# Origins: How We Became Human

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2007
- **BGG Rating**: 6.7
- **BGG Rank**: #5796
- **Players**: 2-5 (Best with: 4)
- **Duration**: 180 min
- **Weight**: 3.81 / 5
- **Designers**: Phil Eklund
- **Artists**: Phil Eklund, Tobias Naesborg
- **Publishers**: Sierra Madre Games
- **Categories**: Civilization, Prehistoric
- **Mechanics**: Auction / Bidding, Open Drafting, Point to Point Movement, Simulation

## Verdict
If you love a deep time‑travel experience and strategic planning, this game delivers.Rich evolutionary simulationUnique species choicesBroad strategic decisionsModerate learning curveEnglish‑only componentsLong playtimeRECOMMENDED

## Description
Origins: How We Became Human takes players on a 120,000‑year trek from the earliest hominids to the brink of the modern era. Each participant commands a species—ranging from Homo floresiensis to Cro‑Magnon—and strives to push brain development forward, cultivating instincts, language and culture. The board depicts a prehistoric map split into regions that can be settled, explored and eventually clash. Population growth and territorial expansion are handled with point‑to‑point movement, while the selection of technologies and traits is resolved through open drafting, where everyone sees the same cards and fights for the best picks. Auction phases let players spend resources to acquire crucial advances, mirroring competition for scarce supplies. As species evolve, new abilities emerge that aid cooperation or warfare, reflecting the tangled dance between cognitive growth and environmental pressure. The game blends deep simulation mechanics with medium‑term strategic choices, demanding a balance of expansion, research and diplomacy. A typical session runs about three hours, suited for 2‑5 players who enjoy historical narratives and evolutionary analysis. Although the learning curve is moderate, the need for English‑language spreadsheets and cards can be a hurdle for non‑speakers. Ultimately, the player who turns a band of hunter‑gatherers into a conscious, culturally rich society claims victory, but the real reward is watching your species’ evolutionary saga unfold.

## FAQ
### How long does a game typically last?
Around 3 hours, depending on player count and familiarity with the rules.

### What is the player count range?
2 to 5 players.

### How complex is the game?
Moderate; it requires reading spreadsheets and cards, but the mechanics are clearly explained.

### In what language are the components?
Primarily English; there is no official Portuguese translation for the sheets or cards.

### Do I need prior knowledge of prehistory?
Not at all; the game teaches the setting as you play, though history buffs may enjoy it more.

### Is there a clear win condition?
Yes, the species that achieves the highest level of consciousness, society and culture at game end wins.

### Can I play with fewer than 5 players?
Absolutely, the game scales well from 2 to 4 players, adjusting resource availability accordingly.

## Price Comparison
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