Dawn of Discovery

 DS
  • Publisher: Ubisoft
  • Release Date: Jun 17, 2009
  • Also On: PC
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. Cynamite
    90
    The controls of Dawn of Discovery are pretty good and the exploration of the beautiful world makes lots of fun.
  2. NintendoWorldReport
    90
    Despite a few minor flaws, Dawn of Discovery is a very impressive package, and overall, it provides a full-fledged real-time strategy game on the DS without cutting corners.
  3. GameZone
    89
    An unparalleled simulation game for a handheld machine.
  5. GamingTrend
    88
    If you like strategy at all and you need a game to get you through the long hot summer nights, get Dawn of Discovery.
  6. Nintendo Power
    85
    A solid, lasting title that fits perfectly on the DS. [Aug 2009, p.91]
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  7. Cheat Code Central
    84
    This game is surprisingly deep, plus there's the fact that you can play indefinitely - no lame time restrictions here!
  8. Vandal
    80
    With simplicity at its core, Anno has returned successfully to Nintendo DS keeping all the virtues that made the last game of the series one of the most interesting strategy games in the system.
  9. GameSpot
    80
    This game of exploration and city building hits the occasional rough patch, but it's a captivating adventure nonetheless.
  10. Multiplayer.it
    80
    Anno is a very good handheld version of a game that still finds its real sense on PCs: the developing team substantially succeeded finding a good balance between complexity and usability, although with some minor complaints, and the title results one of the best in the genre on the DS.
  11. Everyeye.it
    75
    Dawn of Discovery is a traditional game, but thanks to an intelligent control system and a nice strategical depth, the game appears fresh and enjoyable.
  12. IGN
    73
    Dawn of Discovery for the Nintendo DS is without a doubt a high-quality game, one strategy fans should certainly lend some of their valuable attention.

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Best DS Game of 2009
99
#99 Most Discussed DS Game of 2009
80
#80 Most Shared DS Game of 2009

User Reviews

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User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. BoyMcBoy
    Sep 8, 2009
    6
    The basic idea here is to build up a profitable population (sort of like sim city, or its ilk) on a set of islands while satisfying a bunch ofThe basic idea here is to build up a profitable population (sort of like sim city, or its ilk) on a set of islands while satisfying a bunch of building requirements for different levels of civilization. Eventually you'll have to build some battleships and conquer the islands of your foes.

    The core gameplay is polished enough, but there isn't much content in the story mode (which has the feel of a tutorial throughout - even in the most difficult mode), and once you're done with that, the random map play feels repetitive and winning depends more on executing the rote memorized expansion procedure more quickly than the AI than on anything resembling tactics or strategy. Especially lacking is the combat system, which amounts to a frustrating shuffling of units between buildings and a fixed number of battleships that you build. The technology system, which is just linked to how big your island populations are, is also rather limited. If the combat and technology were improved, the core gameplay could have gone quite a way toward making a really good game, but as it is, it really feels like some essential things were overlooked.    … Full Review »
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