I first played this game in the fall of '99. I came home from college and my brother had it. Quite a fun game, though I have not yet mastered it, so my tips section will be quite barren. It is like Colonization meets Conquest of the New World. It is not turn based like either of those, but follows the same building principles. Feed your people, prepare for attact from rival colonies, make trade and peace treaties, control supplies, etc.