I loved the previous incarnation of "Anno", called 1503 AD, The New World. I also loved Simcity 4. In my mind, these are both very similar games, especially when you play in continous mode. I found 1503 had a very steep learning curve (that is, it was hard to figure out how to avoid running out of funds). It was very...persnickety, I suppose. 1701 is much less so, and a lot more fun as a result. Just building roads correctly in 1503 was maddening! (That road is CLOSE to the farm, but it's not touching the right part of it---grrr.) None of that silliness here. And boy howdy is it GORGEOUS! I'm running it on a system that barely meets the minimum requirements, and it is smooth as silk, with the best 3D graphics I have yet seen in any PC game. I tried the demo of the much-anticipated Casesar IV, and found the interface very clunky; the graphics sub-par. Quite a disappointment, after waiting all these years. 1701 is the best "Anno" so far, by far. Try the demo, and see for yourself. This is the city builder you were looking for. Have a ball!
This is, by far, one the the best "city-building," manage an economy, games ever created. You'll find yourself constantly busy either exploring new islands in which to gain resources, or building the necessary resource-gathering,or production buildings necessary to upgrade one's housing (which leads to even more items you'll need to obtain in order to keep your population happy). Though the military aspect of the game may dissapoint some players, the game is really meant for those who enjoy building a healthy enough economy to sustain a large community, which, if you choose, will equipt you with the necessary resources to overtake and destroy your competition - the other AI computer players/opponents. The graphics on this latest edition are breath-taking, and the game runs smoothly without any problems. This installment, following 1602, and 1503 AD (a very underated game in itself) wasn't voted IGN's Economic Similation game of the Year 2006 for nothing. I highly recommend this game to anyone who enjoys the challenge of managing a growing economy, within a city-building style of game.
I purchased this product after having 1602 for so long. It's a great game and I am pleased that I purchased it.
"I played this on my mom's computer when visiting.... Use to have 1601 version... Very addictin, great graphics"
"Great fun, if you are a fan of the anno series of games."
