Hanse: Die Expedition

Game review

Hanse: Die Expedition, released in 1994, is an intricate trading simulation game set in the 13th century, focusing on the historical Hanseatic League. Players start their journey in the renowned German seaport of Lübeck, equipped with a ship and a modest sum of money. The ultimate goal is ambitious: to become the mayor of Lübeck. Achieving this lofty position requires players to master the art of trade, expand their influence by opening stores in other cities, and navigate the treacherous waters of medieval commerce and politics.

As players venture from Lübeck to other cities like Riga, Malmö, or Novgorod, they encounter each town's unique goods—wool, furs, honey, among others. These goods become the cornerstone of the player's trading empire. Upon returning to Lübeck, players sell these commodities, with prices fluctuating based on a variety of factors, adding a layer of complexity and strategy to the game's economic model.

Lübeck serves not just as the starting point but also as the central hub for players' operations. The city houses a dockyard where new ships can be purchased, essential for expanding trade routes and cargo capacity. A bank is also available for those times when players need to take out a loan, whether to recover from a setback or invest in expanding their business.

Family plays a crucial role in Hanse: Die Expedition. Players can marry and have children, who must be educated—a task that involves hiring a teacher. Interestingly, players can send their offspring on expeditions to discover new cities, adding a generational strategy element to the game. However, players must ensure that at least one child remains in Lübeck to inherit the store and continue the family's legacy upon the player's death.

The life of a 13th-century trader is not without its dangers. Players may find themselves under attack by pirates or hostile countries, forcing them to engage in strategic combat. This aspect of the game is resolved on a small strategic map where players position their cannons for automatic battles, adding a military strategy component to the trading and economic simulation.