, they must ensure the survival of their tribe by foraging for food, warding off predators, combating starvation, and pioneering primitive technology. Beyond survival, players must also make critical socio-political decisions to shape the tribe’s cultural, spiritual, and moral identity.
The Ancients places a unique emphasis on tribal life, with players managing one or more clans and assessing their satisfaction through the lens of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The game also features a comprehensive tech tree for technological progression, allowing players to adapt and craft new tools and weapons tailored to their geographical necessities.
Furthermore, the game introduces a migratory aspect where players guide their tribe to different areas on Earth, strategizing the best methods to thrive in new environments and climates. The Ancients will be the studio’s first commercial title and is set for an Early Access release by the end of 2023 and will be available on Windows PCs. Below an overview via Steam and Trailer.
ABOUT THE ANCIENTS
Create a civilization to survive throughout the ages
Explore Earth in prehistoric times. The continents are shifting, the last ice age is coming. Fierce predators prowl the land. Lead your tribe to survive against the harsh world.
Survive An Unforgiving Planet
- Survive through the seasons in the harsh conditions of prehistoric earth.
- Protect your tribe from wild animals, cold winters, drought, and ensure they feel safe.
- Forage for food and resources to keep your clans healthy and fed.
Eat Or Be Eaten
- Hunt historic wild creatures, and discover new ones as you migrate.
- Hexagon map tiles for strategic tactical battles with multiple clans.
- Learn about prehistoric animals with tooltips that are native to each region.
Advance Your Tribe
- Advance your tribe into a civilized society with tools, weapons, and shelter to usher in the new age.
- Research primitive technology, and craft new tools according to your geographical needs.
- Witness the historical development of humanity or create your own history.
Evolve Your Civilization
- Discover your own language and build an identity for your tribe so your people will feel united.
- Create fundamental religious ideas and combine them to create your own spiritual beliefs.
- Build your own culture, make your tribe patriarchal or matriarchal, polygamous or monogamous, and more.
Migrate To New Regions
- Migrate to different nodes on Earth, even the most challenging climates, and try to survive in whatever biome you travel through.
- Lose or gain additional clans and members, and strategize how to effectively use each one.
You are in full control of how you shape your tribe, and ultimately humanity. Will you be able to survive and thrive?
Try The Demo Now And Wishlist For Full Release
