Any ANNOholics here?

I cannot believe my own eyes, but after I searched this forum, I have not found any threads concerning the Anno games.

I got Anno 1503 some time ago, but somehow never got around to as much as opening the game. Recently I got Anno 1701, and it has been a superb game, unlike anything I ever played (although somewhat similar to, for instance, Stronghold 2 in its economic model and genre). I am sure it is also similar to some other city-building games but those are not exactly my cup of tea (although I would probably like them). So anyway, after further investigation, fund out that mostly, 1503 was a much more complex game, save for the military aspect, and 1701 is more newbie-friendly (how often I hear this story). I suppose I should try 1503 after 1703, eh?

So does anyone else here ever find themselves immersed in the Anno games?

Yes, if I ever start it because I often don't, knowing it will take too much time, even though the guy will say "You're playing for 8 hours now, you should take a break..."

Lately I got Anno 1404 and it's absolutely great, much better than 1701 IMO.
The addition of the eastern culture is quite nice IMO, I'm curious about the Venetian addon.

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Originally Posted by Husar

Yes

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Well, you are German, and the game is made by a German company, and from what I heard, the largest fanbase of the game is German. If it was anyone, I guessed it would probably be one of our German Orgahs :beam:

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Originally Posted by Husar

knowing it will take too much time, even though the guy will say "You're playing for 8 hours now, you should take a break..."

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Hehe, that notification absolutely cracks me up :laugh4:. Just because of that, I swear, the Anno series are the funniest I have ever played. Although, I have to confess, I have never heard notifications other than 'You are playing two hours' and then 'Don't you think you should stretch your legs' or something like it. Do they have notifications for playing any longer? I think this is the only game to do this. I wonder what made them do so?

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Originally Posted by Husar

Lately I got Anno 1404 and it's absolutely great, much better than 1701 IMO.

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The addition of the eastern culture is quite nice IMO, I'm curious about the Venetian addon.[/QUOTE]
Yes, I should get that too, especially if you say so. Interesting you say it is better, usually from what I hear, they say the quality is going down since 1503, but I have only heard that said regarding 1701. Is 1404 more complex - I have to note, games have the depressing tendency of being simplified after each expansion, even after the numerous added features. And have you played 1503?

I also read 1404 has a storyline, for the first time, and that much of it is about Eastern civilisations, as you said as well. But do they have a new world?

I haven't played 1502, 1602 I played at least the demo of, maybe tried the full game of a friend.
1404 is more complex than 1701, as your city grows, even the highest tier of civilization will develop more demands etc. ,while you still have to expand the production of the "older" goods, it can become quite challenging after a while, in 1701 I got the impression once you get to a certain point, only war can bring more challenge but 1404 still offers quite a few challenges after a while, I kinda liked that.
There are also some other nice new things like achievements that allow you to unlock new player colours, some fancy decorative buildings, player emblems etc.
There are also really big special building projects like a big mosque or cathedral that are built in stages and have huge requirements in terms of building material per stage and so on.
Personally I found it very much improved over 1701 where I used to lose interest after a while due to a lack of things to do. 1404 seems to have more longevity and replayability.

Mmm, so right you are. Yes, I did notice 1701 had a depressing lack of re-playability. That is its main criticism. I heard most players say they grew bored of it after few weeks. I suppose I will go to 1503 after 1701. And then 1404.

BTW, you do know that 1602 was the '98 game, right? Just making sure you are not confusing it with 1503.

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Originally Posted by Aemilius Paulus

BTW, you do know that 1602 was the '98 game, right? Just making sure you are not confusing it with 1503.

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Of course I do, I'm a german, remember?
1602 was quite famous here.

I have 1701 and 1404. Both very good games. 1404 kind of makes 1701 redundant as it's basically that game but bigger, deeper, and with more to do.

I also have the Nintendo DS version of 1701; bit fiddly but otherwise good.

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Originally Posted by Husar

Of course I do, I'm a german, remember?
1602 was quite famous here.

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Hmm, I see. I just thought it was peculiar that you have played all Anno games, save for 1503 - which is often considered the height of the Anno games in many aspects.


Anyhow, thanks for the advice, now I know I should get 1404 :2thumbsup: