When i first discovered this game, i thought "Wow a primitive development game! Sounds so interesting".
Boy i was excited for another stab at a progression game. It did meet some of my expectations, but only about 1/6th of them.
First of all the tutorial is an abomination. Thrust into a panic inducing forest after your relative is caught and killed by an eagle. After that, you are left in the jungle all alone and have no idea what happens next. It took me a good 5 min to find out you have to hide, for whatever reason. Then your put in control of some random ape, no context of what to do. I mean sure it provides details about items and such, but no clear directive. Yes i know it shows an objective, didn't help me.
Secondly, why is the game not optimized for keyboard and mouse? Pretty clear Ancestors was made for, an only for controller. I quickly figured out this game is mostly QTE (Quick Time Events), little else. I assumed it'd be more put together, not just a direct port of the console game.
Lastly, the neuron mechanic is terrible. I mean you put numeric values in the evolution and reinforcement parts, why not tell me how much energy i have or how much neuron plasma i am gathering? Just annoying how so many minute details are obscured. Also, the Ai and spawn points for allies and enemies alike are idiotic. Its fair for a big cat to spawn right in front of the tree i am approaching? Is my troop drunk?
You could have idk made the main enemy (big cat) wander around like the other animals. Not just spawn in when i touch the ground. Actually saw the game just pop in a big cat 15 ft away while i was eating.
Could any of my troop help without being instructed? Maybe have a lookout to spot enemies? Perhaps an instant reaction time for the intimidation? Why in the F do you only earn EXP with children around???
I just felt let down, you know after a while of finding so many flaws and faults in games. I wonder if i the people that make them even care, or do they only care about how much money it will gross.
Buy the game if you want a progression game that takes way too long to see any progress, mainly for controller, has no cohesive tutorial and horrid Ai.
"I may sound a bit salty, and i am. I was out with a full troop with sharp sticks, near the plains. A big cat spawned in, proceeded to jump me endlessly with the ♥♥♥♥♥♥ QTE. Meanwhile i'm repeatedly trying to intimidate, my apes are running around losing it. I finally get up a tree and my damn ape goes into full hysteria. Then ported all the way back to the f'ing jungle. When i full on get frustrated, i calm down and wash my hands of the situation. So i won't be playing this for a long time or never, whichever comes first."
Thank you for reading.