At last a Co-Op patch for settlers 7. As someone who enjoys business games and especially with my friend and I LAN, its nice to see the game might actually be listening to their community and releasing something that has been screamed for a while.

Information taken from 

http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2011/04/20/new-settlers-7-patch-adds-free-co-op-mode/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rockpapershotgun%2Fsteam+%28Rock%2C+Paper%2C+Shotgun%3A+Steam+RSS%29
 

So the patch will update the game with the new mode, as well as bring in a few new features that make the current maps playable in a co-op form. They are:

- Allies can donate sectors to the team partner

- Allies can send resources and goods to the team partner

- Allies share technologies with the team partner

- Allies share tradeposts with the team partner

- Allies share victory points and all calculations, that count towards gaining victory points

- 2 brand new multiplayer maps

o Tower Island – This is a menacing place, where four rulers challenge each other. The island is dominated by the central Tower of Tandria. Gaining access to the tower may be key to your success. Distances to your opponents are very short, so keep an eye on your defence.

o Throne of Tandria – In this realm two teams compete for the Throne of Tandria. There are different starting conditions, so adapt your strategy according to your position. One Ruler has access to plenty of fertile building ground, but has only few mines in his reach. The other ruler has access to plenty of mines, but only limited fertile ground.

- A brand new 2-player map

o Forest Realm – The Forest Realm is located in a wide open mountain valley marked by thick forests and very spacious meadows. Two kings face each other on opposing sides of the valley. The king-sized home sectors are characterized by central marketplaces, where you can increase your wealth