THE ‘New World’ provides the backdrop for this complex trading and empire building game that puts you in control of a European super power at the turn of the 16th century.

Commander: Conquest of The Americas

THE ‘New World’ provides the backdrop for this complex trading and empire building game that puts you in control of a European super power at the turn of the 16th century.

To satisfy your lust for power, you can opt to play as one of seven different nations – including Britain, France, Spain and Portugal – and then begin shipping over colonists to the Americas to help secure your fortune.

The idea is simple: establish colonies, gather and refine raw materials, set up lucrative trading routes, form strategic alliances and protect your interests by building up a powerful navy. You can build a colony almost anywhere, from Hudson Bay in the north to the tropical paradise of the Caribbean islands, but once you make landfall you’ll need to quickly establish a base of operations and start setting up trade routes.

As your sphere of influence grows, you’ll also need to boost the morale and productivity of your colonists by providing better facilities. You can construct all sorts of buildings – from forts and theatres to churches, warehouses and even an imperial palace.

As well as keeping the wheels of commerce in motion, you’ve also got to complete missions given to you by four government advisors. And of course, once you start rubbing up against rival colonies, you’ll engage in some gunboat diplomacy to protect your interests.

Overall, Conquest of The Americas is an absorbing strategy game. It takes a while to get going, but once your colonies are up and running, you’ll find yourself immersed.

Price: �29.99

Format: PC

Age rating: 16+