Anno 1800 console edition overview

23 February 2023

Whether you are a fan of Victorian times or not, Anno 1800 is a game perfect for any fan of strategies. This iconic game is about to make its way to next-generation consoles. Let’s take a moment to see what console players can expect from Anno 1800 console edition.

The industrial revolution on next-generation consoles

The 19th century was a special period in history, marked by groundbreaking innovations and social changes. These aspects will be reflected in Anno 1800, but it will be up to you how this era will eventually look like. Like in other installments, players must become leaders, explorers, and innovators.

Anno 1800 is a city-building real-time strategy video game, developed by Blue Byte and published by Ubisoft. It is the seventh game in the Anno series and was released on April 16, 2019. The console version will launch on March 15, 2023. This title will be available for next-gen consoles only: Xbox Series X|S consoles and PlayStation 5.

The key gameplay elements remain similar to those found in earlier Anno games: Building settlements from resources gathered from various sources; managing production chains; balancing economic systems; trading goods with other towns or computer-controlled merchants; encountering disasters such as floods, storms, and enemy attacks; researching new technologies; and unlocking rewards for the completion of certain objectives.

The game boasts an original graphic style that will instantly make you feel like you’re in a 19th-century city: with all its ups and downs. While there won’t be any major gameplay changes in the console port, it’s worth knowing what new features will be included in the Anno console edition.

What’s new

For obvious technical reasons, Anno 1800 for consoles is adjusted specifically for next-gen consoles. The game is going to feature a completely revamped UI to make navigating easier for those who use gamepads. Other adjustments include an enlarged region map. Additionally, players can also automatically build roads. Thanks to all the improvements made to consoles, Anno 1800 Console Edition will be a perfectly playable strategy game. Don’t worry if you are new to the franchise: the game is going to feature a tutorial crafted specifically for console players.

Overview of the gameplay

Besides an original setting, one of the best features that make Anno 1800 special is expeditions. Players will be able to send crews and expand their empires overseas. Anno 1800 includes several changes compared to the previous installments in the franchise. For example, players can now specialize their towns by developing them into industrial hubs or focusing on trade or tourism. Additionally, buildings can now occupy multiple plots of land, allowing for larger and more complex settlements.  Anno 1800 features three modes:

  • Campaign with an original story,
  • Sandbox mode,
  • Multiplayer mode.

The main story takes roughly 15 hours to finish, without focusing on extra missions. Completionists will need about 120 hours to complete the entire game with all possible features. Sandbox mode gives you freedom in terms of difficulty level, world settings, starting conditions, characters, and victory conditions.

Moreover, players can choose whether they need assistance during gameplay, depending on their preferences and skills. Anno 1800 multiplayer mode adds an extra layer of complexity and excitement to the already immersive gameplay experience offered by this great title from Ubisoft. Up to 16 players can play Anno 1800 together, either in PVP or co-op modes.

About other Anno games

Anno games are city-building, real-time strategy video games developed by Ubisoft. They mix simulation and management gameplay set in different settings and historical periods. Anno debuted in 1998 with Anno 1602. The game is set in the early modern period of the 17th century and revolves around the player’s attempts to colonize an archipelago in an unfamiliar land. Players must construct buildings, manage resources, build ships, explore neighboring islands, form alliances with native tribes, and engage in trade with different cultures. The ultimate goal is to reach the highest level of development possible on each island and become a master builder who can construct cities that stand for centuries. 

Anno 2070

Since Anno 1602 premiere, the series has tackled many different time periods, including Anno 2070, set in the distant future. In the game, players must create their own futuristic world with a mix of technology and nature. They must construct factories, power plants, mines, and other buildings to keep the economy going. Players can also upgrade their cities by introducing new technologies and researching new inventions. Anno 2070’s graphics are stunning with highly detailed environments featuring lush vegetation, futuristic architecture, and stunning vistas of various islands visible from afar. The 3D animations are equally impressive with realistic character models exhibiting lifelike movements that truly capture the sense of life in a virtual world. 

The main objective of Anno 2070 is to build an efficient society that is both profitable and sustainable. Players must balance the needs of different factions such as eco-warriors, tycoons, and architects in order to make progress in the game. The game features a complex economic system that allows players to manage resources, trade goods and adjust taxes to maximize profits. 

To sum up, the Anno series is one of the most favored city-building and economic simulation franchises, loved by players all over the world. Games like Anno 1800 are still extremely popular thanks to polished mechanics, beautiful visuals, original soundtracks, and attention to detail.

Should I buy this game?

Overall, Anno 1800 console edition is an enjoyable strategy game that offers hours of entertainment and replayability. With its great visuals and engaging gameplay, this latest installment in the Anno series has something to offer even veteran fans of the franchise.

Whether you’re looking for a deep city-building experience with economic simulation elements or just some good old fun with friends online, Anno 1800 is certainly worth checking out. If you want to get the game, you can equip yourself with PlayStation Network cards in case PS5 is your console of choice.