• Publisher: Kalypso
  • Release Date: Sep 17, 2010
Metascore
66

Mixed or average reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 18
  2. Negative: 2 out of 18
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  1. The once great German subgenre of business simulations is brought back to old glory with Patrician 4. This game delivers the same enthralling and challenging experience as its predecessors and tops them with up-to-date graphics and modern-day-improvements such as a drag-and-drop-interface. Patrician 4 has a few design flaws and the campaign is far too easy. But the dynamic trade system, the manifold possibilities of commerce and politics and the detailed depiction of medieval business make for an entertaining game that stands as the best pure business simulation to date.
  2. Patrician IV is a good simulation, but after some hours and if you are not a hardcore simulation fan it's easy to get bored by the game, because aside from trading and maybe building a few things there isn't that much exciting left to do.
  3. Dec 30, 2010
    80
    Patrician IV is a good sequel of the venerated Patrician III. Maybe it is too conservative in its general aspects, but it consistently improves every area in gameplay.
  4. Jan 3, 2011
    76
    For a niche title, it's a nice entry and it builds upon the franchise, so if you're really interested check it out. Otherwise, don't expect to be overly thrilled with the gameplay, even if you like the sounds of seagulls.
  5. Jan 10, 2011
    75
    In every game, I reach a point where I start to wonder why I am still playing. I literally have more money than I know what to do with. With a successfully, healthy business, it certainly feels like the main goal has been achieved. But ultimately, Patrician is less about money than it is about the convergence of wealth, power, and influence.
  6. Aug 8, 2011
    70
    Patrician IV is most certainly the best game in the series. It triumphs with a vast array of options, better audio and visuals and atmosphere. I have no doubt that the game will turn out to be a success - fans of the series can buy it without hestation but everyone else should think twice.
  7. PC PowerPlay
    Feb 11, 2011
    70
    Clearly isn't the game for everyone. [Feb 2011, p.68]
  8. Jan 5, 2011
    70
    Fans of the Patrician series will doubtlessly find a lot to enjoy from the newest iteration. Those who haven't been exposed to it before will find a very deep trading and city building simulation, but the pace may turn off players who prefer their empires built in a day.
  9. As of means of conquest by trade, Patrician IV is a good solid example that will offer merchant gamers something to chew on. If however you like a bit more turbulence as you lift yourself up and forge a seafaring empire then you'll likely find yourself distracted as it can get boring once you realise your convoy captains practically run everything for you, and coin is in abundance.
  10. If you're looking for an economic simulation game set during the reign of the Hanseatic League, then look no further: Patrician IV will scratch that oddly-specific itch of yours.
  11. Oct 26, 2010
    69
    An engaging, if niche, trading sim. Hampered by some obtuse user interface choices and unwieldy combat sections.
  12. 67
    Though not a great game on its own, Patrician IV has all of the things that make good trading games interesting and challenging.
  13. 65
    There is simply no reason to come back to it after one playthrough. It's disappointing for me because I want to love Patrician IV, but it falls short in far too many areas.
  14. Jan 20, 2011
    62
    A game dedicated to pure strategy fans. There's a lack of options and multiplayer modes though, and some more polish could've done good to the whole experience.
  15. A wave of tedium nearly sinks this medieval trading game.
  16. Jan 15, 2011
    50
    Annoying bugs, shoddy graphics and horrible code optimization are not the worst crimes of this game. Instead of building upon its predecessor, Patrician 4 squandered all the hallmarks of the series and devolved into a Tortuga-style drab.
  17. PC Gamer
    Jan 7, 2011
    48
    More yawn than yarr, sadly. [Feb 2011, p.80]
  18. Jan 2, 2011
    40
    Unless you're willing to try each and every one of the strategy games that are released, I really don't see why I should recommend this game to you. With average graphics at best, no real gameplay value, and a boredom generating ability that strikes pretty soon into the game, Patrician IV doesn't stand a chance next to its competition. Sure, on paper the idea was praiseworthy and its developers seem to have had some good intentions, but it clearly lacks ambition. Too bad.
User Score
6.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 38 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 38
  2. Negative: 9 out of 38
  1. Sep 28, 2010
    3
    This "sequel" to patrician 3 is nothing but. The game feels familiar but it is a poor rehash, filled with bugs and a dreadful UI. If you likedThis "sequel" to patrician 3 is nothing but. The game feels familiar but it is a poor rehash, filled with bugs and a dreadful UI. If you liked patrician 3, stay away from this one until the next few patches. There is absolutely no gameplay enhancements. Full Review »
  2. Nov 25, 2011
    8
    Patrician IV is a great game in terms of a market simulator. You start out with a ship and slowly build your trade empire. Developing citiesPatrician IV is a great game in terms of a market simulator. You start out with a ship and slowly build your trade empire. Developing cities as you establish more trade with each. The real challenge comes when trying to control the entire region with the ever grown terror of pirates. Overall if you need an economics challenge then you'll get some few days of game play out of this title, if that's not what you're into avoid it. Full Review »
  3. Apr 1, 2012
    5
    This game is the same as "Patrician III", better graphics (now in 3d) but nothing new, the trade sistem has been improved (a little) but theThis game is the same as "Patrician III", better graphics (now in 3d) but nothing new, the trade sistem has been improved (a little) but the ship battles now are worse than in previous version. I think that it could be done better. Full Review »