New Horizons Overview
New Horizons is a top-down sailing simulation set in the early 16th century, a period defined by maritime exploration and trade. Players select one of six distinct characters, each beginning a personal journey that involves navigating the world's oceans, managing a ship, and engaging with ports and other vessels.
The six available scenarios provide varied motivations for going to sea. These include a Portuguese noble's son sent to gain experience, a Spanish officer turned pirate seeking revenge, a debt-ridden Italian spy, a Dutch geographer funded to map the world, an Ottoman orphan aiming to build a trading fortune, and a British admiral commissioned to harass Spanish fleets. Their individual goals drive the narrative, but the core systems remain consistent across all choices.
Gameplay revolves around sailing, where ship speed is influenced by crew condition, wind, and currents. Upon reaching a port, a player can visit various buildings like taverns, shipyards, and markets to gather information, trade goods, repair vessels, or accept contracts. Sustaining a fleet requires earning gold through trade, completing guild jobs, gambling, or combat, making resource management a constant concern.
Naval encounters shift to a turn-based strategy mode, where positioning ships for cannon fire or boarding actions is key. If two flagships engage, a duel can be initiated, switching to a side-view sequence where captains exchange specific combat maneuvers. The game integrates sailing simulation, economic strategy, and tactical combat within its historical setting.
