Dawn of Discovery

 PC
  • Publisher: Ubisoft
  • Release Date: Jun 17, 2009
Dawn of Discovery Image
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 160 Ratings

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  • Summary: (Also known as "Anno 1404: Dawn of Discovery") Dawn of Discovery takes place in the year 1404, when King George's land is suffering from severe droughts and brutal famine. Aware of his people's distress, the king calls on his two sons, William and Edward, to acquire new territories in order(Also known as "Anno 1404: Dawn of Discovery") Dawn of Discovery takes place in the year 1404, when King George's land is suffering from severe droughts and brutal famine. Aware of his people's distress, the king calls on his two sons, William and Edward, to acquire new territories in order to produce enough goods to satisfy the needs of his empire’s inhabitants. Whereas Edward suggests aggressive means to collect the precious resources, his brother William offers a peaceful solution, proposing to explore new and unsettled lands in the south of the kingdom. With his Father’s blessing, William heads south to the mysterious Orient and returns with valuable new technologies such as the water pump that allows dry lands to be cultivated in order to produce enough food for the people. But there are still many unmet needs within the king's empire, and players are tasked with the mission of fulfilling those needs while both expanding and sustaining the vast society. Build and sustain your own expansive empire. Explore the beautifully detailed world and discover new places to create your civilization. Set up trade posts in the spice mines of the Orient and explore new trade routes to keep your nation growing. Learn from other nearby cultures to expand your horizons and master the challenges of establishing a prosperous society. [Ubisoft]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. CPUGamer
    100
    Anno 1404 is the best Anno yet and one of the best strategy games in a long time. Tons of games are addictive, very few of them for the right reasons – but this game is both.
  2. GameStar
    91
    100 hours of gameplay without being bored for a second. The developers managed to replace routine with variety and long lasting motivation. Despite all the complexity, Anno 1404 never feels like work, but like one of the best games.
  3. Gamer.nl
    90
    Anno 1404 has excellent production values and gameplay, visuals and sound complement each other well. The eastern theme gives the game a new dimension, without getting overly complicated. It's a great game to start your summer holidays.
  4. 3DJuegos
    83
    Though Anno 1404 has no big improvements in the franchise´s formula, its awesome gameplay makes this game recommendable for those who like RTS games.
  5. Multiplayer.it
    80
    The game is very well devised with a deep and challenging management core. It also has beautiful visuals, but to enjoy them you have to play the game with a powerful high end PC. Unfortunately not all the features are well implemented, the battles are a little bit cheesy and pre built villages in the campaigns remove all the progress made in the previous missions.
  6. AceGamez
    80
    Much like its predecessor, Anno 1404 is an entertaining and friendly city building game with astonishing looks and enough content to last long into the winter months; and, again like its predecessor, its combat still lets things down.
    All this publication's reviews
  7. PC Gamer UK
    61
    There is a certain charm to Anno 1404's dinky people going about their business, and a lot of pretty detail to revel in, but this familiar collection of well-worn elements only preaches to the converted, offering little to attract new believers.

See all 32 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 36
  3. Negative: 2 out of 36
  1. 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 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.… Expand
  2. 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 stunningDawn 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
  4. 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 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
  5. 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 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
  6. erdogfu96
    Feb 9, 2020
    8
    For its type it were fun, well designed but al the fun is ruining by long gameplay times. If you play this like totalwar campaign you can getFor its type it were fun, well designed but al the fun is ruining by long gameplay times. If you play this like totalwar campaign you can get enjoy from it but if you like fast shot games its bad.

    Graphics:7/10
    Sounds: 9/10
    Gameplay: 9/10
    Fun: 8/10    … Expand
  7. 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 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
  8. 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 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

See all 36 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

24
#24 Best PC Game of 2009
58
#58 Most Discussed PC Game of 2009
24
#24 Most Shared PC Game of 2009

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