LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Anno 1602: Anno 1503
built 201 days ago
The prequel to the groundbreaking ANNO 1602, this game is all about world domination. Loaded with real-time progressive strategy elements, ANNO 1503 presents new cultures to play as such as the Aztecs, Mongols, Aborigines, and Bedouins. The object is to colonize and control the world, but this time around, the playing area is 10 times larger than in the original. You'll be given a full array of weapons to use as you will, but the real key to success is remaining popular with the masses. Unique gameplay and 3D graphics make this one a winner.
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Combat played a minimal part in Anno 1602 and indeed by playing with peaceful intentions in Anno 1503 you can keep it that way. If you choose to go for the brute force approach though, or you attempt to colonise an island that is already inhabited, you'll find yourself at war. Anno 1503's military options are improved and include ranged and close combat units as well as war machines such as cannons and catapults. Your soldiers will even gain experience too. Be warned though keeping an army is an expensive job so make sure your economy can afford the cost. If you're expecting grand battles though forget it, as Anno 1503 isn't a war game.
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Anno 1503 is the successor of the mega-hit Anno 1602. As its successor, Anno 1503 is a 2D-strategy game which challenges you with the time of the renaissance. You will have to explore new islands and regions and finally build and manage your own city! Anno 1503 tries to combine the "best parts of Real-Time-Strategy and empire building" with a strong fighting-mode.
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There have been both significant and subtle changes since both Anno 1602 and Anno 1503, which, thankfully, leave the core gameplay and appeal unaffected. The change that will shock most gamers first and foremost, is the graphical change. Unlike its predecessors, Anno 1701 is in full, rich, 3D graphics, sporting luscious fauna, over 150 building designs and water effects that leave you gasping for a drink. Everything in the game world is crisp, clean, and - to put it rather aptly - very pretty. Perhaps to highlight this, there is even a built-in screenshot mode that enables the player to move the camera full 360 degrees and snap a photo of the empire you have created.
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It seemed logical to put out a second version of the game after Anno 1602. First with a team of five, then nine, the team designed Anno 1503. That project took four years. But many fans say the game's 2002 version is its weakest link and found the solo adventures too difficult.
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