As Anno 1800 celebrates its fourth anniversary, fans are eagerly anticipating Ubisoft's next move for the franchise. This RTS series has captivated players with its unique blend of strategy, simulation, and city-building gameplay, taking them on a journey through history. While Anno 1800 stands as the pinnacle of the series so far, the upcoming chapter must continue to build upon its strong foundations.
The Anno series has always been on the forefront of exploring new periods, resulting in a vast and thrilling franchise. From the early 1700s in Anno 1701 to the future in Anno 2205 and 2070, from medieval times in Anno 1404 to the industrial revolution in Anno 1800, players have had the opportunity to immerse themselves in iconic eras. However, there are still countless periods waiting to be discovered and brought to life by the franchise.
Ancient Anno
Anno 1776
: Exploring the Ancient Era: An Innovative Adventure in Anno FranchiseErasing the boundaries of time, Anno has effortlessly traversed through major historical periods, yet the ancient world remains an untapped realm. While most games have glorified eras of technological progress and expansion, delving into the ancient era could offer an entirely fresh and captivating experience for the next installment. Imaginative players could seize control of the earliest humans, guiding them to establish the very foundations of civilization, and compelling them to engage in relentless battles for scarce resources. Witnessing the gradual evolution of tools, sea exploration, and the acquisition of survival necessities would be both mesmerizing and enlightening. While Ubisoft would require a certain degree of artistic license to ensure gameplay enjoyment, this venture has the potential to become one of the most distinctive and unparalleled chapters in the ever-evolving franchise.
The Anno series has explored colonization and the New World, but it hasn't truly delved into American history. The upcoming Anno game has the potential to give players control over colonies in the New World and the challenging task of maintaining their stability. This new installment could introduce fresh mechanics, such as handling outright rebellions, and the gameplay could become more focused on specific land areas. Instead of scattered islands, players would be entrusted with expanding across a vast continent, akin to Sid Meier's Civilization. Adapting the core gameplay mechanics to fit this setting would require significant efforts; however, the potential rewards make it a worthwhile endeavor.
World War Anno
Anno has yet to venture into the tumultuous era of the 1900s, where the world was shaped by the events of the World Wars. In this hypothetical Anno game set during these global conflicts, players would be immersed in a war-centric experience, navigating the treacherous landscape to ensure their civilization's survival. Building formidable armies would be crucial, as civilizations would be more inclined towards warfare. Additionally, players would have the opportunity to explore a wealth of new technologies and expansion would hold greater significance. While war may not have been a prominent feature in previous Anno games, a game centered around one of the most chaotic periods in modern history could provide an opportunity for this aspect to truly shine.
Fantasy Anno
The Anno series has ventured into the realm of science fiction on several occasions, and the upcoming game should once again delve into an otherworldly concept. Instead of merely traversing Earth's historical periods, the next installment could transport players to an entirely different realm altogether. It would immerse them in a fantastical world brimming with magical potential, inhabited by mythical creatures and valiant heroes. Opting for a fantasy-inspired theme would offer an exceptionally distinctive experience, pitting players against hordes of orcs and goblins in a bid to withstand the test of time. This departure from the typical Anno title could prove to be immensely entertaining, particularly if Ubisoft is granted the rights to Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones.
Anno 1800 is available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.