It was a long time between drinks for the Railway Tycoon franchise. The original Sid Meier’s Railroad Tycoon was released all the way back in 1990! Eight years on, and the original game had garnered quite a reputation for itself, and it was well deserved, being one of the earlier examples of a ‘business simulator’. The game was a commercial success and praised for the in-depth, but addictive gameplay. There would be quite a bit of pressure on a sequel to live up to the name, but thankfully Railroad Tycoon II not only met, but exceeded these expectations…

Every time you start a new game in Anno 1602 you’re met with a combination of anxiety and excitement. You are but one of a cluster of ships, surrounded by miles of water and a small handful of unexplored islands nearby…