Patrician II is the next best trading simulation to come out of Europe. With the release of the original Patrician reaching over 1 million European players and the sequel selling over 200,000 copies within the first 3 months in Germany alone, Patrician II is now set to make its North American debut.
Set in the 1300's, Patrician II reproduces maritime trade in Northern Europe at the time of the Hanseatic League. Players take on the role of a citizen in a medieval town where the goal is to rise from a simple trader to prestigious businessman. To achieve this goal, players must gain recognition and prestige among the community and try to make a profit by producing and trading goods and completing missions.
Since the primary goal of most scenarios is to be elected mayor, players may choose to buy town improvements, or build new businesses. However, Patrician II offers players several options for winning - some using less scrupulous means. Players can bribe certain influential people, or hire pirates to comb the seas and raid ships for competitors. Either way, their task is to handle supply and demand in certain cities. A variety of goods must be carefully purchased and sent for trade in far off ports in search of the highest buyer.
The task of trading goods for gold is just one part of this high-seas adventure. Simply getting the goods to their desired destination can be an adventure in itself. Storms can often plague the seas; slowing down the speed and damaging the ship's body. Pirates may also take the ship hostage, relieving it of all its possessions. The time will come, when all efforts will fail and players will be forced into battle.
