1602 AD

****

GT Interactive3

PC

$99.95 No rating available

Review: Peter Eley

A game called Anno 1602 was one of the top titles in Germany last year, outselling global favourites such as Quake 3 and Age of Empires 2.

1602 AD is its US version, and is essentially the same game with an expansion pack.

While it's a solid game, it is hard to see why it did so well in Germany.

There's nothing too new and while the graphics are good, they're not outstanding.

At heart, 1602 AD is a solid god game, where you colonise territory, build cities and manage your population much like SimCity, or a real-time version of Civilisation.

There's no historical relevance. The date has no particular significance and the game is set on a fictitious world, although the characters, costumes and available goods have a 17th century feel.

However, it's the sort of game that grows on you. As your civilization gets bigger, stronger and more demanding, the more you find yourself caught up in the complexities of managing it.

In continuous mode, the most interesting, there is no set aim. In theory you could play a single game for weeks, months, even years.

And it's a peaceful game, where the ability to manage trade is much more important than the ability to wage war.

You do need a strong military to defend your colony from hostile neighbours, but that aspect is a small part of what is a refreshingly non-violent game.

Comments: peter_eley@herald.co.nz