Ocean Trader

Ocean Trader is an excellent, unassuming shipping simulation from the makers of Pizza Tycoon that is virtually unknown outside Europe.

As manager of a global shipping business, your responsibilities run the gamut from choosing which type of ships to buy, to striking a profit-maximizing balance between speed and fuel costs. Your banker stands ready to give you loans at exorbitant rates, and profit opportunities abound, thanks to different goods prices in various cities.

The game's graphics is the static but pleasing SVGA, and the interface is excellent (the map screen in particular clearly shows the desired exports and imports for each country). Although Ocean Trader doesn't come close to the level of realism found in Capitalism Plus, it is a very enjoyable, "light" business game that does have a solid (albeit simple) economic model underneath. In a nod to the real world of shipping industry, you can also enter into forward contracts (that lock delivery prices for an agreed amount of goods), and take advantage of special freight contracts as they show up.

A great game overall, and a good alternative for those looking for a shipping sim with more "meat" than the simpler Ports of Call.

Review By HOTUD