Brave pioneers explore uncharted islands in tall ships, finding bountiful lands that yield valuable resources, while establishing homes and becoming the first settlers of this new world. Soon their isolated cabins grow together, forming villages, and before long they begin to establish trade with the inhabitants of neighboring islands. The island world begins to grow the inhabitants attaining prosperity and wealth as they become skilled in trades and commerce. This idle life is treacherous -- wildfires threaten the rapidly growing colonies, and the seas hide gold-greedy pirates intent on booty & plunder…

Since it's first appearance, the PC-game ANNO 1503 has been a true success story. No other PC-game has been so successful in the German-speaking world in so short a time. Now master game-designer Klaus Teuber has succeeded in transferring all of the excitement and action of this popular game into this board game, stamped with his own unique type of play. Now you can experience all the variety and adventure of this strategic game in about an hour. You guide the fate of your homeland and people with ANNO 1503!

Contents: 1 Game Board, 90 Commodity Cards, 4 Home Islands, 32 Island Tiles, 28 Colonist Tiles, 14 "Public Building" Tiles, 16 Coat of Arms Markers, 8 Wooden Ships, 1 Die, 1 Rulebook, all in a box approximately 30 x 30 x 8cm

2 - 4 players
Ages 10 & up
Playing time: 90 minutes
Publisher Publisher: Kosmos/Mayfair
Author: Klaus Teuber

Finalist Best Family Strategy Game Games 100 2005