Anno 1404

What a shame. Looks like a great game, but with only three installs allowed theres no way I'll buy it. I constantly tinker with my PC and frequently have to reinstall stuff. When I pay for something I expect to own it!.

This title doesn't refer to the game which is great, but to the way Ubi handles me as a customer. This game is DRM-ed to death with the Tages system, which means you only have the right to install this game three times, and that's it, plus it requires only activation... For a game that doesn't offer ANY online content whatsoever, this is bordering on the ridiculous.

If I buy a game, I intend to own it, and not rent it with a limited shelf life.

I wanted to buy this game so bad, but alas, as many others have said elsewhere, I'll have to pass. Ubi may think they're the best thing to come in existence since sliced bread with such hare-brained schemes, but they're loosing a TON of money on this title in actuality.

When will they ever learn?

This is the first anno game i have played and it is excellent.
I have in past enjoyed other world building games such as rise of nations but anno 1404 seems to have so much more depth to the gameplay.

Graphics are excellent for this type of game and there is a lot of hours of gameplay to be had.

These is a similar licensing thing like with EA's spore where you can only install 3 times which is annoying, but thats ubisofts fault and not the developers.

if you have the PC to run this game and you like city builder/stategy games you will love this game.

Anyway on to the game and if you like city building games & stragegy you will simply love this. From its beautiful graphics to the sea battles, demands of your population you will be kept entertained for at least 30 hours plus. Its a game where the hours fly past and the 2 hour coffee break warnings make you wonder was it really 2 hours?

This game looks and feels so much like Age of Empires III it's uncanny, however it doesn't concentrate on people factions nor war - it focuses on building a productive and self-sufficient civilization.

I'm new to Anno, and often found it very tricky to begin with. Little things go unexplained which for me resulted in wasting lots of time trying to figure it out. Something I never understood is that the 'quick start' seems exactly the same as the campaign, although I could be wrong - proving how confusing Anno can be.

But once you crack the basics, you'll love this game. It's very difficult to put down once your city starts expanding and the game clearly has endless gameplay.

I would very much recommend it to anyone who wants a change from blowing things up, as this is one of the most relaxing games I've ever played.