German publisher Sunflowers sent us some new information about its upcoming real-time strategy game Anno 1503. The game is a sequel to 1602 A.D., which was released in the US back in January. Like its predecessor, Anno 1503 focuses on a historical period of exploration. Players build settlements and engage in trade, diplomacy, and combat with other settlements, both on land and on water.

　　This latest update from Sunflowers reveals details about the animation and characteristics of the ships featured in the game. Anno 1503 doubles the animation detail of 1602 A.D., and it also takes wave motion into account. The sails on a ship can be either hoisted or reefed, depending on the situation. In addition, the functions of the ships in Anno 1503 are more distinct. Warships are heavily armed and fast, but they have very little cargo space, while trading vessels are slow and poorly armed, but they can carry far more cargo. Ship maintenance has also been improved, and it will now be necessary to meet fixed operating costs and to return to a shipyard occasionally to repair some of the wear that can occur after prolonged use.

　　Anno 1503 also improves ship management through the new fleet formation option. Players can order warships to escort trading vessels through hostile waters, and the fleet formation will automatically adjust the warships' speed to account for the slower vessels.

　　For more information about Anno 1503, read our previous articles about the game, which are linked below. Anno 1503 is scheduled for release in early 2001.