Ocean Trader

Game review

Ocean Trader immerses players in the complex world of maritime commerce, offering an experience that appeals particularly to fans of strategic business simulations. The game is an economic simulation game from the makers of Pizza Tycoon and is recreating all the risks and rewards of the modern world shipping trade.

You start with less capital and one or two ships whose technical condition is not worth talking about and docked in the home port of New York, London, Hamburg or Sydney. Money can be earned by transporting goods to order and in time between individual ports around the world, you can also start your own trading. Up to 32 types of goods are available for you to trade in 100 port cities. It is a correct estimate of the price and demand for a certain assortment. At a certain stage of the game, it is possible to trade ships or speculate on the stock market. In the game, you will encounter different types of cargo ships, designed for the transport of frozen goods, bulk materials, containers or tankers and even cruise ships for wealthy passengers.

However, it's worth noting that Ocean Trader leans heavily into the management side of its gameplay. Those looking for high-octane action or fast-paced gameplay may find the game's pace deliberate and its focus on reports and spreadsheets more akin to a business simulation than a traditional video game. This is not necessarily a drawback but rather a design choice that caters to a specific type of player.

The game's interface, while functional, can feel overwhelming at first, with its myriad of options and statistics. However, once mastered, it becomes a powerful tool in plotting your route to maritime dominance. The economic model is robust, with a realistic market system that reacts to supply and demand, making each decision impactful. Despite its focus on economics, Ocean Trader does not skimp on the aesthetic. If you like Ports of Call you will adore Ocean Trader which is a Freight Shipping company simulation at its best. It’s a great game, having unfortunately some limitations in the later state when you have a lot of ships and small price differences between the ports.