Age of Empires III vs Anno 1602: Creation of a New World
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Age of Empires III transports players to the Age of Discovery, letting them command European powers as they explore, settle, and battle across the New World. With detailed graphics, a deep economy system, and historically inspired campaigns, the game blends strategic depth with immersive storytelling.
Anno 1602: Creation of a New World lets players colonize uncharted islands, manage resources, and develop thriving economies in the Age of Exploration. With deep simulation mechanics and strategic depth, the game offers both single‑player campaigns and multiplayer competition.
- Deep economic and military systems
- Rich historical campaigns
- Strong multiplayer support
- Extensive modding tools
- Deep economic simulation
- Rich historical atmosphere
- Robust multiplayer modes
- High replayability
- Steep learning curve for newcomers
- AI can be predictable in later stages
- Limited post‑launch content updates
- Steep learning curve for newcomers
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- Limited AI difficulty options
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataAge of Empires III offers a higher critic score and a built-in editor, whereas Anno 1602 focuses heavier on island-based trade and modular building. Both provide deep historical strategy and a steep learning curve, making your choice depend on whether you prioritize military combat or economic simulation.
Key differences
- •Age of Empires III features a Home City system for requesting shipments, while Anno 1602 focuses on establishing settlements across multiple islands with a dynamic trade system and shipping lanes.
- •Age of Empires III has an MSRP of $59.99 and a 78/100 critic score, whereas Anno 1602's pricing is not specified and it has no listed critic score.
- •Age of Empires III includes a built-in editor for custom scenarios and maps, whereas Anno 1602 utilizes a modular building system with statistical overlays.
- •Age of Empires III was released in October 2005 by Ensemble Studios, while Anno 1602 was released in September 1998 by Max Design.
- •Anno 1602 features a PEGI 3 age rating, whereas Age of Empires III is rated ESRB T and PEGI 12.
Gameplay & fun factor
Age of Empires III features land and naval combat with a Home City system, earning a 78/100 critic score.
Platform availability
Both games are available on PC, though specific platforms outside of general PC/MacSoft details are not fully specified.
Price & value
Age of Empires III lists a clear MSRP of $59.99, whereas Anno 1602's pricing is not specified.
Multiplayer / co-op
Both support single player and multiplayer, with Age of Empires III supporting up to eight players online.
Content & replayability
Age of Empires III includes a built-in editor for custom scenarios and maps alongside historical campaigns.
Difficulty & accessibility
Age of Empires III has a robust adaptive AI and PEGI 12/ESRB T ratings, compared to Anno 1602's PEGI 3 rating.
Graphics & performance
Both games feature historical units and weather effects, but Anno 1602's graphics are explicitly noted as dated.
Choose Age of Empires III if…
Players wanting a critic-scored RTS with a Home City system, custom editors, and military campaigns.
Choose Anno 1602: Creation of a New World if…
Fans of 1600s economic simulation who want island settlements, trade routes, and modular building layouts.
Common questions
How much do these games cost?
Age of Empires III has an MSRP of $59.99, while Anno 1602's pricing is not specified.
Do both games support multiplayer?
Yes, both Age of Empires III and Anno 1602 support single player and multiplayer modes.
Which game includes custom map creation?
Age of Empires III includes a built-in editor to create custom scenarios and maps for endless replayability.