Anno 1404 is a city management game that takes in a fictional setting that evokes the 15th century without being overly specific. This is probably where the alternate title 'Dawn of Discovery' comes from as the Age of Discovery is said to have started in the late 15th century. The main campaign of the game follows the player character as they try to stop the evil Cardinal Lucius and his underling Guy Forcas. Beginning in a occidental setting a large portion of the single player campaign takes place in an oriental, but not specifically named, region as well. The player must build both oriental and occidental buildings to advance. The oriental buildings are unlocked in the single player campaign by currying favor with the local oriental faction by completing missions.