Kaylpso Media announce Rise of Venice, a new strategy/trading simulation coming to Windows PCs in Q3 of this year. The arguably ironically titled game (Venice spent most of the 20th century literally sinking) is set during the Renaissance, and features the "treachery and political machinations" that accompanied the era's return to enlightenment. Here are some screenshots and here's an outline of what to expect: "Rise of Venice drops players in the Renaissance era, where they start out as a young merchant, looking to make his mark and build a trading empire. Begin with a meager group of trading ships and build them into a mercantile fleet that will make your enemies and friends alike green with jealousy as you fill your coffers with gold! Rise of Venice is much more than trading, however, as Renaissance Europe was filled with treachery and political machinations of all sorts – which you must take part in if you plan to succeed!" They also offer the following feature list:

• Experience a compelling story full of intrigue and treason in Venice at the time of the Renaissance
• Trade a variety of goods in the most important cities of the time such as Rome, Alexandria, Constantinople and Athens.
• With your own family tree you can interact with your family members, send them on missions and watch how the power of your family grows over time.
• Meet other important families who are pulling the strings in Venice’s government and influence political decisions yourself.
• Build your own production facilities and trading fleets
• Take fate into your own hands and test your skills in furious sea battles
• Multiplayer mode for up to 4 players via LAN and Internet