A step back for the franchise. Though some useful functions have been added, the overall difficulty has decreased, particularly where trade is concerned. Naval battles are awkward and simplistic (for an already elementary system). The 3D graphics are not an improvement over the Ascaron games. Much in the way of atmosphere has been lost; much of the charm has been lost.

Still, if you are a serious fan of the genre - and the price is right - you may want to pick it up.

You have to like those typical German business sims. For some reason they are extremely popular and well reviewed in Germany, but not like too much in other countries. There is typically a lot of love for details that aren't necessary, but add a lot of flavour and a deep economic system.

Patrician IV Gold is a nice game with good graphics and gameplay but also with shortcomings. If one ever played Port Royale (the original) you'll miss the entertaining naval combats vs the rather boring implementation here. Unlimited ammo supply is rather strange as well.

There is no much difference between them and the Port Royal 3, Port Royal 3 much better ones.

 But I enjoyed it, you can build a ship that you want to trade, and an interesting challenge when you do the tasks.

I would recommend it for anyone who loves games of Commerce.

After a few hours this game becomes boring and anoying. Even though it is made by a german company i wouldn´t recomend playing the german version because the soundspeed doen´t match the video speed.

Having played all the (more or less official...) predecessors the Patrician IV has definately kept true to its roots.

1. Game Start

The Tutorial like start of the campaign should guide everyone well. I would definately recommend the game for someone who wants to try a trading sim. I did so with Der Patrizier (Patriacian I) long ago and really stuck with the series

2.Gameplay, Campaign

The campaign difficulty and length in the main game are fair. It has a decent learning curve which makes it a good game to relax. Still there is sea combat that can get quite hot from time to time. The "political" aspect has not grown an is - compared to the rival The Guild - still a rather tiny addition to the trading part. The addon is definately a good addition if you want to get a bit deeper into the hanseatic world.

One should not expect much adremalin tho.

3. Grapics, Tech, Bugs etc.

I was not surprised to see that the game in its gold version is free of bugs, as far as I noticed. The graphics are one of the main improvements compared to the predecessor. Compared to other trading sims, trading can be more entertaining in 3-D surroundings (X3, The Guild). This is not negative for me tho, because this is rather demanded by the concept of the series than a flaw of the game.

4. Price

I bought it when it was on sale. If one is looking for a good historical trading sim, this one is definately worth its price, even at 12% discount it has.

Excellent overall game. If you like the trading sims, this one is for you. Except, it has alot more than just trading involved. You also engage in the political aspect of the world. You will spend the first part of your experience building your trading empire and will be heavily focused on that. As time passes, and you beoome much more stable in income from automatic trade routes you set up, you will then focus on running for various offices of your home town or even other towns. You then begin to work on buiilding up your city and breaking off from the rule of the surrounding areas. Fantastic sim with multiple things to do. Will keep you entertained for many many hours. Highly recommended if you like this genre. Gold Edition includes the expansion which is a must have for better options and a whole new land trading route system also.