City Builder Forums Official Patrician III Review

Because this is a game I really enjoy, I think it should have it's essence in print.

Patrician III is a Ascaron Game and last in the Patrician series..to date.

This is for all those who are curious and may have passed on this Title..or played it briefly and felt the learning curve too extreme. So as time goes on..gamers become more accustom to the rigors of game challenges..maybe it is time for another stint with this game. I wrote a half dozen reviews around the time of the release..so some of this info may have appearances of redundancy. I'm mostly trying to fill in some of the gaps about the game, as we have a few members here who are players.. or who might play at some point.

Firstly I have to brag and kudo the game...Patrician III is highly detailed, and those of you who prefer games to have great depth will enjoy what this simulation has to offer. Similarly, those of you who set aside realism for increased action and speed of play may find this game slow or frustrating. I feel that given a chance, this game is worthwhile to anyone willing to explore outside the usual areas of profitable game development. The place where Patrician III departs from other games is the setting. Many who consider themselves historically knowledgeable may find the Hanseatic League something they just don't know much about. Simply put, this is a period of time where privately run businesses formed alliances for the greater interest of everyone. At first play seems like it doesn't matter when this game takes place. If Ascaron set this in a game like for example: The Guild ..it would sell like crazy...but as it is Jowood has turned the tables. But that is not the point; the point is that this is a historical simulation, where obstacles of this period determine player concerns...it is a game of endless multitasking events and operations.

One feature of life in this period is that there isn't' a lot of technology to rely on. Your mission is to make your mark on a world that is rapidly changing. Lord Mayors are being replaced annually and townfolks have a constant wishlist. Access to ships are what determines if a financial success is obtainable. These are the the action units of a map covered by water. But although ships and transporting goods is the key to the game, other water based game fans will be disappointed to find out that there are only four types. These types are also only open to a few modifications.

However, with these few options, the game presents an unexpected element of sail combat. Your captain, your crew, your weapons and your seamanship will all affect the outcome of battle. They make every voyage a risk, without detracting from the real focus. But the game is mainly concerned with finely controlled economics. Population, local manufacturing preferences, the sentiment of the populace, as well as good old supply and demand wreak havoc on prices.

It is mentally challenging to watch, as prices will change before your eyes and with each barrel of beer or spices you buy or sell. It is a necessary evil. Since money and fame are the name of the game, much of gameplay depends on how the player copes with change: Bring goods to one of 24 towns to earn money and make people happy; Use your money to build businesses, rental houses, and public facilities in order to make yourself popular; Gain status and station with your popularity and gain control over the town and more.

Want more..?, then expect a number of competent competitors to be doing the same in their own hometowns. Alternately, the game includes the option to play up to seven other human opponents over the internet. This option may give this game the stamina it needs. The previous two iterations were well received in the European market and now enjoy a small but dedicated following. What is pleasing is that there is enough going on to begin with. Even the novice levels feels like there is too much going on at first. You want to revisit the gentle waters of the tutorials rather than the frozen north seas in winter.

The baptism is another unmarketed but exclusive aspect Patrician III . However, Patrician III's weakest aspect is probably creating a game world that seems real...ala our infamous City Builder's "limited" Graphics determinations. I agree with and recognize... that in fact, at times it looks like a simply drawn backdrop for the impressive gameplays mechanisms behind the curtain. Where this game captures you is inside your head, not on the screen. Give yourself TIME..and you will soon be calculating your moves like a seasoned player, planning the loads you must take, deducting taxes, and operating expenses and making sure you still have enough for the church extension you promised to your fellow citizens.

In the very beginning it is maddening to see how few gold coins a week can bring in. At the same time, there is so much to do: purchase more swords, build middle class houses, recalculate your minimum pickup cost on three different goods since your rotten hearted competitor built has beat you to the punch..building a cattle farm. Although these opportunities for excitement are worthwhile, it is important to remember that in Patrician III business is the heart of everything you do and money is the blood that pumps through it.

As a guideline, if it is not profitable, don't do it. While the many illegal activities have consequences, the benefits are well balanced. The game even tracks your reputation with the seedier element of this society. If your are careless you will suffer punishment that hurts your wallet and your reputation. This game should not be recommended to everyone. You need patience. Even though it is in real-time, you need to enjoy building something slowly. You also need an ability to enjoy while learning since the learning curve in this game can be devious. Anyone who will give this game a long look, will be rewarded. I personally recommend it for players who like to have an ongoing game..one you can continue to play with over many months if that is necessary. I know of no one who can complete A game in one games session..so be prepared to invest some play time incrementally..and just enjoy the game each time.

I hope this give positive insight and encouragement to those players trying to decide what to do.. I say ..play it!! Thanks for your indulgence.