Ancient Cities

Ancient Cities is a strategy and city-building simulation game set in a prehistoric world, where players must guide their tribe through survival, expansion, and technological advancement. The game blends resource management, diplomacy, and exploration in a dynamic environment filled with wildlife, rival tribes, and environmental challenges.

Ancient Cities: A Survival City Builder Rooted in Prehistory

Introduction: A Bold Vision for Historical City Building

Ancient Cities is a survival city builder that dares to transport players to the dawn of human civilization, blending meticulous historical simulation with the challenges of early societal development. Released in 2023 by Uncasual Games, this title stands out in the city-building genre by focusing on the Neolithic and Mesolithic eras, a period often overlooked in favor of more glamorous historical settings. The game’s ambition is clear: to create a realistic, immersive experience where players guide a nomadic tribe through the struggles of survival, technological discovery, and the gradual formation of a permanent settlement.

At its core, Ancient Cities is a love letter to history, archaeology, and the intricate systems that governed early human societies. Unlike traditional city builders that emphasize rapid expansion and conquest, this game forces players to contend with the harsh realities of prehistoric life—seasonal changes, resource scarcity, and the slow, organic growth of knowledge. The result is a uniquely meditative yet challenging experience that rewards patience, strategic planning, and adaptability.

Development History & Context: A Labor of Passion

Uncasual Games, a small independent studio based in Spain, embarked on Ancient Cities with a clear vision: to create a city builder that prioritized historical authenticity and systemic depth over flashy aesthetics or power fantasies. The studio’s passion for history, archaeology, and technology is evident in every aspect of the game, from its procedurally generated environments to its intricate simulation of prehistoric ecosystems.

The game’s development was supported by successful Kickstarter and Indiegogo campaigns, demonstrating a niche but enthusiastic audience for historical city builders. Uncasual Games’ decision to focus on the Neolithic era was deliberate, as it allowed them to explore the foundational elements of human civilization—agriculture, domestication, and early social structures—without the distractions of later historical periods.

Technologically, Ancient Cities employs a custom rendering engine capable of simulating thousands of individual entities—plants, animals, and humans—within a dynamic, living world. This technical achievement is crucial for the game’s immersive atmosphere, where every tree grows, every animal migrates, and every citizen ages and dies according to simulated natural laws.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive: The Struggle for Survival

Ancient Cities eschews traditional narrative structures in favor of emergent storytelling. There are no scripted characters or linear quests; instead, the game’s narrative unfolds through the player’s interactions with the environment and the gradual evolution of their tribe. Themes of survival, adaptation, and cultural progression dominate the experience, as players must balance immediate needs (food, shelter, safety) with long-term goals (technological advancement, population growth, and territorial expansion).

The game’s setting spans the European Stone Age, from the warm Mediterranean to the frigid landscapes of Scandinavia, each with its own unique challenges and resources. The passage of time is meticulously simulated, with seasons, weather patterns, and day-night cycles affecting gameplay in meaningful ways. For example, winter forces players to stockpile food, while summer offers opportunities for hunting and gathering.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems: A Study in Simulation

Ancient Cities distinguishes itself through its deep simulation of prehistoric life. Key gameplay mechanics include:

• Resource Management: Players must gather and allocate resources such as food, wood, stone, and animal hides, all of which are subject to decay and spoilage.
• Knowledge and Technology: Technological progress is tied to the tribe’s collective knowledge, which grows organically through experimentation, migration, and cultural exchange.
• Population Dynamics: Citizens are simulated as individuals with unique attributes, skills, and needs. Their satisfaction and survival depend on the player’s ability to provide adequate housing, food, and safety.
• Ecosystem Simulation: The game’s world is a living, breathing entity where plants grow, animals migrate, and natural disasters occur. Players must adapt to these dynamic conditions to survive.
• Cultural Evolution: The transition from Mesolithic to Neolithic cultures is a gradual process influenced by migration, technological discovery, and environmental factors.

The game’s UI and automation systems are designed to reduce micromanagement, allowing players to focus on high-level strategy rather than tedious tasks. However, the lack of clear feedback on how to progress can be frustrating, as players must often rely on trial and error to uncover new technologies or cultural advancements.

World-Building, Art & Sound: A Prehistoric Tapestry

Ancient Cities excels in creating a believable prehistoric world. The game’s visual design is understated but effective, with a focus on realism over stylization. The procedurally generated environments are rich in detail, from the dense forests of Central Europe to the rocky coastlines of the Mediterranean.

The sound design complements the visuals, with ambient noises—rustling leaves, distant animal calls, and the murmur of tribal life—enhancing the game’s immersive atmosphere. The absence of a traditional soundtrack further reinforces the game’s commitment to realism, allowing players to lose themselves in the sights and sounds of prehistoric Europe.

Reception & Legacy: A Niche Masterpiece

Ancient Cities has received mixed but generally positive reviews, with critics praising its depth, authenticity, and innovative approach to city building. However, the game’s steep learning curve and lack of clear progression cues have been points of contention. Despite these challenges, the game has cultivated a dedicated fanbase that appreciates its unique blend of history, simulation, and strategy.

The game’s legacy lies in its potential to influence future city builders, particularly those interested in historical settings. By focusing on the Neolithic era, Ancient Cities has demonstrated that even the most obscure periods of history can serve as compelling backdrops for gameplay.

Conclusion: A Landmark in Historical City Building

Ancient Cities is a bold, ambitious title that succeeds in its mission to create a realistic and immersive prehistoric city builder. While its complexity and lack of hand-holding may deter some players, those who embrace its challenges will find a deeply rewarding experience. The game’s attention to historical detail, systemic depth, and emergent storytelling make it a standout title in the genre.

Final Verdict: Ancient Cities is a must-play for fans of historical simulation and city builders willing to invest time in mastering its intricate systems. Its unique setting and innovative mechanics ensure its place as a landmark in the evolution of the genre. 8.5/10