Corner the market and build an empire as medieval economics meets high seas adventure! Bring cannon, sword, and single-entry accountancy to bear on the princes, taxmen, and other pirates who would wrest the wealth from your able hands! Usher in the Rennaissance of Northern Europe, secure the well-being of your town, and claim the title of Patrician!This episode of Long Tail Gamer is dedicated to my friend Pendar Munro. He loved singing as a bard in the SCA, and this was one of his favorite songs: "New Sins for Old". RIP.
- Intricate economy reacts to my decisions
- Equally intricate politics force me to make choices
- Sandbox-style problem solving
- Compelling atmosphere with detailed townscapes and evocative sounds
I especially like that I set my own economic goals and milestones to power. Patrician III provides a rich array of resources and methods, and it's up to me determine how best to use them creatively. The game sets my problem solving powers free.
The scope of the game expands and expands with every milestone I reach. From my own little trading office, to across the town, to across the sea, to an exploration of the larger world, each expansion feels natural and full of potential.
Patrician III makes the most of an underappreciated setting. It is a constructive game set in an era that doesn't get much attention, yet is rich with potential. That makes a welcome change of pace from many other historical video games -- I'm looking at YOU, World War II.
Patrician III at Good Old Games!
Long Tail Gamer is a very happy affiliate of GOG.com. Please remember to use our links when you decide to buy!
- Lots of tools and tips collected at http://www.rjosephs.de/patrician/etools.html -- a real labor of love, here.
- Good Old Games Patrician III forums
- Wikipedia's History of the Hanseatic League
- The Society for Creative Anacronism is for folks who love the Middle Ages, and aren't afraid sometimes to dress like it and hit each other with sticks.
Remember to cast your vote for the next game to feature on Long Tail Gamer!
Mon, 15 Jun 02009 - 06:10
Another fine review. I remember many hours of Patrician III. It was part of a pirate pack of games including Tortuga and Port Royal. Good stuff.
»
Mon, 15 Jun 02009 - 11:15
I saw a comparison video between Patrician III and Port Royale II. I have to admit -- I didn't see much difference. One was in the 14th century, the other in the 18th, I think.
400 years of gaming and nothing changed! WTF?
»
Mon, 15 Jun 02009 - 11:19
Very, very good review, too bad I'm not really into economic games.
Oh well, at least now I know you have great girlfriend :D ... Thou I'm unsure what should I do with this knowledge. I guess I'll blackmail you or somethin'
»
Mon, 15 Jun 02009 - 12:02
Great review, will definitely check out the next one you do.
»
Wed, 24 Jun 02009 - 12:50
Hey there,
Excellent review, thorough and enticing!
Good comedy bit too.
Cheers
»
Tue, 12 Jan 02010 - 14:07
You'd love a 1994 game by Microprose, another unknown classic game! It's called Darklands,and, as far as I know, it's the only 'historic' RPG. It takes place in the 15th century in the Holy Roman Empire (what is now the area of Germany and surrounding countries). If you know Pirates 'menu' system and understand pausable realtime combat as Sid Meier would do it, then you know the general gameplay interface. But the game is nothing you have seen before. Alchemy rather than spells, preying to saints (over 200 real one's mind you!) to prey to for various favours and on and one. The premise, a simple one: To become famous in a world where everything the citizenry was true (witches coverns, robber barons, devil worshippers, etc) IS true! This game has been on my hard drive for 15 years and is still played- give it a try! A long tail game if there ever was one!
»
Wed, 13 Jan 02010 - 10:57
How did I never hear of this game? Blast. Snooping around on the web, I can't find a copy from a trusted source. I guess it's time to go head over to Good Old Games and vote it up...
»
Post new comment