It can be rough to come into a series mid-stride, especially when you are diving in to a game based around the complexities of being the head of a trading conglomerate in the old world.

A welcome sequel to a major series in a minor genre.

The Hanseatic League was a loose confederation of trading cities that flourished on the northern coast of Europe during the late Middle and early Modern Ages.  They are an interesting example of the effects of trade on otherwise isolated cities.

Before I go any further I think it bears mentioning - this isn't really a game for me. Or you, for that matter. Or just about anybody else, except for people with an interest in the Middle-Ages seaborne empire of Northern Europe known as the Hanseatic League. Anybody? No?

Strangely compelling; Unique setting; Well balanced

Somewhat straighforward; No real conflict; Weak combat subgame

Patrician IV is a continuation of the strategy franchise under new development studio Gaming Minds. It centers on trade between various towns and building a vast merchant empire. Adding into these aspects of politics, combat, and economy builds for a complex system that leads to fortune and glory.

Wealth is power and so ‘Conquest by Trade' was all too real during the height of the Hanseatic League, which is exactly where Patrician IV casts our trader empire dreams. From a humble beginning of a single cargo ship the vision is to expand out and practically ‘own' every major route of commerce...

You like trading simulators? You might like Patrician IV, if you haven't already heard about it already. Otherwise...well, let's just say the genre doesn't really bring a broad audience.

Multiple ways to gain to power; good economic gameplay; tutorial does a fairly good job

Interface issues; ship combat is mundane; no real challenge from competitors

In the Middle Ages, the worldly merchants of the Hanseatic League rejected both the drudgery of serfdom and the solitude of the cloister, instead embracing an enterprising life of supplying foreigners with cheap mead, dominating city politics, and, on occasion, hunting pirates.

Cool political intrigue; Mayoral privileges deepen gameplay; It's satisfying to get filthy rich off trade

Excessive grinding; Lackluster sea battles; Cruel; jealous lieges pillage your peaceful farms

Not as good as Patrician iii, although graphic have improved, the game is not as intuitive as previous versions. Shame really, but I still play my old version.

More yawn than yarr, sadly. The figures may add up, but there's still a lot missing from this unexciting experience.