Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Face of Mankind delivers a truly sandbox experience by placing every interactive element—guards, clerks, commanders—into the hands of real players. With no NPCs (outside of the contained alien threat), the world remains fluid and unpredictable, shaped entirely by participant actions. Whether you’re choosing to patrol as law enforcement, leading a corporate production line, or orchestrating a rebel raid, each mission feels alive because it was devised by people, not algorithms.

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The faction system is the backbone of the gameplay loop. Eight factions—including police, military, rebels and corporations—offer distinct playstyles and goals. Faction leaders post tasks that range from simple guard duty to deep-strike military operations, and volunteers are rewarded upon completion. Internal “departments” function like sub-guilds, fostering tight-knit communities while still operating under broader faction directives.

Economy and crafting are similarly player-driven, creating a vibrant in-game marketplace. Miners extract raw materials, crafters convert them into weapons, armor, tools or even illicit drugs, and entrepreneurs trade these goods at terminals scattered across thirteen maps. The quality grades (low, medium, high) introduce a risk-reward curve: high-grade goods sell for more but require scarce inputs. This interdependence makes every mining expedition or manufacturing run meaningful.

Combat feels closer to an action shooter than a traditional MMO. With first- and third-person options, aiming and firing are pure skill tests—no hidden stats or dice rolls. Your survival hinges on reflexes and equipment quality, so securing top-tier armor and weapons becomes as strategic as it is necessary. Death means dropping your current inventory in a backpack, fueling fear and excitement every time you venture into hostile territory.

Graphics

Though Face of Mankind hails from an earlier era of MMOs, its visual design remains serviceable and often atmospheric. The three Earth cities showcase gritty urban textures, with neon signs flickering above damp streets and industrial cranes looming in the distance. Each city carries its own character, from bustling corporate districts to seedier underpasses.

Space colonies offer a contrasting aesthetic—sleek metallic corridors, bright laboratory bays and panoramic windows revealing glittering starfields. The variation between worlds keeps exploration fresh, and decorative public spaces (hotel lobbies, restaurants, briefing rooms) provide immersive backdrops for roleplay gatherings and clandestine meetings.

Character models and weapon assets are functional, if somewhat dated by modern standards. Faction-specific uniforms help players immediately identify allies and enemies in the field, while weapon designs strike a balance between realism and sci-fi flair. Environmental lighting and weather effects remain minimal, but they’re just enough to reinforce atmospheric tension during night patrols or corporate boardroom negotiations.

Story

Face of Mankind refrains from offering a linear narrative—instead, it thrives on emergent, player-driven storytelling. Alliances form and dissolve based on real-time politics, personal grudges and faction objectives. One week you might be negotiating a corporate merger in a high-rise boardroom; the next you’re storming enemy lines to capture a control terminal on an alien-infested world.

The absence of a scripted storyline can be a double-edged sword. On the positive side, your actions directly influence the world’s unfolding history, from which factions control planets to which individuals rise to power. However, without a guiding narrative, newcomers may feel adrift until they find a group to join or a cause to champion.

This emergent structure fosters memorable moments: a well-planned rebel ambush, a corporate saboteur slipping past security, or a police convoy escorting dignitaries through hostile territory. Players write the story together, so you never know what dramatic twist might occur or which charismatic leader will reshape the political landscape next.

Overall Experience

Face of Mankind’s player-driven ethos stands out in the MMO landscape. The sense of community and shared responsibility gives every decision weight: do you enforce the law, exploit resources for profit, or foment rebellion? Your choices ripple through the game’s social and economic systems, creating a deep sense of agency rare in online titles.

The learning curve can be steep, as the game expects players to self-organize and learn systems by doing. Free accounts offer a solid taste of the world but limit storage, apartment ownership and ranking potential, while premium subscriptions unlock full access to high-rank missions and top-tier crafting. This model keeps new players engaged without gating essential content too heavily.

Ultimately, Face of Mankind succeeds when its community is active and engaged. The quality of your experience hinges on player participation, which ebbs and flows over time. When the servers are bustling, politics hum, markets boom and conflicts ignite, delivering unparalleled sandbox immersion. For those seeking an MMO driven entirely by player creativity and ambition, it remains a compelling choice.

Retro Replay Score

6.5/10