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Dawn of Discovery PC
User Score
8.8 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 87 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 78 out of 87
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 87
  3. Negative: 5 out of 87

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  1. KristianL.
    Aug 25, 2009
    10
    This is the best empire builder game I've ever tried. There's nothing bad to say about this game. It even corrects all of the small annoyances that were found in Anno 1701 from 2006. The graphics are immense, and the fact that you can't let this game go and you have the opportunity to play from now on and until the end of time, makes this the best of the best. So many great features. I am in awe.… Expand
    • 4 of 4 users said yes
  2. DaveP.
    Jul 7, 2009
    10
    Great game overall. This is a great Strategy game and is the future of any sim city style of game. I just wish I could do some major wars alongside the building a big city.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. KevinP
    Jul 13, 2009
    9
    Pros: There are many of them! The graphics are beautiful (you'll need good hardware to run on high settings), the music is very good and atmospheric and the voice acting is done really well. What really makes this game great is the strategy involved in building your empire and the rock solid trade system that is rich in options and gives you full control of what and how much you want to trade. It's one of the deepest, most addicting games I've ever played. Oh yeah, and a really cool "post card" view that lets you do a close up fly by to see the game really come alive. Cons: The manual. It's terrible. If you are new to the ANNO series (like me), you will have to learn the game by playing it and the occasional google search. There's no list of buildings or tips on how/where to place them, although there's decent in-game descriptions. Nothing about acension rights. Nothing about how to get prestige points which are required for diplomatic status to the Sultan's advisor so you can build Orient style structures on the desert islands. I could go on and on. I can't believe that put out such a poor manual that is missing very important info. Also, I realize the military aspect is not the focus, but this could have done better (specifically the land combat).… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  4. Aaron
    Aug 1, 2009
    10
    A beautifully crafted and thoroughly addicting game. That anyone would complain about the overall lack of combat is absurd. Also ignore the comments about the lack of hand-holding, step-by-step instructions; the campaign tells you what you need to know and you'll figure the rest out if you have half a brain (don't bother if you don't, I guess). This is a truly fantastic game. I only wish the multiplayer was included as with the last game, but I've had so much fun with the singleplayer that I suppose I haven't missed it much anyway.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  5. Jess
    Oct 24, 2009
    9
    Very easy for beginners and casual gamers to get into. The graphics are nice, the story believable, and it's definitely a lot of fun.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  6. MT
    Jul 27, 2009
    9
    If you are a fan of SimCity type of games then Dawn of Discovery (sometimes called Anno:1404) is definitely something to buy. The strongest focus of this game is on building your city and establishing a strong economy by acquiring raw resources and using them to produce goods that your citizens need in order to advance. The game is fun enough with just building a massive city builder, but the added ability to engage in military combat is icing on the cake. The combat doesn't involve much strategy, large numbers usually win. The biggest downside to this game is the gigantic learning curve. The manual is of almost no help. You MUST be patient if you want to enjoy this game to the fullest. You must take the time to play around and learn how everything works by experimenting. You can also go to forums on sites such as www.annofans.com and get help there from other players. Bear in mind, if you just want a simple resource-gathering RTS game that focuses almost entirely on building military units and fighting (such as Age of Empires) then this is not your type of game. Play the demo, and remember: Be patient with this game! It's fun once you give it a chance and learn how to play!… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  7. Hudson
    Jul 30, 2009
    6
    Money is better spent on Spore or Sims 3. This game is a real snoozer and plays much like German boards such as Carcassonne, Settlers of Cataan and things like that. You will literally just sit and watch and watch and watch and be bored out of your mind. Pretty graphics do not make up for insipid gameplay and god awful instructions or in game tool tips. Also there is not one ounce of combat built into the game. You are better off going backwards in the series and getting 1701.… Expand
    • 0 of 3 users said yes
  8. DaveC
    Jul 8, 2009
    9
    How can you even put a review like PC Gamer UKs' in here? If you read it you can see that the reviewer just played the game like ten minutes without tutorial - and got frustrated because he didn't even realize how you should place the buildings and roads. The actual game is much like the previous Anno-games, but with some additions, better graphics and more a bit more depth in gameplay. Overall very enjoyable sim-style game where you can spend the early hours without noticing how time passes by. Not for those who want to play their hyper fast to learn burger games, but a fine "quite easy to learn but harder to master" -rts-sim.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  9. ChristianW
    Sep 22, 2009
    8
    This is the best Anno since Anno 1602, the first of the series. It does everything right. The complexity of having to handle to different societies at the same times doesn't leave much free time, which is exactly as it should be. The one thing I'm missing is Multiplayer. It's been nice in previous installments of the game to see who gets his empire going faster. -2 Points for that ommission.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  10. killswitch1968
    Sep 25, 2009
    6
    Dawn of Discovery is a traditional 4X RTS game, with a decreased emphasis on combat and al ot of complicated involved city building. The biggest problem with the game is the constant feeling that you're lacking control. Even with intense micromanagement you will struggle to keep things running smoothly and you have to fiddle all the time with redundant boring tasks. And that's only if you can figure out the cause of your problem. Frequently things are happening automatically that you simply cannot diagnose. Why am I losing money when my income is supposedly green? Why do I keep losing linen-shirts when I have 3 weaver plants running and I'm not selling them? Why does this mine keep getting overstocked with ore when I have a trade cart right next to it? With some improved control schemes and diagnostics there is a robust, even fun strategy game under all this. Without it, you just get a frustrating mess.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  11. Zoidenberger
    Dec 2, 2009
    6
    A game which is entertaining for a couple of days, before becoming boring. There is very little variation between games and combat is very poorly implemented. May entertain fans of the genre, but this game's depth is superficial.
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  12. Brumbek
    Jul 13, 2009
    10
    Anno 1404 is simply the best city building/economic/trading game out there. I loved Anno 1701 (the prior game) but I really love Anno 1404. They’ve taken all that is good about Anno 1701 and expanded the game immensely. There is so much more depth, resources, trading options, and building options that make us micromanagement types super-giddy. Add on top of that the 200+ achievements and unlockables and you’ve created the most addictive and enjoyable game of its type! The game easily offers 100 hours of play or more if you want to complete the main campaign, all scenarios, and achieve all the top ranks. And this game even rivals the addictiveness of Civ IV. To conclude, if you want war, play Empire: Total War. If you want fast rushing games, play Starcaft or your other favorite RTS. If you want turn-based perfection, play Civ IV. However, if you think you have even a slight interest in renaissance city building/economic/trading games, Anno 1404 is the most accessible, attractive, and well-polished game you will find. Try the demo now!… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  13. JohnH
    Jul 18, 2009
    4
    No multiplayer in an otherwise multiplayer enabled series = fail. Why they would go from 1701, an excellent game with some of the most fun RTS multiplayer around, to singleplayer-only 1404 defies understanding. It's a fairly important feature to just remove. Other than that, you've already read everything else here.
    • 0 of 7 users said yes
  14. jh
    Jul 23, 2009
    10
    This is my first experience playing an Anno title and I am in love. It's a wonderful city building game. Graphics are beautiful, supply chains are complex, and the use of land and trade are challenging and rewarding. It's very likely my favorite city-builder. Granted, the documentation is failry insufficient, but the campaign feeds you each new concept and each new supply chain, so it's tutorial enough. I had no trouble intuiting the finer points of gameplay although they are easy enough to learn about on internet forums if you have trouble. Highly recommended.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  15. BaronM
    Jul 28, 2009
    0
    How can you make an RTS with no combat action. Trade and city building? Might as well call this Sim City Trade. My Friend was torrenting this, when he found out there was no RTS combat he canceled the torrent. Germany used to be cool. Game violence isn't training people for the real world. let's say a 8 year old kid is a very good counter strike player, if you give him a real AK-47 the recoil will control him. There is no possible way to stop real world violence and there are no proven facts that video games increased it. Germany needs to become smart.… Expand
    • 0 of 3 users said yes
  16. BrandisL
    Jul 6, 2009
    10
    I have to say this game surprised me as well as I have not played any of the other Anno games. I tried the demo on a whim and I find the game to be excellent. I have always enjoyed city builder games and imo this one takes the genre further in its game play and execution. This is very well done game (despite the sorry manual). Despite the fact that it is also a simulation game, as well as a city builder, there is something to do and keep you busy and occupied. The voice overs are good and the graphics are extremely good. The game is gorgeous imo. I recommend this game to any city builder fans out there. As I said I think the game takes that genre to the next level. How PCGame UK could give this a 61 is beyond me. However if you read the review you will see that it is very poorly done, is less than a page full of very shallow observations and hints at the thought they the reviewer only spent a few hours with it. Very poor and unprofessional imo. If you can speak/read German I very much recommend that you read most of the other reviews as they are much more comprehensive and descriptive. All in all I am very pleased with the gameplay and the purchase… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  17. L.M.
    Jul 8, 2009
    9
    A wonderful surprise. As a new player to the Anno games, I found this game strangely attractive as soon as I laid eyes on it. I was very happy to find the game exceeded my expectations. If you are interested in an economic sim with light rts elements, I suggest you buy it immediately!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  18. DragutinD.
    Aug 16, 2009
    10
    This game is amazing. The chains of resources require branching out to different islands and setting up complex trade routes, making each game really feel like you're accomplishing something near the end. This is the first single player game that has sucked me in as much as an mmo - I'm not that excited when I start the game up, but then 6 hours later I'm like o god I need to eat. I fully recommend this game, it is awesome!… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  19. DustinL.
    Jun 25, 2009
    10
    Very suprised by this game. Does a great job of combining the city building genre with economic sim. The detail is top notch and the game moves at a nice, slow speed.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  20. LeonardoB
    Jul 23, 2009
    10
    Ok, we know that Dawn of discovery dont have multiplayer online, but i think and have the certain that this note will increse because I have Dawn of Discovery, and i bought it by pre-order, and how its a new game, it still will launch patches, expansions packs and DLC´s. Thanks.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  21. MikeB
    Jul 27, 2009
    8
    Runs like clockwork. Low learning curve. Lots of positive tweaks compared with 1701. Enough new stuff to entertain for many hours. Very pleasurable to play.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  22. Zedix79
    Oct 31, 2010
    10
    Best strategy game I've ever played, hands down. The game totally sucks you in with the gorgeous graphics, amazing sound and great voice acting. The best part though is the complexity! Dozens and dozens of resources and buildings makes this game absolutely awesome. Bought in summer 2009 and still playing a year+ later.
  23. Brumbek
    Jul 2, 2011
    10
    Dawn of Discovery (aka Anno 1404 outside USA) is the most charming and addictive city-building game ever created. DoD has absolutely stunning graphics, whimsical art design, endearing characters, complex city-building and trade mechanics, and immense replay-ability! Oh, and the music is so good, and the sound design creates such alive environments. Everything is good about this game. I have zero complaints. Related Designs has totally outdone themselves here. This truly is sleeper hit. If you have even a slight interest in city-building and historic sim games, play this game.… Expand
  24. Doniazade
    Dec 5, 2010
    10
    Fantastically well-polished city builder game. By far my favorite game when I just wanna sit down and do some sandboxing. The combat sucks, yes, but that's because it's not what the game is about. If you want to kill stuff go play CoD: Black Ops with your 'bros' or something and let the rest of us have our peaceful city builders. Also, the expansion(Venice) adds multiplayer.
  25. chevmech
    Oct 17, 2011
    9
    Beautifully done! Long loading times, but a very fun, charming, sandbox world-builder. Content /customization is deep enough to hold interest into the late hours. I was surprised when the Narrator voice kindly reminded me I had been playing for 5 hours and recommended a break! I didn't listen.
  26. Lac3dHit
    Oct 30, 2011
    8
    This was my first experience in the series and have to say it was quite enjoyable. There is enough complexity to keep you interested, but multiple plays may begin to become stale. The combat isn't the best but the game looks good. I think overall it all came together as a fun empire builder.
  27. ansi322
    Nov 24, 2011
    10
    Dawn of Discovery is a classic, a master piece, nonpareil, a game which gives you something new even after playing 20+ hours continuously, One and Only. Simply the best!
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Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. Gamers.at
    92
    Dawn of Discovery is not only the fourth installment of the highly regarded ANNO-series but also the best, offering challenging complexity for core gamers and providing easy access for beginners at the same time. Don't miss this game if you are a fan of economic simulations.
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  2. PC Games (Germany)
    91
    A near perfect blend of west and east, complexity and accessibility - Dawn of Discovery is by far the best economic simulation to date.
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  3. HellBored
    90
    Requisite whining about copy protection aside, this is a solid title that offers some fun and addictive game play, with lots to discover and plenty to do. It's ridiculously easy to sit down with the intention of playing for a few minutes, only to look up and see that two or three hours have gone past. There's a lot of character in the animations, the voice-acting is superb and the setting is fantastic. Dawn of Discovery deserves to be checked out by anybody who has an interest in exploration and the classic city-building titles of old.
    Read full review
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