Gloriana - Elisabeth I is a historical game that takes place between 1550 and 1588. You start off as a poor merchant with little money and a small ship. You strive to become on of the richest merchants in London. Your main source of income is trading goods. These will be found in the homes of different merchants located across Europe. The prices differ in each city, so you will need to figure out, what to buy cheap and sell for profit. Another source of income is by investing in the merchant’s guild, which is located in London.
Once in the guild, you can invest money on ships that are sailing out of the harbor. Investments are limited to 1,000 pounds, but they can bring you over 10,000 pounds.
Throughout the game, you will meet characters that will send you on side missions. You can perform missions for Queen Elizabeth I, merchants and political characters can earn you extra money and a higher reputation.
Each city contains a merchant, inn, shipyard and church. The inn is where you can hire or fire sailors and servants. It is also where you can search for a captain for you ship. You can find men in the inn that are looking for someone to carry out a certain task in order for you to make
a few extra pounds. You can also find a master craftsman in the inn. You can hire him to make certain commodities for you to sell.
If you're feeling a little rebellious, you can always become a pirate. You can do this by clicking on the chest in your ship's cabin. Becoming a pirate means you will have to fight naval battles and laying siege to cities. I advise the player to practice the naval battles by clicking on this option at the opening menu.
Gloriana - Elisabeth I is very reminiscent of Sid Meier's Pirates! And it would be enjoyed by all fans of the game. The graphics will remind you of a cartoon, but that is not a problem. The music is a soft, medieval tune that is somewhat soothing and sets the mood of the game.
This game will test your skills as a 16th Century merchant. Between 1550 and 1588, you will encounter many adventures that will earn you wealth and respect. In the end, your main goal is to be a councilor to Queen Elizabeth I and this must be accomplished by 1588, when the Spanish Armada attacks.
Gloriana - Elisabeth I is very enjoyable and is a must play for anyone that enjoys medieval games.
