Niels Bauer Games
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Niels Bauer Games is a computer game developer owned and operated by Niels Bauer. They are operated out of Freiburg, Germany and have produced games such as Smugglers 3, Empires and Dungeons, and TV Manager (also known as TV Tycoon). Specializing in strategy games that focus on interactive and open-ended game play more than the extravagant graphics, Niels Bauer Games has been able to keep production costs relatively low, which translates into a lower price for the consumer. Their games usually range in the $15-$20(US) range.
Contents |
[edit] The Smugglers Series
The Smugglers Series is Niels Bauer Game's trademark game. Set in the future, players start out as a low ranking officer and work his/her way to be a commander with your own customized starship. The Smugglers Series brings about a new type of gameplay to a well known genre. With three release titles (and a fourth one soon to be), Smugglers has become quite a popular game among science fiction and space adventure fans.
[edit] Smugglers 1
Announcing the first title in the Smugglers Series in the late 1990s, Niels Bauer Games kicked off with an addictive space trading/combat game that many fans enjoy. Smugglers brings about an innovative gameplay system along with a popular theme. Set in the future, the game uses a turn based system. Players trade between planets to make money, upgrade to better ships, and battle vicious space pirates. Overall, the unique and fun gameplay overrules the lack of real-time action.
Compared to the sequels, Smugglers 1 is hardly a match. Smugglers 3's huge galaxy, diversity of customization, and combat system make Smugglers 1's tiny planetary system and lack of variety feel obsolete. It is the latest rendition of the Smugglers Series that brings about the true feel of a life-modeling RPG. There is also much hope for the soon-to-be Smugglers 4, which is anticipated in late 2007.
[edit] Smugglers 2
This is Niels Bauer Game's second game in the Smugglers Series. This newer game features a new interface and greater variety. Players now take the role as a space adventurer, and are free to explore the redesigned galaxy. Smugglers 2 features an addictive gameplay in which players trade goods, undertake dangerous missions, make money, upgrade his/her ship, and improve in rank. The wide assortment of weapons, engines, and equipment upgrades along with a variety of exploration makes the game addicting and enjoyable. Players choose their own path, so replay value is spectacular.
The major improvement in Smugglers 2 is the playing space - the game's galaxy. Unlike the previous Smugglers 1, Smugglers 2 has a galaxy of 13 planetary systems, each linked with one another through jump points. This provides diversity, a wide range of activities (such as gambling, smuggling, or pirating), as well as the map of a civil war.
Later released is the Smugglers 2 module editor. This editor lets players easily create their own galaxy, star systems, ships, etc. This module editor now comes free with the game.
[edit] Smugglers 3
"Easy to learn, but a challenge to master", Smugglers 3 further advances the gameplay of the Smugglers Series. Released in 2004, Smugglers 3 offers an improved movement design, an advanced tactical battle system, and the introduction of factions. The game still maintains its basic profit making and ship upgrading systems of Smugglers 2. But new to Smugglers 3 is the factions system. Players now play the role of a young ensign from a nation of your choosing. By utilizing trading, completing missions, and catching a bit of luck, players make money, gain fame and reputation in their faction, upgrade to better ships, and rise in rank and glory.
The gameplay of Smugglers 3 is exactly as Niels Bauer Games proposed: "Easy to learn, but a challenge to master". A quick tutorial shows new players the basic and simple controls/functions. It is then up to the players themselves to find strategies, experiment new ways, and explore the game. A wide variety of starships and ship upgrades allows players a great deal of variety. The large fictional game galaxy with its many star systems gives the game a realistic feel. And the variety of goods available for trade promotes economical thinking. Smugglers 3 also offers a wide assortment of random encounters and events (new to the Smugglers series). Players often encounter phenomenons as they play, and these phenomenons can bring a stroke of luck, or just another obstacle. The most remarkable feature is the replayability of this game.
Months later after Smugglers 3 hit the market, Niels Bauer Games released the addon. Featured in the addon is a new Gameris fighter tournaments, new ships and upgrades, higher ranks, and newer encounters. But the prime feature of the addon is the ability to meet your faction leader's family, build a relationship, and get married if you wish.
[edit] Smugglers 4
Coming Soon (game in development). Estimated release date: Late 2008. This is unofficial information. The game has been announced in the forum by the creator.
[edit] Empires and Dungeons
Set in the traditional RPG landscape and time line, Empires and Dungeons is a strategy game in which you must start an army from scratch, defeat dragons, and run through dungeons in order to conquer the land, and your rightful throne. Although not yet as popular as the Smugglers series, Empires and Dungeons is a well-respected game with a small cult following.
[edit] TV Manager
TV Manager is one of Niels Bauer Games' first offerings. The setting is that of a city, in which you come into the possession of a nearly-bankrupt TV station. From here you must employ your skills as a sly businessman in order to dominate the broadcasting networks and, ultimately, save your pocket book and your pride. This game is fairly old by now, but Niels Bauer Games has already promised to release a sequel. The sequel will be called TV Manager 2, and is to be released after Smugglers 4.
[edit] Popular Acclaim
[edit] Smugglers Series
PC Magazine (2002 Cover): "Smugglers 2: New version of the strategy cult game."
GameStar (special issue 2/2004: budget games): "Smugglers 3: Excellent."
Rocket Downloads (5-star review): "Smugglers 3 is actually multi-faceted because there are more ways to win, and more ways to have fun."
Topshareware.com (Editors Choice): 5 star editors choice.
[edit] Empires & Dungeons
Downloads2you.com (2006): 5 star "Our pick."
[edit] TV Manager
CNet download.com: 5 stars for TV Manager
