Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey

GO BACK I WANT TO BE MONKEY!!! Honestly i recommend it IMMENSELY! Once I figured out all the basic controls(which took a lot of getting used too) I too felt like monkey. The game world is WAAAAYYYY Bigger than i first thought or could EVER expect!! Named the big bird in the sky Frank, Killed frank before switching generations as a challenge, GO TOWARDS THE BALL OF LIGHT WHEN EVERYTHING GOES DARK!!!! I had got frustrated at this because I straight up didn't know, it EXPANDS WHERE YOU CAN GO!! The way I found out? I was streaming and a chatter(now dear friend) helped to guide me. When in doubt, never feel bad to stare at the controls or google what to do for a certain thing. Finding out yourself is awesome, but i DID accidentally fall to my death because I first didn't figure out how to swing from the leaves. All in all, a 10/10 I CHERISH THIS GAME!!!! I desprately want a remaster of this game because that would BE INSANE!!!

its really good

Utterly phenomenal game. 10/10

I remember being terrified of everything when I first started, I'd literally never leave the safety of the trees. But after a few helpful/motivational youtube videos I finally made my fist kill, and after that i just grew more and more confident. Thanks Youtube!
I definitely recommend. Monkey game very good! Yes.

Good survival game. A bit repetitive, but good.

Controls for this are genuinely infuriatingly bad. In the tutorial it will prompt you to do certain actions like "hear" or "smell" or "comfort, only to find that doing those things somehow doesn't register, and so you are just an aimless monkey with no objective, who dies easily. I really love the concept, but the execution is just completely absent. I've put this game down and picked it back up and on the 2nd time I genuinely couldn't get past the tutorial. Terribly designed.

First off: this is definitely a game made for a controller. As someone who played via keyboard and mouse, the mechanics of movement were very frustrating...enough to make me stop playing until I get a controller to play.
Besides that, this game is incredible and I loved playing it. The ability to develop, adapt, learn, and teach was very interesting to watch. To see what could potentially have been the way in which our ancestors evolved. I was learning alongside the character, making sure not to go near that dang boar again unless I could defend myself; to accurately go from tree to tree without falling; to nurturing the next generation safely.
A very fascinating game that I will replay once I remember to buy myself a dang controller!

Great game!!

Ancestors is well made and a good game. Graphics and game mechanics combine together to build a really immersive world unlike any other game I have played before, which once you start playing you won't want to stop. The game does not hold your hand, so you are forced to explore/interact with the game world to work out how to play, and what you can do, much like a child learning how the world works for the first time. Due to this you get invested in the characters and game, and each loss of a character is felt, as it is a loss of skills, time, and exploration of the world.
The late game can get a little repetitive, but there is still plenty to find out and do.

Overall I would highly recommend, as the game is unique, immersive and offers a game play experience unlike any other.

1.8% apex predator btw
How bad are you guys at the game?

I really wanted to play this game because I watched a guy play it on YouYube and it seemed cool but the camera moves around like crazy and everything is blurry and it genuinely makes me sick. If I play for more than 5 min I feel sea sickness. Why did they made it like that?!

Reject humanity
Return to Monkey

Until my Playstation kerplooted itself in a thunderstorm, i had over 500 hours in this game(and was 1 bald eagle kill away from Platinuming it, too). I know the game wasn't too well-received when it came out, but those like me who enjoyed it found a humble sense of accomplishment in completing each of the goals and feats, the more obscure tasks and game objectives got easier to perform, ultimately i found myself preferring an aimless playstyle, or where i was uncertain about things. I'm a huge fan of games neolithic/stone age in nature, this game was pure monkey business, not something i was really thinking about or expecting in a game but it is unique. if this game was one that got updates, i definitely would have so many ideas to be added. it's been a while since the game's release, but you can count on me to be one of the first aboard the hype train for a sequel

Something new, something old. It's clearly from a small team and limited budget, but I love this game to bits. I wish if they ever make a sequel or a remake, you could have an endless mode, get more feats and maybe more complex AI for your clan.

very nice game, you can jump at trees, lose your stick because a hog steals it. recommended

This game is so interesting, and the fact that its actually really good but has like 2 player base. Is kinda slow but I guess it is evolution

Ержан! Ержан! вставай, саламалейкум! ты чё ебанулся спишь? на работу пора !
Yerzhan! Yerzhan! Get the fuck up, Salaam alaikum! Are you fucking asleep? It's time for work!

this game is fun yet can be very unforgiving there's just so much to do and it an be very hard to pin down what do to to mature certain neurons but if you think your up to it then I'd highly reccomend just make sure you can afford it as I like to say if you can't buy it twice you shouldn't anyhow enjoy being monkey

I've really enjoyed this game! Really makes you think on how to use tools like they could have way back when and face the kind of predators/challenges they may have had to. I'm not sure what the plans are for the future of this game, but if the Developers are reading this, please make a DLC or second ancestors as this game has so much potential! Phenomenal game. Glad I ran across it when I did.

its cool

Truly a Humankind Odyssey. One of a kind experience.

amazing game I complete the game and loved every bit of it.

On my Favorites list

One of the most striking aspects of the game is its emphasis on exploration and learning. Instead of traditional objectives, you're encouraged to experiment and discover your surroundings. I loved how this approach made me feel connected to the environment, whether it was foraging for food, learning to use tools, or avoiding predators. The sense of accomplishment from mastering these skills was incredibly rewarding.

The visuals are stunning, capturing the beauty and danger of the prehistoric world. I found myself often stopping just to take in the scenery. However, I did encounter some frustrating moments with the controls and navigation, which felt a bit clunky at times. This can be challenging, especially when you’re trying to escape danger or interact with the environment.

The game also does an excellent job of highlighting the importance of community and lineage. As you progress, you can pass on knowledge and skills to future generations, which adds a meaningful layer to the gameplay. This aspect resonated with me, reflecting the real-world importance of family and learning.


Cons:
Clunky Controls: The controls can feel awkward and unresponsive at times, making navigation and interactions frustrating, especially in high-pressure situations.

Slow Pacing: The game's emphasis on exploration and gradual evolution can lead to slow pacing, which may not appeal to players looking for more action-oriented gameplay.

Limited Guidance: While the lack of hand-holding can enhance the experience, it may also leave some players feeling lost or unsure of their objectives, leading to moments of confusion.

Permadeath Mechanics: The permadeath system can be punishing, as losing a character means losing progress and learned skills. This might discourage some players from taking risks or fully engaging with the game.

Repetitive Gameplay: Some players may find that the core gameplay loop becomes repetitive over time, as the tasks and challenges can feel similar across different playthroughs.

Technical Issues: There have been reports of bugs and performance issues, which can detract from the overall experience.



Pros:
Unique Concept: The game offers a fresh take on survival and exploration by focusing on early human evolution, providing a distinctive gaming experience.

Immersive Environment: The stunning visuals and richly detailed prehistoric world create an immersive atmosphere that draws players in and makes exploration feel rewarding.

Emphasis on Exploration: Players are encouraged to experiment and discover their surroundings without traditional objectives, promoting a sense of curiosity and adventure.

Skill Progression: The ability to pass on knowledge and skills to future generations adds depth and strategy, enhancing the game's longevity.

Realistic Survival Mechanics: The game incorporates survival elements that challenge players to gather food, avoid predators, and learn new skills, creating a sense of accomplishment.

Community Building: The importance of lineage and community in gameplay fosters a deeper connection to the characters and their development.

Diverse Gameplay Styles: Players can choose how to approach challenges, whether through stealth, exploration, or strategic planning, catering to different play styles.

Pretty neat concept that blends survival, resource & group management into an evolutionary driven story. There are elements to the game that requires trial & error in which sometimes the outcome of your errors leads to one of several of your hominids getting sick. But for each trial and tribulation there are a few ways to overcome move through the generations and evolutionary jumps. Enjoy!

Monkey game fun

I love the realism and attention to detail. It is really complicated but super fun! I've expanded my clans range super far and have had great success with defeating predators and unlocking neurons.

For some reason the game has stopped loading on my PC past the spash screen there is no menu or any further progress I followed the instructions and did all the steps to clear cache reinstall and everything still nothing happens.

once you understand the gameplay, The game becomes wildly addicting.

I hope there's a sequel with sapiens closer to humans

Better hope you dont go ANYWHERE near a single animal, the audio and visual cues are less than 0.01 second, so enjoy spending 40+ hours trying to get one dodge lmfao

its good but weird as fuck

It's an interesting concept. Buy it on sale though. I rec to at least play it, but once you figures it out, it becomes repetitive. Think the first Assassins Creed.

I dont think I am going to finish it.

Its different, fun for the time i played gets repetitive quickly might not finish game.

Reject humanity, be monke.

10/10 experience, love to swing on trees, tragically fall and let my children fend for themselves.

Devs please revisit this game. The thought and love put into is clearly visible. You clearly wanted to make a great product which you did but the game could use updates. Your fan base love it but its missing some polish. I enjoyed not having all the answers to how to do something even though its possible and having to figure it out. You've got fans of this game and youre missing out on some of your crowd due to frustration. Some people just want to play the story. Expansions would be great. The thought of progressing even further would be great. Evolution concepts would be spectacular. Please read your player base critiques and try to cater as best as possible. I dont' know if this idea is dead but you made a great game i would recommend but whats next?

An odd and imperfect game. 6.5/10

It's beautiful. The science seems mainly accurate. The mechanics and UI, after some initial frustration start feeling right. And I immediately want my tribe to thrive.

But after that, what? The game stops well before hominids started leaving traces of culture or art or toolmaking. Which leaves it kind of an empty experience. I applaud the intent and ingenuity. I just wish there had been a sequel to take us all the way to Homo Sap. Oh Well.

It's engaging, at least at first. I don't regret my purchase, just wish I had waited for a better sale.

Recommended if you're an anthropology nerd, or just think scampering and sniffing and eating raw fish is cool (Gollum).

But wait for a good sale. Forty bucks is ridiculous.

It is THE second best survival game I've ever played mostly because of the freedom i have like 1k hours on it on my playstation.

an odd game with a very good concept thats held back by the tutorial, ive heard of not holding a players hand but this game needs just a bit more of it. attempting to work the mechanics is an exercise in patience

I wanted to love this game, but it feels unfinished, and it hasn't had a single update since launch.

Simple things just feel off, predators can't climb trees (which makes it just feel broken and boring), other apes just sit around doing nothing (until you do something, and then they are mimics at best), multiple systems feel unclear and unpolished, bugs, etc.

It had some cool ideas, clearly some people working on this put time and love into it, but it just wasn't given the time (development) it needed.

Overall, if this had gotten some love after launch it could have been great, but it didn't and it isn't.

TLDR:
The game has its problems, many that it drags too long and gets boring after a bit. Overall it's entertaining with plenty to discover.

The TL:
First and foremost the game is really special. There's nothing else quite like it on the market and was the perfect change of pace I needed. At first, you think it's an open-world game with monkeys. This is true, but the core of this game is discovery and not just landmarks. Everything from controls, crafting, and even combat. All has to be discovered yourself. The feeling I got when I was trying to run away from a predator and accidentally ended up stabbing it, was a feeling like no other. In a moment I now could fight back, thanks to me and me alone. The movement was also fun to solve, learning the best and fastest way to navigate the trees was a joy. But this game does have one fatal flaw, running out of mechanics to discover. After about 17 hours or so I stopped discovering new things to do, all that was left to do was grind and evolve. Evolving takes a bit (6-8 hours between to get meaningful progress.) I just don't have it in me to do the same set of things over and over again for another 30 hours. So at about hour 20, the game lost me, but even with not even beating half the game, I'm more than happy with it. I do wish though they made the game a bit tighter. 

So if you are looking for a change of pace or some incredible discovery. I highly recommend giving Ancestry a shot.

good game good story

Whoever commissioned, greenlit, and designed a company splash animation of a jump scare of a moose being run over should never be allowed to touch video games again.

Just trying to get into the game requires sitting through so much pretentious nonsense, including credits for all the people involved in the game, probably because they know if they don't assault you with it from the beginning, no one would see them due to lack of caring enough to check them out from the settings.

The game tries so hard to sell itself as some sort of 'experience' with an epic monologue intro to set the scene that only accomplishes getting a cringe response at how hard its trying to sell itself as more than a modern ripoff of Tokyo Jungle,

After seeing the icon used to depict Left and Right click I almost puked, it is by FAR, the WORST way to depict left and right mouse buttons in any video game ever made, combined with the arts and farts intro monologue, and the opening credits to the 'developers' its obvious no one working on this game has ever played a game before, and that they're not even trying to make a game. This is an art student 'experience', not a game, and not one I want to bother spending more time on than I already have.

The controls and gameplay are so clunky and counter-intuitive, it feels less like being a monkey fighting for survival, and more like trying to wrestle a monkey for your own survival. You have to fight almost every instinct learned from any other game, and try not to develop RSI trying to learn how the controls and mechanics are intended to work. I truly cannot stress enough how much this does not play like any other video game, and that is an insult, not a compliment. Prompts will for example tell you to press a button to 'remember' something, however this does not change if you already remember that thing, meaning you instead forget it. The only time the prompt changes is immediately after you 'remember', so if you leave an area and try to follow the 'remember' prompt, you will just forget the things you previously added to your memory, It's gameplay aspects like that that really indicate lack of awareness as to what a game does versus what a game needs to do. If you're trying to innovate and create a new experience, do so with the options in actions in the game NOT through trying to reinvent the wheel by giving them bumps in the form of completely warping controls and core gameplay mechanics anyone who has played a single video game before is familiar with. A completely backwards approach to innovative game design.

This will definitely be enjoyable for the kind of steam user who loves games like The Witness, where the game is more about taking in the beautiful graphics and being left alone to explore and enjoy the game without popups and menus, but do not be deceived by the 'hehe monke' reviews thinking you'll play a monkey roleplay survival experience, or an upgrade to the gameplay you would find in Tokyo Jungle. If you want a GAME that focuses on generational survival where you can play as a monkey, just go emulate Tokyo Jungle, and stay away from this up-its-ass interactive ''retelling of the story of evolution''

A great game. Truly unique.

Very minimal tutorial. It can be frustrating at first but the exploration and expiremantation is very rewarding. Explore everything. Interact with everything. Keep an eye out for predators. This game is very fun once you get your flow. Underrated in my opinion.

While I recommend this game, I can't play it. I'm a computer gamer. I use keyboard and mouse. I don't own a controller. I set the game for keyboard and mouse, but the tutorial tells you to push buttons from an X Box controller. I'm on a keyboard, I have NO idea what key I'm suppose to be using. 4 times through so far, and I still can't grab vines or even branches. It's a fantastic game, what I could play of it. It's intensely immersive, you live as your ancestor (in my case, a monkey) and you FEEL the fear. Very well done. Just not playable without a controller. While the game does say "controller supported" I didn't expect it to lean SO far away from keyboard. Very disappointed. And it all could have been done properly just by editing the tutorial for keyboard/mouse.

need more another group clan member, so they can helping each other if they meet in another place and recognize same species and do not limitation clan member please so we can increase more and more clan

Despite not recommending this game, I will give credit where credit is due. The core concept of this game is quite fun. The game has you running around as an ape, "growing neurons" as you do certain things. Once they are fully grown you can use energy, gained from doing basically anything with kids around, to unlock the associated ability and access yet more neurons. Each time you choose to advance a generation you can "reinforce" a number of neurons depending on how many kids there are in your clan when you do, which lets you keep those unlocked neurons while others are lost. Repeating this game play loop lets you slowly evolve your lineage toward humanity. However there are simply too many issues with implementation for this game to actually be enjoyable.
Firstly the tutorial is clunky and intermittent. It'll tell you that you can alter items, for example, but doesn't tell you that you need to release the mouse button when a certain signal is given. You have to figure out that the signal exists, what it is, and what to do when it shows up all by yourself. It also doesn't pause the game. When the tutorial on dodging showed up for me, the attack I was supposed to dodge had already landed by the time I managed to read what I was supposed to do, and I got poisoned.
The crafting is also super finnicky. When stripping coconuts with your bare hands, the margin of error is very forgiving, but when bashing two rocks against each other trying to make a tool, you better know *exactly* how long you need to hold the mouse button for, because once the game gives the signal to release it, you don't even have enough time to react before the window closes, and you completely destroy the rock you were working on.
And then my biggest issue is the utter lack of feedback on basically anything. Have you eaten enough today? Guess you'll figure it out after you wake up tomorrow, because there's no hunger bar. How close are you to finishing that item you're crafting? You'll find out when it's done, because there is no visual change. How many leaves are needed to make a bed? Just keep piling them together, you'll get the build prompt eventually. Will the tool/item combination you're using actually craft something? Maybe. It might not be a valid recipe, or maybe you just haven't held the mouse button long enough.
I really want to like this game, because the idea of building up capabilities one generation at a time, slowly working my way through evolution actually is pretty appealing, but this just doesn't work well.

TLDR:
The core game play loop is fun, but a clunky tutorial, finnicky crafting, and very poor feedback mechanisms keep the game as a whole from being enjoyable.

Good, fun game

Pretty cool, a tad bit repetitive at the end tho

It's fun, and creative. But every so often a hog will come out of no-where and break a bone, or a giant sneak will just destroy you.