Despite what it may seem from my enthusiasm with 1800 and their expansions, I am far from being a fan of the saga. I remembered having played one and had tried the two previous installments, but delving into Anno History Collection supposed (almost) start from scratch.
The remastering of Ubisoft is a compilation that includes Year 1602, Year 1503, Year 1701 y Year 1404. All with visual improvements and a complete collection of expansions, but also preserving its gameplay in amber so that it is closer to the history lesson than the modernization of a classic.
Anno History Collection is a fantastic history lesson
That is precisely the way to present yourself as an option for the player. With two crucial paths, that of nostalgia for those who already know the saga and the benefits and defects of each installment, and that of discovery for those who come from 1800 or previous installments wanting to know more about the franchise.
In both of them history lesson It is the main asset. A journey of 10 years of evolution that allows us to see from a bird’s eye view how the franchise grew and twisted its mechanics to become what it is today. The jump that, from 1998 to 2009, turned Year much of what it is today.
See how the tiers formula has been improving over the years, how ideas such as ship routes were already a key element from the beginning, how they tackled the assault on other civilizations and regions by, for example, trading with East and its nomads. It is a joy to be able to attend with front row seats at what is essentially a walk through a museum.
However, aware of how this master class of growth of the strategy and 4x genre has more value in the aforementioned demonstrative intention than in playable matter, Ubisoft has decided to make the games in the collection available to the public separately. Not a bad idea at all considering that not everyone has aged equally well.
–
–
–
–
–
–
The equivalent of boxed collectible toys
Year 1602 and 1503 they are, so to speak, a drink difficult to digest. Especially in the case of the first, where everything is still in its infancy, but a tedium in both for those who want to go deeper because of a surprisingly slow and slow pace. He “There is always something to do”Is totally blurred there.
Much more recommended are Year 1701 and 1404. Two games that, times and usability improvements and interface aside, are completely enjoyable today. Just have 1800 with a click of the Uplay library it has prevented it from falling into the well of hours that both propose.
–
–
For those who are tired of the latest installment of the saga, it can be a good way to enjoy a “more of the same”But different and continue to evolve houses and warehouses for tens of hours. At least until Lions Land, the highly anticipated African DLC from 1800, finally get to the game.
Between nostalgia, the history lesson and the affordable strategy of marketing both factors, Anno History Collection it does not go beyond what has already become an irreparable fashion. They have already passed through this ring Age of Empires, Command and Conquer And till Crash Bandicoot, and for better and for worse they will not be the last.
–
