Port Royale 4

It grows a little repetitive after a while, but this historical simulation ought to scratch an itch for players who relish the idea of establishing and fostering a thriving trade empire. Port Royale 4 nails the commerce portion of the experience, providing a wonderfully in-depth simulation of what it must have been like to run a naval trade business in the colonial era. You'll have control over just about everything, from buying ships, creating convoys, and hiring crew and captains to creating efficient routes based on avoiding enemy patrols while taking advantage of prevailing winds to shorten journeys so you can deliver more goods in less time. And since you can establish your own businesses in home territory, you can strategically plan to meet demands as they come up, ensuring adequate supply while taking advantage of shortages when opportunity presents itself. Bonus: The whole thing looks lovely, especially the details that reveal themselves when quickly scrolling from the world map into towns. You'll feel like you have control of a satellite camera with super zoom.

The trading eventually grows a bit repetitive as tricks for success begin to reveal themselves over extended play, but such is the case for most business simulation games. Slightly more concerning is that the combat and town development elements of the experience are a bit underdeveloped. Turn-based naval battles are short, but aside from a handful of special tactical abilities -- such as repairing ship damage or extending your turn -- there's not much to sink your teeth into beyond clicking to attack. And while it's rewarding to watch towns grow and thrive as you augment them with businesses and warehouses, you ought to have more control over their look and development. Players hoping for something akin to a true city building experience will be disappointed. But if all you really want to do is indulge your capitalistic urges and create a massive naval trade empire, Port Royale 4 is the game for you.