| Ship Simulator 2006
|
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|---|---|---|---|
| Developer(s) | VSTEP | ||
| Publisher(s) | Lighthouse Interactive | ||
| Distributor(s) | Lighthouse Interactive | ||
| Engine | Quest3D | ||
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows | ||
| Release date(s) | August 15, 2006 | ||
| Genre(s) | Vehicle Simulation | ||
| Mode(s) | Single-player | ||
| Media/distribution | CD-ROM or download | ||
| System requirements
Windows XP, 2 GHz Intel Pentium IV or AMD Athlon processor |
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Ship Simulator is a vehicle simulation computer game which simulates maneuvering various ships in different environments, although without the effects of wind and current. It was developed by Dutch company VSTEP and released by the Former Company Lighthouse Interactive, which closed down in 2009.
Contents |
The first version of Ship Simulator was released in 2006 and was titled Ship Simulator 2006. The user can steer various ships, amongst others a Rotterdam water taxi, a container ship and even the Titanic, in various weather conditions and in 3 real life harbours, which are Rotterdam, Hamburg and Phi Phi Islands in Thailand. A game element is added to the simulation by means of 40 "missions" which have to be completed as fast or as accurately as possible.[1] Users can also design their own missions, and share with others.[2]
The game has a built-in scenario editor to create new missions.
The Official Ship Simulator 2006 Add-On was released in February 2007. This is an expansion pack with 6 additional ships and extra features such as ship walk-throughs:
| Ship Simulator 2008
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Developer(s) | VSTEP | ||
| Publisher(s) | Lighthouse Interactive | ||
| Distributor(s) | Lighthouse Interactive | ||
| Engine | Quest3D | ||
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows | ||
| Release date(s) | July 13, 2007 | ||
| Genre(s) | Vehicle Simulation | ||
| Mode(s) | Single-player or Multiplayer | ||
| Media/distribution | CD-ROM or download | ||
| System requirements
Windows 2000, XP or Vista, 2.4 GHz Intel Pentium IV or AMD Athlon processor |
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Ship Simulator 2008 released in July 2007 in Germany and the UK contains 7 ports and 8 open sea environments. This version also features waves, weather, day/night time transitions, damage to vessels, and new boats and ships. The six new ships include a supertanker, a Solent ferry, large ocean ferry, a new patrol boat and tugs. There is also a Ship Simulator Professional V2.0[4] The Titanic has also undergone some minor changes for example the Second Class stairwell and the stern section are visitable, as well and the original ships have been updated. Free add-ons will be reportedly be available, including a hovercraft, jetski, barge, improved physics and possibly another environment.
List of ships in Ship Simulator 2008:[6]
Downloadable Ships - Shipyard
An official expansion for Ship Simulator 2008 titled Ship Simulator 2008 New Horizons was released in April, 2008. The add-on features 8 new ships, the addition of multiplayer functionality, a new sailing area (Padstow,Cornwall), 20 new missions, in game downloading of new missions, option to connect and disconnect barges to the pushboat in-game, and new walkthrough options.[4]
Ships Added
| Ship Simulator Extremes | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | VSTEP |
| Publisher(s) | Paradox Interactive, SilverBirch, Inc |
| Distributor(s) | Paradox Interactive, SilverBirch, Inc |
| Engine | Quest3D |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows |
| Release date(s) | August 27th 2010 |
| Genre(s) | Vehicle Simulation |
| Mode(s) | Single-player or Multiplayer |
| Media/distribution | DVD-ROM or Download |
| System requirements
Windows XP, Vista or 7 |
|
Ship Simulator Extremes is the name of the latest installment in the Ship Simulator series. It was released on August 27, 2010. [8]
Additions to the game include new locations around the world from cold Antarctica to warm Bora Bora as well as new ships (including official licensed Greenpeace vessels) and new dynamic and more realistic weather and water systems. Most vessels from Ship Simulator 2008 are also part of the choice of ships. The cruise ship "Ocean Star" from Ship Simulator 2006/2008 is also included, except outside colors have changed and the name changed to "Orient Star". Vessels have more usable controls and more realistic ones, unlike Ship Simulator 2008 in which only the whistle, binoculars, thrust, rudder and thrusters (if applicable on the vessel) are usable, although you can listen to the ship's radio but not send out calls. Sinking dynamics and physics have also improved in Ship Simulator Extremes. Also unlike Ship Simulator 2008, you can launch lifeboats/motorboats off a vessel with them equipped. Following a campaign by members of their growing fanbase, VSTEP agreed to include the ports of Dover and Calais (in one environment).[9]
A "ship control unit", designed specifically for Ship Simulator and enabling more realistic steering, was released in 2006 by Wilco Publishing.[10] P.I. Engineering have announced ShipDrivera marine simulation controller based on their RailDriver Train Controller for Auran's Trainz and Microsoft's Train Simulator. ShipDriver released in Winter 2010.[11]
Ship Simulator has been criticised for limitations in the replication of realistic controls and the lack of open architecture preventing users from creating their own vehicles and voyages.[12] "Slow and mundane gameplay"[13] and bugs have also been cited.[14] Reviewers did comment that the game is challenging[15] and that it has educational value.[16]