Mankind

• Platform: IBM PC Compatible
• Release Date: November 21, 2000
• Genre: Strategy
• Style: Persistent World Online RTS
• Similar Games: 10 Six (IBM PC Compatible), Shattered Galaxy (IBM PC Compatible)

Game Description

Mankind is, by almost any standard, an ambitious on-line, multiplayer, real-time strategy game in the most literal sense -- the network servers that host it run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Regardless if you are logged in or not, the game's universe continues evolving and events occur without you. Action proceeds as mines continue to extract minerals, production centers build ships and enemies may even attack. Your ships automatically defend bases if the attack occurs while you're not actively online. Each player is connected by central servers to thousands of other players worldwide who colonize over 900 million planets, fight wars of conquest and organize into guilds for common interests.

Despite its unusual scope, Mankind functions roughly along the same lines as many strategy games, namely, collect resources, build and expand. From humble beginnings at a space station, your colonists undertake the immense task of populating the universe. First, you need to find a planet with a decent sized chunk of unclaimed space and then search the area for resources needed to build your settlement: rock, oil, titanium, iron and so forth. You obtain and manage resources, strengthen the infrastructure and maintain a decent military force (even if only for defensive purposes). After locating a site that will support you and your colony, you build your first structures and units as a base and proceed to establish your place in the universe.

Access to the Mankind universe is regulated by a log-in name and password. You can either buy access subscription-style or purchase the game itself. A special feature provides for a call to the player's mobile phone if he or she is attacked while not active in the game.

Roots & Influences

Unique massively multiplayer exclusively online trading, resource management, exploration and conquest environment set in space (more than 900 million planets and millions of solar systems).

Review: Overall

Mankind will most likely go virtually unnoticed by some gamers while absorbing others totally to the detriment of their health, jobs, personal hygiene and relationships. After all, it takes time to establish your presence in the universe.

You will not be dazzled by its graphics nor will you find yourself instantly engrossed by the action-packed plot. In fact, it's possible the game will seem stark and rudimentary and an irritation factor will quickly set in. On the other hand, you might just be knocked cold by the simple, staggering breadth of its concept. An entire universe awaits you with over 900 million planets in millions of solar systems, all available for exploration, trade or conquest. You begin with a ship full of colonists, which you fly to the planet of your choosing to begin an empire. You must defend it and the resources that drive it with various military units in space and on land.

The Mankind universe is always moving, even when you aren't there (logged in). There's no turning it off, no pausing it and definitely no saving your game before attempting something stupid or dangerous. This might cause slight anxiety at first but it lends a significance to even small decisions some regular strategy games lack. Your civilization follows your most recent orders when you're not playing and your military units will defend automatically if attacked when you're not online.

You begin knowing full well there is no way, even if you quit your job, cut all social ties and forever after get all of your food entirely by delivery, that you can "conquer" 900,000,000+ planets. The incomprehensible size of this artificial universe is as close a facsimile of our real, infinite universe as computer games are likely to manage. And there you are, right in the middle, claiming your dominion within it -- the enjoyment to be taken from this should not be underestimated.

Throw into the mix the potential competition (or partners) consisting of tens of thousands of players from throughout the world and the sheer magnitude can seem overwhelming albeit certainly unending. If you do not experience distinct stirrings within yourself at the massive size of the concept, you probably won't like the game. The fact is, with a game world this immense, there is not a lot of detail on the planets or in space and pixels are clearly visible everywhere.

However, if you're at all intrigued by the potential unlimited gameplay, chances are the game will keep you busy for a good while.

Review: Enjoyment

You'll either love it or hate it, depending on your predilection for online massive multiplayer games.

Review: Graphics

Huge scale makes for lack of detail.

Review: Sound

Very nice and atmospheric space music.

Review: Replay Value

Unlimited replay.

Review: Documentation

Documentation adequately covers gameplay specifics and you can visit the {*Mankind} website for much more information and insights.

Production Credits