During each turn, you tend to the areas of your empire by using a series of screens. The map is filled with squares that offer resources ranging from coal to gold. Special units improve these squares. Most of the game is spent trying to strike the right balance in your empire. Raw materials must be brought to the factory to create goods for sale or for sustenance.
Battles take place on a small map and involve moving and shooting.
The military element is not particularly deep, but it does provide a welcome diversion from the game's relentless economics. Imperialism is not a pure game of conquest. Although the addition of features such as a unit list or a single production screen would make these elements all flow together, Imperialism is an exceptionally well-designed and imaginative game.