PowerMonger is set in a war context, where you play as a dispossessed warlord aiming to conquer the world. Several other leaders have the same goal, adding a competitive element to the game.
The game features polygons as its gameworld, allowing for more freedom in rotating and moving the view. To progress through the game, you'll need to balance trade, diplomacy, inventions, and military invasions. Two-player games are available via modem links on computer versions of the game.