Anno franchise turns 15, MMO celebrates

Anno Online is celebrating the 15th "ANNOversary" of the franchise - Ubisoft made that joke - with a number of limited time events and offers.

In its 15 year history, Blue Byte's Anno series has spawned five major games and a number of other releases. The series has sold more than 5 million copies worldwide, and the latest effort, Anno 2070, has shifted 1 million all on its own.

Seems like a good reason to throw a party in the free-to-play, browser-based MMO version, Anno Online. Here are the details:

"People from the kingdom are travelling to settle some new islands and their flotilla needs to stop by the player’s island for provisions. Players will help them repair their ships by completing new quests. Additionally, the King’s cartographer, who has been travelling for some time, has discovered a mysterious island covered with ruins from an unknown civilisation.

"He will ask players to help him solve numerous mysteries and discover wondrous treasures available in this new land. Series veterans will also be pleased to see that Blue Byte has implemented objects from all previous ANNO games in the event, so players should keep an eye out for them! To unlock sectors on this island, the player will need to finish a series of quests given by the cartographer."

• Buff the Adventurer’s building (quest)
• Find the missing persons (quest)
• Help with costs (quest)
• Explore important ruins via exploration spot mechanics: Players will have to explore spots on the map by investing time and resources, but they will be rewarded with unique rewards.

To help in all of this, two new currencies have been introduced: Planks and Doubloons. Planks can be acquired through quests or by participating in community competition. Planks unlock achievements and rewards, and the top plank collectors will earn the Hero of the Event title and reward.

Doubloons are also quest rewards, and enable the purchase of three new buildings, two buffs and one premium ship.

Additionally, all players who log in during the event will automatically be rewarded with an exclusive 15th anniversary statue.