Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 20
  2. Negative: 0 out of 20
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  1. It is true Port Royale 2 isn't exactly groundbreaking, but it is a very solid and enjoyable strategy/simulation with loads and loads of gameplay presuming you have the patience and passion to keep playing it.
  2. A trading game with some aspects of RTS added, so for the armchair empire sim fans it will probably rate at least a look, and probably an outright purchase, but the game probably isn’t for everyone since the steep learning curve could well put some people off, but perseverance will pay off for sure.
  3. Above all, Port Royale 2 is a remarkable accomplishment, largely because it can make economic simulations captivating even to those who may typically dislike the idea of this game genre.
  4. Offers a lot for the strategy gamer who loves to keep track of every intimate detail of his business operations. However, casual gamers will lose interest fast as their businesses crumble into a pile of debt.
  5. Boomtown
    80
    A very well designed game despite the so-so battle system. It runs smoothly on most systems and is seemingly bug-free.
  6. An incredibly deep empire/trade simulation made with fans of the genre in mind.
  7. The beauty of Port Royal is that it is more than just an economic sim, it adds piracy and town building and various other things that give the game a surprising amount of depth.
  8. 80
    It's unfortunate that the issues with the clock and the interface add another layer of difficulty to a title that's already got learning curve issues.
  9. The developers clearly have a lot of passion of the material this game immerses players in, and even if you don’t go ga-ga for cannons and grog you can’t help but feel that affection come through the game play experience.
  10. 78
    An exceptional game. Creating an economic sim that reaches out to gamers who typically don't enjoy calculating their net worth is a valiant effort, and Ascaron Entertainment succeeded in that effort.
  11. As solid as Port Royale 2 is, few people can afford to have more than one seafaring adventure in their collection. With "Sid Meier's Pirates!" due in port very soon, we reckon you should hold fire on this one.
  12. 75
    This is a solid if unremarkable game. You will get a lot of out Port Royale 2 as long as you have a good eye for menus and details and plenty of patience.
  13. It’s definitely a game that can be played and replayed over again since the story will never really come out the same at the end, provided that you can look past a couple of deficiencies.
  14. PC Format
    71
    High seas trading, not hijacks. Passes the time, but gets old fast.
  15. A fair attempt at a sea-trading title, which fans will enjoy; however the lack of any innovation could put off those looking for something new.
  16. AceGamez
    70
    It's a shame that Port Royale 2 doesn't fully succeed thanks mainly to its dull combat mechanics and unfriendly interface that bombards you with screen after screen of information that often clogs up the game's more memorable features.
  17. Computer Gaming World
    70
    It can take a long time to earn enough money to explore beyond the initially accessible towns. But once you have a nice fleet at your command, it's a continually engaging experience. [Dec 2004, p.98]
  18. Port Royale 2 is certainly a game of two halves – on the one hand, there’s a dull and tedious economic engine that could suck the life blood out of many gamers quicker than Dracula with a busty virgin. But on the other hand, there’s the engrossing and open-ended combat system that allows you to carve out a career as a buccaneer.
  19. PC Gamer
    60
    Only big "PR" fans should bother; everyone else, wait for the new "Pirates!" [Jan 2005, p.82]
  20. The sea battles are awkward, the prices jump far too quickly during trading and the learning curve is too steep to begin with.
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 62 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 62
  2. Negative: 5 out of 62
  1. Oct 28, 2011
    7
    A well execute and enjoyable traders / pirates of the Carribean simulation. Play as pirate, privateer, or trader. Let down by the tacticalA well execute and enjoyable traders / pirates of the Carribean simulation. Play as pirate, privateer, or trader. Let down by the tactical ship battle aspect, which is OK but can get tedious and just doesn't work as a good gameplay mechanism. Also lacks sufficient detail and mechanisms for large-scale management of a trading empire, so a long game can degenerate into micromanagement hell. Still, some entertainment value here. Full Review »
  2. HarmL.
    Sep 27, 2004
    10
    A masterpiece for insiders. If you own a Port Royal I, or a Patrician and do not want another, this is not your game. When you want the best A masterpiece for insiders. If you own a Port Royal I, or a Patrician and do not want another, this is not your game. When you want the best trading sim and also like wooden ship this is big time. When you own Port Royal I it is hard to recommend. I bought this full price and think it is worth it! A suppreme game has been made better! But its gameplay and qualitity is almost the same as version I. I give this 'addition' a 10 because I wonder why I ever stopped playing the previous version anymore. Did not find the time to compare. Full Review »
  3. CBZ
    Jun 20, 2012
    10
    This game is a must have for all lovers of economic and strategy sims. infinite hours of addicting gameplay. It has a learning curve but onceThis game is a must have for all lovers of economic and strategy sims. infinite hours of addicting gameplay. It has a learning curve but once you are familiar with it, especially setting trade routes the game gets a whole lot better. gameplay is great and the music is relaxing! Full Review »