Play Machiavelli: The Prince Online

Machiavelli: The Prince is a turn-based strategy game released in 1995 for MS-DOS. Developed by Holistic Design, Inc. and published by MicroProse Software, Inc., it falls into the managerial and trade simulation genres. The game is set in 14th century Italy, a period when Venice was a dominant center of global commerce and political intrigue.

Players assume control of a prominent Venetian family, aiming to become the wealthiest trading power by the conclusion of the game. This objective is pursued through a combination of maritime trade, political manipulation, and territorial conquest. Core gameplay involves exploring a top-down map to establish new trade routes, managing the acquisition and sale of commodities based on supply and demand, and navigating obstacles such as pirates, rival city-states, and natural disasters. Progression is structured in turns, allowing players to methodically expand their economic and political influence.

The simulation incorporates systems for interacting with key institutions of the era, including the Church of Rome and various political figures. Players can engage in activities like bribery and slander to manipulate their environment and gain advantages over competitors. The game's mechanics are inspired by the political theories found in Niccolò Machiavelli's historical work, "The Prince," reflecting the complex interplay of commerce, religion, and power during the period. It is a remake of the earlier trading simulation title Merchant Prince.