The Great Sea puts you in the role of a city-state leader of Tyre Sidon Byblos or Arwad. As part of the Phoenician world you assemble your fleet secure trade routes and expand your influence across the Mediterranean.

Victory can be achieved through conquest or commerce. To succeed ships must be constructed and mobilised trade networks fortified and new technologies for land and sea researched.

Control of the ancient temple sites across the map is especially important. As soon as a player's temple marker reaches the same space as either their combat or trade marker the game ends immediately and determines success on The Great Sea.

With its focus on seafaring trade military strength and strategic development the game combines historical atmosphere with clear goals and meaningful decisions.