ANNO 1404 - PC

Anno 1404 - in the year 1404. England was suffering from severe droughts, and King George called upon his two sons, Edward and William, to acquire new territories to produce goods to fulfil the requirements of the Empire's inhabitants, who are growing restless at the failure of domestic production. One solution to the problem is to explore and exploit the mystic Orient. Expeditions are dispatched and you must take control of them, and mastermind the expansion and control of the vast British Empire.

Anno 1404 is the latest in the series of historical simulation and construction management games which has included Annos 1701, 1602 and 1503. The game continues with the seafaring and exploring themes of the previous games, but this time the expeditions are into the civilised populations of the Orient. Instead of exploring and conquering, the player must learn to understand the culture and technology of Asia. By learning to interact diplomatically with the natives, agreements and treaties can be entered into, which will raise your status. Understanding the technologies used to produce oriental goods such as mosaics, salt, leather and carpets will put you in a position to increase the wealth of the Empire by establishing trade routes.

Create greater and more impressive monuments in your cities and you will attract the attention of greater and more powerful Sultans and Kings - further raising your reputation, and increasing your wealth. Learn the secrets of the technology behind the Noria - a powerful groundwater pump that enables you to turn desert into fertile land - and grow crops such as almonds and coffee. more