DESCRIPTION

Mankind is, by almost any standard, an ambitious on-line, multiplayer, real-time strategy game in the most literal sense — the network servers that host it run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Regardless if you are logged in or not, the game's universe continues evolving and events occur without you. Action proceeds as mines continue to extract minerals, production centers build ships and enemies may even attack. Your ships automatically defend bases if the attack occurs while you're not actively online. Each player is connected by central servers to thousands of other players worldwide who colonize over 900 million planets, fight wars of conquest and organize into guilds for common interests.

Despite its unusual scope, Mankind functions roughly along the same lines as many strategy games, namely, collect resources, build and expand. From humble beginnings at a space station, your colonists undertake the immense task of populating the universe. First, you need to find a planet with a decent sized chunk of unclaimed space and then search the area for resources needed to build your settlement: rock, oil, titanium, iron and so forth. You obtain and manage resources, strengthen the infrastructure and maintain a decent military force (even if only for defensive purposes). After locating a site that will support you and your colony, you build your first structures and units as a base and proceed to establish your place in the universe.

Access to the Mankind universe is regulated by a log-in name and password. You can either buy access subscription-style or purchase the game itself. A special feature provides for a call to the player's mobile phone if he or she is attacked while not active in the game. ~ Ted Smith, All Game Guide