INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Ubisoft provided flights from Chicago to Rome and accommodation so that Ars could participate in the preview opportunity for Anno 117: Pax
Ars does not accept paid editorial content.There aren't any games quite like the Anno series, and based on some hands-on time at a recent
press junket, I can say that the latest entry has the potential to be an appealing on-ramp for history buffs and strategy game fans who
1800, was seen as something of a return to form by longtime franchise fans, who weren't as thrilled with the futuristic entries that
It reportedly reached 5 million players, which is quite a lot for a PC-focused strategy title, so 1800 was a popularization moment for the
franchise, too.Anno 117: Pax Romana, due later this year, aims to build on that momentum and turn the franchise into a crossover hit
While the Anno games have long been popular with a certain crowd (strategy gamers in Europe, and specifically Germany, where the games are
developed), its addictive gameplay and top-tier presentation have the potential to appeal with even more people, provided publisher Ubisoft
makes the right choices.Throughout its decades of history, I've dabbled with the Anno series of strategy games, but it has always been on my
"someday I think I'll really get into this" list
successfully follows up on 1800
In my time with it, I found that the bones of the game are promising, and the presentation is outstanding
That said, the new-player onboarding experience will have to improve for the game to find new audiences.Anno games are part city builders,
part supply chain simulations
Like many builders, you lay down roads, build critical infrastructure like firefighting structures, and develop your population in size and
But all of that dovetails with systems of developing and harvesting natural resources, converting them into produced goods, and turning
those produced goods into both wealth and further development for your settlements.
