The Seven Cities of Gold

Released in 1984 by Electronic Arts, “The Seven Cities of Gold” is a venerable classic in the realm of strategy games. Designed by the talented Dan Bunten of Ozark Softscape, this game is acclaimed for its compelling blend of exploration and strategy elements, allowing players to step into the shoes of a Spanish explorer reminiscent of historical figures such as Christopher Columbus and Hernán Cortés during the exhilarating Age of Discovery.

The game’s cover art is strikingly beautiful, showcasing a 19th-century painting from Mexico that depicts the dramatic arrival of Cortés on the coast in 1519. As Moctezuma, the leader of the Aztec empire, dispatches his ambassadors to greet the foreign explorers, Cortés commands a display of military might to awe the dignitaries. This scene not only captures the essence of exploration and adventure central to the game but also sets a rich historical backdrop that enhances the gaming experience.

The game itself was lauded for its innovative open-world gameplay and its sensitive portrayal of interactions with indigenous peoples, showcasing its advanced game mechanics and thematic depth well ahead of its time.