Patrician IV
- September 2, 2010
- Gaming Minds Studios
More yawn than yarr, sadly. The figures may add up, but theres still a lot missing from this unexciting experience.
Get on Steam"Patrician IV" is a strategy and trading simulation game set in the late Middle Ages, where you start as a merchant in the Hanseatic League with the goal of becoming its leader. Build up your own production, establish a merchant fleet, and gain political influence to found new towns. Face fierce rivals and use various tactics, including sabotage, to rise to power. The Steam Special Edition includes alternate textures for the Counting House and Cog ship type.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Patrician IV offers a fun and relaxing trading experience, with enjoyable gameplay mechanics that allow players to build their trade empire over time.
- The game features improved graphics and a better interface compared to its predecessor, making it more accessible and visually appealing.
- It provides a good balance of complexity and simplicity, making it suitable for both casual players and those who enjoy deeper economic simulations.
- The requirement to create a Kalypso account and use an external launcher is frustrating for many players, leading to accessibility issues and dissatisfaction.
- Naval combat is poorly implemented, often described as tedious and unengaging, which detracts from the overall experience of the game.
- Many players feel that the game lacks depth compared to earlier installments, with simplified mechanics that may not satisfy long-time fans of the series.
- gameplay29 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 72 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The gameplay primarily focuses on trading and economic management, allowing players to build their trade empires while navigating random events. While the core mechanics remain consistent with previous iterations, many players feel that the gameplay has been simplified, resulting in a less engaging experience compared to earlier versions. Despite some new features and improved visuals, the overall sentiment suggests that while the game is decent and accessible, it lacks the depth and complexity that fans of the series may expect.
“Gameplay primarily revolves around trading and the greater Hanse's economy, setting up your trade empire bit by bit while dealing with random events that happen in the world.”
“The mechanics of demand and supply are realistic and you can quickly overproduce or oversupply a market of a city that you came to trade in.”
“The core gameplay has not changed with each iteration, yet always having something improved or even removed to streamline the game.”
“The gameplay loop itself is rather simple: buy low, sell high; that's pretty much the game.”
“I thought it was an improvement of Patrician 3, but I wasn't expecting this... the same mechanics, same map, same gameplay... disappointing... I still prefer Patrician 3 instead of this.”
- graphics28 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are a mixed bag, with some players appreciating the improved visuals and 3D rendering, while others feel that the basic graphics detract from the overall experience. Many fans of the series prefer the older, pixelated style of previous installments, citing that the newer graphics may look dated and come at the cost of gameplay depth. Overall, while the graphics have seen enhancements, they may not meet modern standards and can lead to performance issues for some users.
“As a fan of the series, I still say that Patrician 3 is my go-to. It has definitely improved graphics-wise and works without issues with modern systems.”
“I would recommend Rise of a Dynasty even if you've never played the original, because it has improved visuals and a number of new gameplay features which are well worth having.”
“- graphically stunning and gorgeous”
“It's like they took Patrician 3 and gave it better graphics but then made the game worse.”
“The game has had many options removed from the previous game in the series and the graphics and the poor attempt at 3D rendering just hurts my eyes.”
“The game needs to be brought up to today's standards in graphics.”
- story8 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game's story is largely criticized for its lack of depth and clarity, with many quests feeling unwinnable and poorly defined. Players note that while missions provide some context, they ultimately fail to deliver a cohesive narrative, resulting in a gameplay experience that feels disconnected from any meaningful story. Overall, the consensus is that the game lacks a substantial storyline, detracting from the overall experience.
“These missions will ease you into every aspect of the game by giving clear instructions and context, and then leaving you to work out the execution.”
“It doesn't have a story.”
“And as far as the story goes, that's about it.”
“So, as you can see, there isn't much of a story.”
- stability5 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is heavily criticized, with users reporting numerous glitches and crashes that significantly hinder gameplay, making it nearly unplayable. Many express frustration over the lack of updates to address these issues, with some noting that previous games from the same developer also suffered from similar problems.
“It would be a decent game if it wasn't so buggy.”
“I would really like to see an update that fixes those horrible glitches that make the game unplayable for me, although it seems that the last updates stopped in 2010 or so.”
“6 hours of glitches and crashes.”
- music3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, praised for being enjoyable without being overwhelming or repetitive; however, some users feel that there may be instances of excessive music.
“Music is good and not inundating or overly repetitive.”
“The music is overwhelming and distracts from the gameplay.”
“There is too much music playing at once, making it hard to focus.”
“The soundtrack feels excessive and takes away from the overall experience.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and repetitive, with many feeling that the only way to reduce costs is through laborious manual battles, while automatic trading adds to the overall tedium.
“The only way to minimize this cost is to fight every single mind-numbingly tedious battle manually.”
“Automatic trade is tedious to manage.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by a satirical take on the frustrations of online account creation and tracking, with players finding amusement in the absurdity of the situation. Additionally, the poorly executed lip-syncing adds a layer of comedic value, enhancing the overall experience.
“Essentially every Anno game ever created, only supplemented with hilariously terrible lip-syncing.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers note that the atmosphere in the game is effectively present, contributing to an immersive experience.
“The atmosphere is incredibly immersive, drawing you into the game's world.”
“Every detail contributes to a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that keeps you on edge.”
“The game's atmosphere is rich and layered, making every moment feel alive and engaging.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players highlight the game's enjoyable mechanics and relaxed atmosphere, contributing to its high replayability.
“Very chill, lots of fun mechanics, total replayability.”
