First time I played the first installment was at the age of 10, and when I held the Gold edition CD in my hands it was probably one of the most memorable days of that time. The first installment is a bit more hardcore than the second, but both games feature very deep game play mechanics. Basically its the settlers but on a smaller scale, you still have production chains for food, goods, ore, tools, etc. But in this franchise the success of your settlement depends on your ability to fulfill the needs of your people, because they will not work or do anything if they want to eat or sleep. The second game features a lot of quality of life improvements along with an expanded tech tree and an improved combat system. Overall the second game is a lot easier in my opinion and less hardcore than the second due to tweaked mechanics. (you are less likely to starve your people). I have completed all campaigns in both games, and can certainly say that both of these games deserve their place in your library if you enjoy a fun micromanagement approach to building your settlement.
