Did I mention I’m a sucker for strategy games even though I lack the strategy gene? Unless clicking all around the menus adding buildings because they’re pretty is considered a strategy. Anyway, I spent most of this past weekend playing around with Related Designs’ demo of their newest entry in the Anno series – Anno 1404. (And because we’re an illiterate lot here in the U.S. and Ubisoft apparently felt sorry for us, you’ll find the game under the moniker Dawn of Discovery.)
The demo is limited to an hour, but you can play one of two modes – continuous or mission-based – for an hour each which is more than enough time to get a real feel of the game. I first tried out continuous mode and I was able to get to the point where I’d managed to improve my “honor” enough to attract the attention of an” Oriental” Sultan – think more Ottoman Empire than China or Japan, this is the 15th century we’re talking about – before my time ran out. When I took on the mission-specific mode, I ended up having to help the shifty-eyed, weasel-like henchman of a Cardinal (who looked a lot like Emperor Palpatine) who was hell-bent on launching a Crusade against the Orient.
Anno 1404 is scheduled to release this week on PC, Wii and DS. You should be aware that the Wii and DS versions have been slightly altered for that “family-friendly” vibe, with an almost Disney-like story and graphic look. What’s really weird is that the PC version is selling for $20 more than the console versions. For its $50 price tag, the PC version better come with a really nice cloth map and some resin figurines.
And yes, I giggle every time the announcer in the video says “ori-ant”.
Update: I must be psychic (or psychotic, depends who you ask) as the UK gets a swanky collector’s edition which includes the game DVD; 72 page art book; unique panoramic poster; old-fashioned compass; 6 almond seeds (almonds figure prominently in the game) and an exclusive bonus DVD all packaged in a large, majestic wooden box. All this for the same price the plain-jane NA version is selling. (grumble, grumble)
I just grabbed the demo last night and I’m looking forward to giving it a whirl. Thanks Toger!
Well, I have played the Wii version (Anno Create a New World) and it’s utterly charming and even simpler than the PC versions so it’s effectively perfect for the beginners. Between this and last year’s Civ for the consoles, proper strategy games on consoles do look like a positively possible concept. Yes, they are simplified a little bit, but not without depth.
Thanks for letting us know about the Wii version, Meho. I love “charming” and with the console versions’ lower price point, I could convince myself that I “need” the DS version. I have to say that the PC version is gorgeous to look at, even on my ancient rig. But with the DS version, I could play sitting in my comfy chair… or at boring family functions. 😀
Decisions, decisions.
It’s a no brainer really. The DS version of Civ was great too and really, being able to take those games anywhere you go is a winning proposition in my book. They give you stupid amounts of playtime of a high quality and are therefore really ideal for portable consoles. Also, as stated, Anno for Wii is great for beginners and people not really into ultrahardcore strategy gaming.
“great for beginners and people not really into ultra-hardcore strategy gaming”
That would be me. Decision made, I’m picking up the DS version!
As one who found the DS Civilization Revolution a good level of strategy–I can’t win the game except at the easiest two difficulties–I’m looking forward to your further thoughts on this one.
Toger, I want you to know I am ever so slowly, with printed walkthrough in hand, tippy-toeing through The Settlers VI: Rise of an Empire. Don’t care about any of the game’s shortcomings…my goal is semi-comprehension of strategy game mechanics.
Over the years I have collected a number of old titles as yet unplayed (out of fear & ignorance). Only recently did I notice most are more city-builders than combat strategy. The Settlers seemed a nice middle ground but finding a detailed explanation of why “we” are gonna do what we’re doing created a winner.
For the curious, the titles that have grabbed my interest: both Tropicos, Children of the Nile, Prince of Qin. And I’m eyeing Settlers V: Heritage of Kings. Will accept suggestions for other mid-aged games that are heavy on build, light on combat & conquer.
Yap, you know I have some of the same games you have and haven’t played them for the same reason; although I did play the first Tropico and loved it a lot. I feel like I’ve gotten my feet wet strategy-wise by playing A Kingdom for Keflings on XBLA – no combat, all about the building and managing resources. I had a blast!
@croaker: I have Civ Rev for DS and the heft of the manual scared the bejebus outta me. I’ve only loaded the game once. I’m seriously considering gifting it to my sister who is a Civ god.
So, I’ve been fiddling around with the DS version of Dawn of Discovery and I like some things while other things annoy me.
Likes –
story
voice work is excellent
ease of play (game doesn’t throw you in the deep end of the pool and tell you to swim)
graphics are cute
Dislikes –
the constant reminders to do whatever the current goal happens to be (dear game, I haven’t forgotten, but I’m busy doing this other thing)
cannot rotate the view
the “touch” mechanic is every so slightly wonky – buildings will snap back to where the game thinks it should go
I’ve yet to encounter any combat, but I know it’s waiting for me down the road.
edit: Over on Amazon, reviewers are dinging Dawn of Discovery for its DRM (Tages) and three install limit. There are only nine reviews so far: 8 are one star, the 9th is 5 stars.
I’m still greatly enjoying Grand Ages: Rome, a PC title that is certainly no Caesar III but does have a lot to offer. Caes IV was a complete disaster and other Roman city builders have perennially failed to impress, but Grand Ages is a solid compromise. There’s some conquering and combating – say about 30% of the game – but it’s very simple and requires no micromanagement.
My Roman History background makes me a sucker for such games, but I’d definitely recommend it when Steam has its next sale. The controls are simple and elegant, with minimal learning curve. There’s a demo if you want to check it out.
Gaudeamus igitur!