Humans 3: Evolution - Lost in Time is the third installment in the Humans series, created by Imagitec Design. It’s a puzzle-strategy game where you guide a tribe of cavemen through different time periods. Developed by Imagitec and published by GameTek in 1995 for MS-DOS, it was later released in 1996 for Amiga CD32 and other Amiga models with the AGA chipset.
The game combines elements of logic, puzzle-solving, and time management. You must lead humans through complex environments, acquire new tools, and survive in hostile worlds. In Lost in Time, the plot twists, sending the tribe through various epochs beyond the prehistoric period. Players travel through time, from ancient Egypt to futuristic landscapes, tackling puzzles tied to the technological advancements of each era. From using simple spears and wheels to advanced gadgets, you must guide the tribe with creativity and teamwork.
Unlike Humans 2, which was little more than a data disk, Humans 3: Evolution – Lost in Time is a true sequel that enhances and completes the first game in the series. Humans 3 brings its unique charm and humor to a new level thanks to the element of time travel. The core mechanics remain similar to those of its predecessors: the game focuses on guiding your tribe through dangerous terrains, using each member's special abilities to overcome obstacles. Some can jump, others can throw spears, and others invent simple machines like fire or the wheel. Cooperation and careful planning are key to success.
The time travel theme adds a fresh twist to the gameplay. It’s interesting to see how the basic caveman mechanics adapt to more advanced tools as humans evolve. Whether building rudimentary catapults in antiquity or operating complex machinery in futuristic worlds, each era has its own identity and introduces new puzzles, keeping the game engaging.
Visually, Humans 3 stands out for its colorful landscapes. The Amiga’s AGA chipset is used to its full potential, creating 256-color backgrounds. The sprites are well-defined, and the animations are smooth. Although 1996 marked the twilight years of the Amiga era, this is reflected in the high quality of graphics, which had reached an impressive level by then.
Despite minor flaws, including an overly steep difficulty progression, Humans 3 is a creative and enjoyable puzzle game. It's perfect for fans of Lemmings and those who enjoy solving puzzles with a mix of strategy and humor. Definitely worth a try!