But while in Civilization the game time goes from pre-history to future, in fcca all action happens during the exploration age, from 1492 to 1800. The goal of the game is to build a colony in America and make this colony grow big enough to be able to achieve independence from the motherland.

A player can choose among the English, French, Dutch and Spanish nations, each one having its own qualities and problems. During the colonization, the player will face many challenges, such as negociate (and make war, if necessary) with other european colonies and native tribes. Winning the hearts of the colonists (by making they feel that the colony is their home) is the key to get enough support to fight for independance. And allowing religious freedom in your colony will attract more colonists, persecuted for their faith in Europe.