7 Grand Steps: What Ancients Begat (2013)

7 Grand Steps: What Ancients Begat offers a complete gaming experience spanning approximately 15 hours, focusing on the survival of family generations during the emergence of Western civilization. The primary objective is survival, while additional objectives are determined by the player, shaping the unique story of their family lineage. The game presents an abstract representation of the lives of some of humanity’s earliest recorded ancestors.

Gameplay Overview

The game blends elements of board games, mechanical systems, and classic computer game mechanics. It starts with a simple core mechanic where players spend tokens to navigate the "wheel of life." Tokens are gained by taking risks and confronting dangerous situations. As gameplay progresses, new layers are added, introducing a variety of tactics and strategies that gradually create a complex, emergent narrative. Each decision influences the trajectory of a family line across generations and the evolving historical periods they inhabit.

Core Mechanics

The foundation of the game is a turn-based system where players move back and forth across four distinct social boundaries to earn legend points. This system encourages strategic thinking and long-term planning, requiring players to balance risk and reward to maximize their family's growth and reputation.

Family Strategy

Players are responsible for guiding the personal and social development of their family members. This includes forming romantic relationships, raising children, and completing rites of passage. Decisions made in these areas directly influence the strength and legacy of the family across generations.

Family Drama

The narrative elements of the game include the unfolding of family stories. Players encounter sibling rivalries, failed branches of the family tree, and the inevitable loss of ancestors in the "graveyard of ancestry." These elements add depth and variability, ensuring that each playthrough is distinct and dynamic.

Grand Legends

As generations progress, families can earn Grand Legends that enhance their legacy. These achievements cover areas such as discoveries and inventions, social advancement, heroic deeds, and influence over political or military matters. Accumulating Grand Legends strengthens the family’s position and creates a lasting impact on the unfolding historical narrative.

Ruling Games

The game also simulates aspects of governance and power. Players may engage in city administration, manage conflicts between warring kingdoms, and participate in an imperial senate. These layers introduce additional strategic challenges and provide opportunities for families to expand their influence within the broader societal framework.

Challenges of an Age

Each social level comes with unique challenges that must be overcome to progress to a new age. These challenges test the survival, strategy, and adaptability of the player’s family, requiring careful planning and thoughtful decision-making. Successfully navigating these obstacles allows the family to advance through historical periods and maintain their legacy over time.

Conclusion

7 Grand Steps: What Ancients Begat combines strategy, storytelling, and risk management in a single game. By guiding a family through the perils and opportunities of early Western civilization, players experience an intricate simulation of generational survival. Every choice, from personal relationships to social maneuvering, contributes to a unique, evolving narrative, making each playthrough a reflection of the player's strategic vision and the resilience of their family lineage.