The massive city-building RTS
Anno 1800 is a premium strategy game from Ubisoft, set in the titular century. In this expansive real-time strategy experience that combines resource management with city-building elements. As the Industrial Revolution begins, it is up to you to establish the next world power. It features vivid visualizations of cities inspired by the major locations of the time, plus a wide range of technologies and game mechanics to master.
In terms of versatility, Anno 1800 is comparable to games like Civilization VI, although it features more realistic graphics. You can also check out Stranded: Alien Dawn for a more combat-based RTS.
Lead the Industrial Revolution
Anno 1800 is the seventh main entry in the Anno series of strategy games, focusing on the Industrial Revolution. Like other historical entries in the franchise, it heavily emphasizes city-building and ocean warfare. In terms of gameplay, this allows for various strategies and win scenarios. While it doesn’t end in the traditional RTS sense, you can pursue various methods such as conquest or economic and cultural dominance.
Visually, it goes for a more realistic depiction of the cities. While it mostly features Victorian Era architecture, you will also find other building designs based on the nation you’re playing as. Even the mountains and seaside are rendered with breathtaking detail, giving additional incentive to your city-building decisions. Paired with a soundtrack that captures both the time period and the culture, this can lead to some therapeutic gaming sessions.
As it focuses on the city-building experience, expect this game to require a certain level of suspension of disbelief. Since the period was one of rapid expansion and colonialism, the social impact of the period is not really taken into consideration. Additionally, it is more complicated than other RTS games. The UI can take a while to get used to and it involves more mechanics to consider.
Gothic designs with the Eldritch Pack
To embody the spirit of Halloween in this real-time strategy classic, Anno 1800 formally released the Eldritch Pack Cosmetic DLC, containing a lot of designs, content, and locations inspired by Gothic architecture. Starting with the Forgotten Abbey: a lost ruin filled with overgrowth, creating a classic yet unsettling feel. Additionally, players get to see new Gothic status, particularly gargoyles. You can now decorate your buildings with various imposing statues, such as the Statue of Lady Morningstar.
Certain buildings also get a makeover in this DLC. For example, the Worker and Artisan residents look as much as they do in the base version, except for the addition of ghosts roaming through their halls and windows. Additionally, the Hospital gets minor design tweaks that make it more imposing. Even new tree models help round up the new atmosphere this DLC is going for, making it a fun addition to any game ghosts.
Steampunk Pack CDLC
After teasing fans for months, the long-awaited cosmetic DLC for Anno 1800 finally arrives, offering a steampunk touch-up to your meticulously planned cityscapes. The Steampunk Pack CDLC infuses the Industrial Revolution era with a playful innovation, in which aesthetic and impractical steam-powered machinery are all over the place. The first thing you’ll notice is The Dragonfly Man, a sort of wacky flying machine taking off from the Unreal University.
Aside from the overall aesthetic, the pack offers a wealth of ornaments to adorn your city, making it more than just a simple reskin. The main highlight is the magnificent Steam Spa, a fully automated bathhouse guaranteed to melt away your citizens' stress. Beyond relaxation stations, you'll find captivating sights like Celestial Fountains spewing bubbly steam and captivating aquariums teeming with exotic fish.
Plus, there’s the Eva.Porator ornament, a clear homage to the iconic 1920s sci-fi film Metropolis. No steampunk experience is complete, though, without a train makeover. The Steamliner and New Era Express get new skins, and the flagship a complete overhaul inspired by the iconic Nautilus submarine. As for the color palette, the CDLC boasts stunning metallic bronze and gold contrasting with celestial blue.
Enjoy a complex yet realistic city-builder
If you’re looking for a detailed city building experience that is rewarded by some visually impressive city layouts and landscapes, Anno 1800 is the game for you. It gives players a glimpse into the global race at the turn of the Industrial Revolution, plus the strategic flexibility to pursue one of multiple gameplay possibilities. Granted, the learning curve is steep but is definitely worth the effort.
