INTRODUCTION
Say hello to Dawn of Discovery, the Nintendo Wii and D.S. edition of the celebrated German strategy saga ANNO/A.D. It’s not just a carbon copy of its P.C. sibling; oh no, it’s a refined experience fine-tuned for console gaming. This marks the second go-around for the D.S., coming on the heels of the 1701 A.D.: Dawn of Discovery.
I.T.’S 1404, AND YOU’RE ROYALTY! STEP INTO THE SHOES OF PRINCE WILLIAM
Time travels back to the year 1404, where you step into the princely boots of William, the son of King George. A severe drought and famine have gripped the kingdom in a world where even kings can’t order rain. You and your sibling Edward have been sent south to find lands where crops don’t play hard to get. Get ready to broaden your cultural horizons because you’re about to bump into the Orient, a civilization as unique as your royal family’s coat of arms.
BALANCE THE BOOKS, BUT DON’T FORGET THE COMMON FOLK
Welcome to the accounting side of ruling a kingdom—no spreadsheets, just strategy. You aim to fine-tune commodity production, ensuring your populace is well-fed and well-dressed while juggling the kingdom’s budget like a circus clown with flaming torches. Except here, dropping a torch could mean plummeting tax revenues or skyrocketing upkeep costs. The game demands that you have one eye on the ledger and another on your citizens’ happiness, creating a balance as delicate as the royal china.
DIPLOMACY OR DESTRUCTION? PICK YOUR POISON
As you grow your kingdom—hopefully not into a money pit—you’ll also have to interact with other communities and those dreaded sea rogues: pirates! You have two options: play nice or unleash your inner sea monster. Whether you extend the olive branch or the pointy end of a sword, your actions will echo throughout your kingdom and treasury. Pirates might be uninvited guests, but dealing with them can make or break your reign.
EASE INTO POWER WITH THE WII’S UNIQUE CONTROLS
If you’re playing on the Wii, the Wii mote is your wand, commanding your kingdom at the flick of a wrist. Need to fine-tune your view? The Nunchuck’s got you covered, acting as your camera crew. Voiceovers provide a smoother narrative than your royal garments, easing newcomers into the gameplay mechanics. Essentially, it’s power at your fingertips—literally.
DON’T WORRY, D.S. PLAYERS; WE HAVEN’T FORGOTTEN YOU
For those of you opting for the D.S. version, fear not! Your stylus is the royal wand here, and the buttons act as quick-access keys to your kingdom’s resources. In terms of storyline and functionalities, the D.S. version is like the Wii’s long-lost twin—virtually identical but with its unique quirks. Imagine if the stylus were a quill, and you were penning your destiny, one tap at a time.
So, whether you’re a strategy savant or a newcomer to virtual kingdoms, Dawn of Discovery offers a tailored experience that lets you play at your own pace. And whether you choose to rule with an iron fist or a gentle hand, remember, it’s all fun and games until someone mismanages a kingdom!
