Colonization and Civilization are some of the best of Sid Meier's productions, ever. Colonization is 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 estabilish diplomatic contact with the inhabitants and other explorers whose task is to conquer as much as possible. Beside the diplomacy, you will also have to watch over political relations with your mother country, estabilish trade routes, train workers, manage cities, research and use the available resources wisely.
Your final goal is to declare independence and fight off the attacks from your parent country after that. Once you achieve this, you no longer have to pay tributes to your king and you have complete freedom.
The graphics are really very nice and easy on the eyes. Navigation is pretty simple and you will learn it quickly. Music and sounds fit the atmosphere perfectly and are a real treat.
Colonization 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 game played is completely unique. That is why it might seem very difficult at the beginning, but you can learn the basics quickly.
All in all, a brilliant shining 5 for this masterpiece!