Rating: 
Summary: Has trading in the high seas ever been so fun?
Review: This is the type of game I wait around for. You know, the one that comes out every year or so that you know you'll have to buy when it first comes out as opposed to most games where you can wait a bit until the price goes down. Well, I forked the cash when this one hit the shelves. And it was worth it.Anyone old enough to remember Sid Meier's Pirates will appreciate this game. It combines the same elements of that classic game as well as business management and some serious historical factoring. This game would be great business history tool, because today's European Union is loosely based off what your objectives are. Anyone with a brain won't mind playing this game for a few days or so. With endless options, you basically are set out to make money, any way you want. The open ended goal is too become Alderman of the Hansa, the vast multi-national trading guild. The ladder is pretty long too, it is tough enough on average difficulty to become just a merchant. I would say this game combines the Microprose classics Pirates and Railroad Tycoon into one game. (Both of which are hall of fame games by the way in almost every publication.) The only downside is the length of the game. It takes a long time to do stuff, and some people will be very turned off. This game ain't no Diablo. This game involves thinking, and with that a lesson on European history too. Great simulation by our friends in Germany. Thumbs up.
Rating: 
Summary: The RTS game that replaces the model train set
Review: When I first played the demo for this game I found myself immersed in its realistic events. The challenges are daunting and the detail has that of a model train set that my father used to entertain himself with. After buying the game last spring I saw how the challenges in the game are to be overcome. While playing, a unique element of learning and discovery rewards me for my risks taken as a Navigator and as a Trader in the North sea. As I played on I discovered that (although the game can be played in the role of merchant, politician or pirate) my character in the game reflected my decisions in a way that mirrored my real self. This game is complex in design and yet very simple by way of economic structure. It takes attention to detail to enjoy the game, some may find it tedious, but once the gamer recognizes the exactitude and "organic" nature of the economic model, this game becomes rewarding as a learning tool and hobby.
Rating:
Summary: Very addicting!
Review: Who would have thought a game about the Hanseatic League could be so fun? I barely knew that the Hanseatic league existed. I never normally rate stuff 5 stars because most products are not perfect, but in my opinion Patrician 2 is as close to perfect as any computer game is going to get. I chanced upon the game while surfing Amazon. When I saw it for $... at the PX boy was I glad I bought the game. I was very pleasantly surprised with Patrician 2. The game does not have flashy graphics but it is one of those games where you think you played for a half an hour and 2 hours have gone by. Patrician 2 combines Sid Meier's Pirates and SimCity. You can build buildings to rent, businesses, and ships. You can trade within your own town or other towns. The best thing about it, is that it is open ended w/out cumbersome missions to perform. One can take many different routes as an honest trader and businessman or a cutthroat pirate. As a member of the underworld you can bribe politicians (and what politician doesn't like bribes?), burgle your competitors, hire pirates, or become a pirate yourself. The ONLY stuff that might turn off players, in my opinion is that the game is brain intensive. You have to learn the profitable trading routes which for me meant writing down commodity prices at first. You have to keep track of your businesses as well. If you want a game where you will just veg out, Patrician 2 might not be as fun.
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