Conquest Of New World Demo
| Filename | conquest-of-new-world-demo.hqx |
|---|---|
| Size | 6,600.4 KB (6758844 bytes) |
| Downloads | 13 |
This is the 1996 Macintosh demo of Conquest of the New World, the turn-based 4X strategy game developed by Quicksilver Software and published by Interplay Productions, set in 1493 and tasking the player with discovering and colonising the Americas. The demo shipped as a 26 MB StuffIt archive on at least a dozen magazine cover discs and preceded the full Mac OS retail release in 1997.
Setting and story
The full game opens in 1493 and runs through the European discovery and colonisation of the New World. Players choose one of six factions - five European powers (England, France, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands) plus the High Natives - and explore a blacked-out continent, founding colonies, building infrastructure, and fighting for territory.
Gameplay
The demo gives a slice of the turn-based strategy loop: explorers and colonists move across a top-down map uncovering mountains, plains, and rivers, while founded colonies require farms, mines, and other infrastructure to stay self-sufficient. Tactical battles pop into a 3x4-square mini-battlefield. The retail game supports hotseat, LAN, modem, and play-by-email; the demo restricts campaign length and faction selection.
Engine and technical changes
The Macintosh build requires PowerPC, Mac OS 7.5.1 or later, Sound Manager 3.1, 12 MB free RAM, and a 13-inch or larger monitor. The demo and full Mac port are PPC-native conversions of the original DOS engine.
Development and release
The DOS original launched in North America on 24 April 1996, with a Deluxe Edition following in December 1996 and the dedicated Mac OS port arriving in 1997. The Mac demo predates the retail Mac port and was distributed through 1996-1997 cover discs including Inside Mac Games Vol 4 Issues 10-11 and Vol 5 Issue 4, MacAddict Issue 004, and Macworld UK December 1996 / February 1997.
Reception and legacy
The full game scored 8.5/10 at GameSpot, 90/100 at Computer Game Review, 3.5/5 at MacUser, and 3 of 5 at Next Generation. By 2000, combined sales across the original, Deluxe, Mac OS, and localised editions had passed 500,000 units. The title was later re-released digitally on GOG.com.
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