In the end that is what I like about ATITD, it is fun.

It is not fun because clicking the mouse button is fun, something that is true of every game. It is fun because you become part of a growing and developing world, and because you make a difference.

The complexity of the world and your part in it is best shown through the example of fishing. There are several different types of fish to catch. Different types live in different types of water (lakes, rivers, etc). To fish you cast with your rod and see the results. The game determines if a particular spot is good for you personally - you cannot simply steal somebody else’s fishing hole. In addition to the location, the quality of the fishing varies by time of day. So if you want to catch fish you cannot just go toss a line into the Nile. If you want fish you have to explore and find where you can catch which type of fish and at what time of day. Or you can trade for fish, of course.