Ara: History Untold is an turn-based grand strategy video game developed by Oxide Games and published by Xbox Game Studios. The game was announced during Xbox and Bethesda Showcase 2022.[1] It is about building and leading a nation throughout alternate history. The game was released for Microsoft Windows on September 24, 2024.[2][3][4]
| Ara: History Untold | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Oxide Games |
| Publisher(s) | Xbox Game Studios |
| Engine | Nitrous Engine |
| Platform(s) | Windows |
| Release | September 24, 2024 |
| Genre(s) | Turn-based grand strategy |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Gameplay
editAra: History Untold is a turn-based grand strategy video game. The game allows players to build and lead a nation through an alternate history. The game features a dynamic living world where players can explore new lands, develop arts and culture, conduct diplomacy, and engage in strategic warfare.[5] The game world is filled with multiple biomes and cultures, and citizens react dynamically to various conditions such as health, sickness, war, and peace. Players can construct numerous improvements, from forges to libraries, and monumental architectural triumphs. The game offers a non-linear technology tree and a national crafting economy. All players’ actions are executed at the same time. Players can engage in diplomacy, form alliances, and manage military forces. It supports both synchronous and asynchronous multiplayer modes.[6]
The latest update, Invisible Hand, released in November 2024, introduces a refined economy system, terrain-based combat mechanics, new unit upgrades, the historical leader John A. Macdonald, a balanced world map, and expanded modding support.[7]
Development
editThe game is being developed by Oxide Games, an American video game developer based in Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland, using their in-house engine, Nitrous Engine, which was used to develop Ashes of the Singularity. Some Oxide Game members used to work at Firaxis Games, the development studio of the Civilization franchise, Ara: History Untold in many ways is similar to this series.[8] The game was first announced in 2022 at the Xbox Bethesda showcase. In June 2024, Oxide Games officially announced that the game will launch on September 24, 2024, for Windows.
Reception
edit| Aggregator | Score |
|---|---|
| Metacritic | 77/100[9] |
| OpenCritic | 75%[10] |
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| Digital Trends |    [11] |
| IGN | 6/10[12] |
| PC Gamer (US) | 70/100[13] |
| PCGamesN | 8/10[14] |
| Shacknews | 8/10[15] |
Ara: History Untold received "generally favorable" reviews from critics, according to review aggregator Metacritic,[9] and 75% of critics recommended the game, according to OpenCritic.[10]
References
edit- ^ Cryer, Hirun (2022-06-12). "Everything announced at the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase". GamesRadar. Retrieved 2022-10-17.
- ^ Tolbert, Samuel (2022-06-22). "Ara: History Untold — Trailers, gameplay, and everything you need to know". Windows Central. Retrieved 2022-10-17.
- ^ Lopez, Ule (2022-06-12). "Ara History Untold is a Historical Strategy Game Coming to PC". Wccftech. Retrieved 2022-10-17.
- ^ Romano, Sal (August 22, 2023). "Ara: History Untold launches in 2024". Gematsu.
- ^ Carr, James; Koch, Cameron (2024-01-18). "Ara: History Untold Gameplay Shows Off Strategy In A Living World". GameSpot. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
- ^ Stedman, Alex (2024-01-18). "Ara: History Untold, Xbox's New Civ-Like, Reveals Release Window and New Details - Xbox Direct 2024". IGN. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
- ^ "Ambitious Steam strategy game and Civilization 7 rival has just been totally transformed by a free update". PCGamesN. 2024-11-13. Retrieved 2024-11-14.
- ^ Rich Stanton (2022-06-12). "Civilisation meets Crusader Kings in Ara: History Untold". PC Gamer. Retrieved 2022-10-17.
- ^ a b "Ara: History Untold Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
- ^ a b "Ara: History Untold Reviews". OpenCritic. 23 September 2024. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
- ^ Colantonio, Giovanni (September 23, 2024). "Ara: History Untold review: Civilization alternative dials up the strategy". Digital Trends. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
- ^ Hafer, Leana (September 23, 2024). "Ara: History Untold Review". IGN. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
- ^ Zak, Robert (September 23, 2024). "Ara: History Untold review". PC Gamer. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
- ^ Benfell, Grace (September 23, 2024). "Ara History Untold review — Microsoft's grand strategy game is a hit". PCGamesN. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
- ^ Denzer, TJ (September 23, 2024). "Ara: History Untold review: You have entered a Golden Age". Shacknews. Retrieved September 25, 2024.