There is a choice between a historical map (America) or a randomly generated map (the New World), and players may also construct their own map with the included scenario editor.

Landing off the coast of America in 1492, the player could choose to represent either Britain, Spain, France or The Netherlands, exploring the New World, establishing colonies, managing trade routes and dealing with the local Indian populations. As your colonies grow larger and larger, you inevitably encounter native populations and are confronted with competing imperial powers from the Old World. You have no knowledge of what lies ahead of your ship, so you must explore until you find a suitable spot to lay down your first colony. In the beginning of the game you are given a trading/exploration ship and a small group of colonists. The game begins with the European discovery of the Americas (1500) and continues until approximately the time of the American Revolution (1800). You face many of the same challenges that faced colonial organizers of the time-competition from other Old World powers, strange native cultures, the problems of establishing profitable trade programs, and the problems of organizing an army from a rag-tag band of colonists. Sid Meier's Colonization game description The treasures of an entire continent await you. Your colonists anxiously follow you to shore. The New World lies before you with all its peril, promise and infinite possibility.

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