For which operating systems will ANNO 1503 be available? Will it run under Mac OS, NT and Linux?
ANNO 1503 will run under Windows (95, 98, 2000, Millenium). At this time, we cannot give any accurate information as to other operating systems support.

Is ANNO 1503 based on the same engine as ANNO 1602?
No, it isn't! A completely new engine was developed especially for ANNO 1503. This was absolutely necessary to approach the goals set for this title. ANNO 1503 will therefore take place on real 3D terrain.

Does Anno 1503 provide any type of multiplayer game?
Yes. The multi-player options have been greatly expanded and improved. It is yet to decide how many player can take part in a multiplayer-scenario.

Will there be an official ANNO 1503 Beta-Test ?
The beta testing for ANNO 1503 will be done by SUNFLOWERS' in-house beta testers. Our ANNO 1503 distributor EA will assist us with the testing wherever they can. There will be no public beta test for ANNO 1503.

ANNO 1503 is the official sequel to the super strategy hit ANNO 1602. Why is the game then set in a time before the original?
"ANNO 1503 - Setting Out for a New World" is, of course, based on the main elements of its predecessor. However, it develops these elements even further, offering many new combinations and an incredible amount of new features. The 16th century marks the Renaissance period, a period of new beginnings, thus offering the perfect backdrop for the game. Furthermore, we also want to do more than simply present a "more modern" appendage to the original game. ANNO 1503 will therefore be a completely new game.

What function do the different races in ANNO 1503 fill? Is it possible to choose which culture one wishes to play?
The different cultures in ANNO 1503 enrich the entire game, especially Trade and Diplomacy. The number of cultures was increased mainly in order to increase the number and variety of goods to be produced and traded. Furthermore, each of these cultures has its own preferences in regards to where they live, and which trade goods they prefer. The player assumes the role (as usual) of the leader of a predefined group of Pioneers and discovers the new cultures during the course of the game.

Must one be familiar with ANNO 1602 in order to be successful when playing ANNO 1503?
With ANNO 1503 we have once again set ourselves the goal of making it as comfortable and easy as possible for players, whether ANNO experts or complete newcomers, to begin play. Of course, previous ANNO 1602 experience certainly couldn't hurt, but even complete newcomers will quickly be able to find their way.

Will ANNO 1503 feature continuous zoom and free map rotation?
We consciously decided against continuous zoom and free rotation of the map, as this allows us to go into greater detail when depicting buildings, NPCs etc.. Our experience has shown the combination of at least three zoom levels and the four map viewing angles offer the player the optimal conditions for gaming screen orientation.

Who is the designer of Anno 1503? Max Design, headquartered in Austria, forms the core of the development team. SUNFLOWERS, in Langen, is coordinating all work on the project in close cooperation with Max Design. SUNFLOWERS is also providing the Marketing and PR. Here, we are working together with Electronic Arts, who will be distributing the game. In addition, Germany's Spellcraft Studios is taking part in the graphic design and production of the video sequences.