ANNO 1404

Anno 1404 is a real-time strategy game based in the 15th century. Unlike other games of the genre, Anno 1404, which is the sequel to Anno 1701, gives more importance to the actual building and prosperity of cities than the actual battles and wars you may get involved in. You are always encouraged to achieve things by being diplomatic and using economy as a means for expansion, rather than battles. Still, there are military units that can wreak some havoc, if you need to. I like the fact that trading is big in the game. You often have to trade with the Orient to make your own cities better and acquire new technologies.

The game's single-player campaign is quite entertaining and it has a sense of urgency to it. The plot is rather complex, but you yourself are just given some land and need to create a blooming city to support the Emperor's efforts. However, he seems to be dying and with that comes the political turmoil that you have to face. Of course, by the end of the campaign there are going to be some tough battles.

The gameplay is quite unique. City building is really big and there are many different ways of making your cities prosper. All in all, this game takes a different road to try to attract strategy gamers, and it has a lot of potential, if you don't mind not having nukes and guided missiles.