Discovering America

Discovering America is an adventure and educational game, based on the Spanish Inquisition of America. The game was released in 1994 and runs on the DOS platform. The player assumes the role of a Spanish explorer who has just arrived on American soil. His ship is docked on the banks of Florida, after which he sets out on an expedition inland to discover the vast unclaimed territories. Equipped with a map and basic supplies, the player will embark on a quest to find new lands, collecting gold and other treasures. During his travels, the explorer will learn about early colonial culture and learn lesser-known facts about indigenous populations. Several species of wildlife native to American soils are also featured in the game.
The objective is to spread the word of the Gospel and collect treasures that can replenish the treasury back home. Accumulation of wealth would involve trading, tactful negotiation with the natives, and sometimes clever manipulation. Observing the behavior and customs of the various indigenous tribes is crucial since the native population can be apprehensive and sometimes hostile toward foreign intrusion. The landscape can also prove to be challenging with thick jungles and many deadly animals lurking in their midst. Despite the obstacles, the player needs to continue on his journey and find hidden gold. Survival tips and other important facts are displayed from time to time. Resource management is another key factor that the player needs to master to complete the quest. Discovering America does a decent enough job of dealing with a controversial topic in a fun and engaging manner.

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