Of all the things that would put civilization in neutral, it would have to be truffles. My fisheries, oil refineries, pig farms, and distilleries operate efficiently. My surpluses are loaded onto carriers and sold to hippies on the waves with a bonus.

Anno 2070 is a real-time management simulation that puts you in charge of creating the largest and happiest empire you can create in a resource-poor future due to climate change. It is a change from the historical foundations of the previous games in the series in favor of something social and future-oriented.

The basic mechanics are the same as in previous games. If I want to solve my lobster problem, I have to build a second colony on a new island and set shipping routes for the lobster to cross the ocean. The difference is that its rival areas are not Belgian settlers, but islands operated by independent contractors.

It's a good question. Anno 2070 has squandered the news on its subject with good and bad cartoon factions. Eden Initiative staff speak quietly and ask only for tea, vegetables, and a concert hall.

You'll work for both factions in single player mode and make decisions that should be followed. I joined the Global Trust to see what hilarious flaws their terrible decisions would make for the next world, which at least brought a grim campaign to life.

They guide you almost by hand as the game teaches you (very slowly) the techniques you need to succeed. There is a story, but he is not a beginner, and Anno 2070's speech cannot bear it.

The single mission and free spins are much more successful. Anno 2070 is a creative technology game: a large interconnected machine that looks like a city but purrs like an engine.

If the competition demands it, there are also fights: mainly naval, with planes and basic fangs for spices. This is far from the main event, but the need for military protection adds an additional dimension.

Anno 2070 is playable and polished and constantly improves on the previous offering. Rather, it is too safe because innovations like online elections and underwater bases have little impact.