This game has U-Play and requires an internet connection to play, but if you have easy access to internet this is no problem at all.
The game stays true to the original game play of Anno 1404 where you rely on multiple cultures/races for different goods in order to grow you city. However in this game you can choose your main culture, choosing either an environmentally conscientiousness faction, or a faction which ignores nature and uses dirty industry.
Another bonus, you can build on underwater islands.
Very fun, would recommend to others.