Neo Atlas 1469

If you're into simulation games, there are many enjoyable moments, but pacing issues could keep this restricted to fans of this genre only. Throughout the hour-long tutorial of Neo Atlas 1469, you'll learn to sail the seven seas and chart previously untouched areas. You'll also approve or disapprove your admirals' findings (with each decision changing how the map of the world looks), navigate around bad weather and foes, and conduct trade with people of all walks of life. Admirals you bring on have different strengths and weaknesses, and can "level up" based on in-game actions. This role-playing game (RPG)-like element can affect stats like courage, navigation, and battle power. Speaking of battles, you'll run into giant sea creatures (like the giant octopus-like Kraken) and pirates who want to steal your stuff, but winning these turn-based combat sequences rely heavily on your battle power number (and some luck thrown in).

While negotiating with locales, you'll get constant pressure from the King to make money, which in turn determines your annual bonus, too. This sim taps into the thrill of exploring strange lands, carving out the map of the world, and treasure hunting, but interacting with the admirals and trade elements -- the main focus of the fame -- may be tedious and repetitive for some. You might find yourself speeding up elements of the game (which you can do), but parts cannot be skipped altogether. While catering to a niche audience, Neo Atlus 1469 does have some depth and excitement. For what it is, it does it well. But it would have been great to offer a wider variety of missions to keep the gameplay fresh, and perhaps extra modes (including multiplayer) to add more bang for the buck.