Humanity is the latest game from Tetris Effect and Rez Infinite studio Enhance, offering up a new take on puzzle games for the PS4, PS5, PC, and other platforms. The game mixes challenging puzzles with an engaging and heartfelt narrative to great success, creating an experience that is both brain-teasing and emotionally resonant.
When I played Humanity's demo in February after it shadow-dropped during a State of Play stream, I was confused as to what point the game was trying to make. But after spending more time with the game, I discovered that the puzzles and the narrative are deeply intertwined, with each level revealing a new layer of the game's story.
Humanity is hands-down (and paws-down) one of the best modern puzzle games in recent memory. The game's unique blend of genres and emotional storytelling sets it apart from other puzzlers, and its stunning visuals and sound design make it a feast for the senses.
Humanity feels like the perfect sort of title to launch on a game subscription service. Experimental, weird, charming, the kind of thing that gamers might not normally seek out but would be happy to discover as part of a larger package.
Shuhei Yoshida chats with Yugo Nakamura and Tetsuya Mizuguchi about how Enhance delivers a “completely new experience.” The developers share how they came up with the idea for Humanity and how they hope to push the boundaries of what a puzzle game can be.
Humanity was inspired by a throng of bodies. Specifically, the mass of people queueing for Comiket, the longstanding comic and pop culture convention in Tokyo. The developers were struck by the sight of so many people moving in unison, and they knew they had to create a game that captured that feeling.
The indie puzzle game called Humanity has a surprising number of puzzles in it as well as bonus levels and even a level creator. Players can create their own levels and share them with others, adding even more replay value to an already engaging game.
In Humanity, players control a group of tiny human-like creatures, guiding them through a series of increasingly complex puzzles. The game's mechanics are reminiscent of Lemmings, but the puzzles are far more complex and require a great deal of strategic thinking to solve.
The game's visuals are stunning, with each level featuring a different backdrop and a unique set of challenges. The sound design is equally impressive, with a haunting soundtrack that perfectly matches the game's emotional tone.
One of the most impressive things about Humanity is the way it blends different genres into its gameplay. The puzzles are often reminiscent of platformers or action games, while the emotional storytelling is more akin to an indie adventure game.
At its core, Humanity is a game about empathy and understanding. The puzzles are designed to teach players about the importance of working together and supporting one another, and the emotional narrative is a powerful reminder of the value of human connection.
Overall, Humanity is a must-play for anyone who loves puzzle games or emotionally engaging experiences. The game's unique blend of genres and stunning visuals make it a standout title in a crowded field, and its powerful storytelling is sure to stay with players long after they've completed the final level.
