In Empire Builder the player is a property developer in greater London and the goal is to make as much money as possible. The player starts with £500,000. First the player must decide for a company name and then select in which county to begin (there are 20 to choose among). Then the player must choose options:
- Accounts/Banking: This screen shows the player's financial status.
- Build: Advances time 24 days.
- Property design: On this screen the player chooses how many properties of each type that is to be built.
- Building society: On this screen the player can invest money in property or savings.
- Job center: On this screen the player can hire workers.
- Legal eagle: Here you turn to engage a solicitor.
- Materials: Here you keep track of your materials and buy new one too.
- Office: This screen shows the player a menu where different reports can be accessed, company status for example.
- Site plan: This screen shows the number of owned plots, built plots, sold plots and so on.
- Shares: The stock market, well sort of since the only stock that can be bought or sold is the one belonging to the player's company.
- Score: This screen shows the player the score.
