The Patrician
| Developer: Triptychon | Graphics: |
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| Publisher: Ascon | Sound: |
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| Year: 1993 | Difficulty: |
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| Genre: Management | Lastability: |
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| Number of players: 4 alternating | Rating: |
8/10 | |
The English version of Der Patrizier, released the previous year in Germany. It’s a trading game set in Northern Europe around the 15th century.
With a small boat and a modest starting capital, you must build a commercial empire by buying and reselling various goods in the region’s ports. Your ultimate goal: to join the Hanseatic League, a powerful merchant guild you may (or may not) recall from your history classes.
Navigation doesn’t involve menus but instead relies on clicking within the scenery. It’s a little disorienting at first, but you’ll get the hang of it (faster if you consult the manual). The interface remains simple and readable, even on the number-heavy screens typical of this genre—though here, the figures are relatively well presented.
Moreover, the game isn’t solely about transporting goods. In town, you’ll discover various more or less profitable or legal activities (storing and transforming raw materials, defending a port against pirate attacks, or conversely, selling them weapons!). Beyond economic concerns, don’t neglect your relationships with local notables to establish your reputation and gain the goodwill of your fellow citizens, as your path to a “Hanse” seat inevitably passes through winning a mayoral mandate (in the city of your choice, through election).
As in Pirates and Ports of Call, the freeform strategy phases are complemented by random action sequences (which can be automated).
The game takes its sweet time loading at start-up, so don’t worry. On the bright side—and this is rare enough to be worth mentioning—it supports three floppy drives!
To play solo, just press “Enter” when prompted for the second player’s name.
Fun fact: the third image draws inspiration from Hans Holbein’s portrait of Georg Gisze. See? We’re all about culture here!
Three sequels followed on PC in 2000, 2003, and 2010.
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