Colonization, together with Civilization, is one of Sid Meier's best productions ever. It's engaging, addictive, fun, challenging, and above all, a real masterpiece. The setting is well known: You start off as an explorer from a country you choose. There are four countries available (Spain, France, the Netherlands and England), and each one has its advantages and disadvantages.
As an explorer, your task will be to discover America (or a random New World) and establish diplomatic contact with the natives and other explorers, whose task is to conquer as much as possible. Apart from the diplomacy, you will also have to watch over political relations with your mother country, establish trade routes, train workers, manage cities, research, and use the available resources wisely. Your final goal is to declare independence and, after that, fight off the attacks from your mother country. Once you achieve this, you no longer have to pay tributes to your king, and you have complete freedom.
This game is so complex and has so many layers that you will probably learn new things every time you play it. Its potential is limitless, and each session is unique. The graphics are very nice and easy on the eyes. Navigation is pretty simple, and you will learn it quickly. The game might seem difficult at the beginning, but you can learn the basics in a really short time. The music and sounds are great. All in all, a brilliant, shining 5 for this masterpiece!