Videogames have been electing us as virtual mayors and tasking us with building simulated civilizations since the late eighties. The gameplay mechanics of urban planning, resource management, and crowd control are well known to strategy gamers. In that sense, Anno 1701: Dawn of Discovery doesn't have much new to offer. It plays like an 18th century version of SimCity, allowing history buffs to colonize the New World with their stylus. The lack of innovation doesn't mean a lack of fun, though, and Anno offers -- with a few exceptions -- a thoroughly enjoyable strategy experience.

There was quite a bit going on back in 1701. While each game starts out with a blank slate and lets you casually begin construction of your settlement, the society will soon spiral almost out of your control. Requests for more food, more spices, more cotton come in from all areas of your town. While you're working hard trying to appease one group of residents, the rest are complaining that they're being neglected. On a very small scale, it gives the player some appreciation of how difficult a life of public service must be.

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