Patrician 3

Gameplay centers on raising a fleet of trade ships to engage in commerce at every port in the North Sea. "Buy cheap and sell dear" is the basic strategy, but each level of play is increasingly demanding - requiring ever-greater wealth levels to advance - such that it's hard to get into the middle-game, i.e. the point where you move from simply being a trader to owning more property in towns. Fun game, but frustratingly hard to advance.

Games like Patrician 3 are not for everyone, but for those who enjoy the commodity trading, economic simulator genre Patrician 3 is one of the best titles available. Pros: -The game has great depth though this is not obvious at first. -For all of its complexity, it is accessible and fairly easy to learn and some of the more repetitive tasks can be automated. -Once you get into it, there is a lot to keep you busy and activities available to you progressively unfold as you rise in stature. -The progression of your character from humble merchant to wealthy Patrician and Lord Mayor or Alderman is rewarding. Cons: -Slow to get started and the first few hours of play can be repetitive. There isn't much bad to say about Patrician 3. If you enjoy this sort of game play and have the patience, the game will reward you with hours of entertainment.

I played through the tutorials then started the first challenge mission. I couldn't finish it because the game just became too repetitive for me after some hours. Constantly going to the world map, choosing which town your ship sails to, clicking the fast forward, then choosing what to buy/sell. Repeat repeat. Occasionally you'll build some stuff in the town but you have to make lots of money from sales first. There's better simulation strategy games but I'd say buy it if you're looking for 5-10 hours of some fun.

Full of atmosphere and cunning, Patrician III is a rich gaming experience --and not just rich-as-in-wealthy. You get a lot of game for a little money. If you have a head for details, a little math, and a lot of opportunity, you will have a great time sailing across the northern seas of Europe. The kinds of deals you make grow from simple trade to much more involved politics and even warfare. It's a fun study in early capitalism and social responsibility, since your aim is not only to acquire riches and power, but also to bring prosperity and security to the people of your home town. And here's a plug: You can watch my more detailed review at my web site, <a href="http://longtailgamer.com/node/62">Long Tail Gamer</a>.

One of best "tycoon" games ever made. You could develop your ships and "your" towns the way you prefer, and expect a high competency for the profits. Once you are tired of being a merchant you could also try to be a pirate. But your decisions could bring you the public shame. The gameplay is insanely addictive, every minute you want to ship a convoy of goods, build a new ship or try the random missions and characters that you could get in the tavern, all of them very interesting but maybe not so rewarding. The graphics and visuals are delicious even nowadays. As 2D never get old, you could apprecciate all the details in the boats, cities and so. Also the UI is pretty well designed and you have all the info you need when you need it. If you like the idea to trade between historical cities and you like tycoon-kind games you definitely should try this game. A true masterpiece with tons of hours of fun.