So what have we got with Ship Simulator Extremes? Bomb-defusal on the Titanic? Bond-grade stunt runs with ramps and explosions? A mission to discreetly ferry drugs and hookers on to a presidential yacht? None of these, really. Sure, your heart might skip a beat as your prow gingerly strokes the edge of a jetty, you might even have gasped in mild horror as another ship came within one hundred metres of your own, but there was nothing in Ship Simulator 2008 that could honestly be described as "extreme". In addition, reviewers also praised the attention to detail for the scenery and boats.One of the criticisms levied against 2008's seminal Ship Simulator 2008 was that, despite the plethora of pilotable floaters, the several sailable oceans, the numerous docks and the faithfully recreated waterways, boating just wasn't "extreme" enough. Reviewers did comment that the game is challenging and that it has educational value. "Slow and mundane gameplay" and bugs have also been cited. 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.
The game has been criticized for not being able to run on Mac OS and very powerful computers for no reason, requiring high graphical performance and like its predecessors not being able to use your own ships. Following a campaign by members of their growing fanbase, VSTEP agreed to include the ports of Dover and Calais (in one environment). Also unlike Ship Simulator 2008, you can launch lifeboats/motorboats off a vessel with them equipped.
Sinking dynamics and physics have also improved in Ship Simulator Extremes. 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. 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". Most vessels from Ship Simulator 2008 are also part of the choice of ships. It was released on August 27, 2010.Īdditions 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. Ship Simulator Extremes is the name of the latest installment in the Ship Simulator series. 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.
Free add-ons were reportedly available, including a hovercraft, jetski, barge, improved physics and possibly another environment.Īn official expansion for Ship Simulator 2008 titled Ship Simulator 2008 New Horizons was released in April, 2008. 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.
There is also a Ship Simulator Professional V2.0. There are six new ships a supertanker, a Solent ferry, large ocean ferry, a new patrol boat and two new tugs. This version also features waves, weather, day/night time transitions, damage to vessels, and new boats and ships. It contains 7 ports and 8 open sea environments. Ship Simulator 2008 released in July 2007 in Germany and the UK. This is an expansion pack with 6 additional ships and extra features such as ship walk-throughs. The Official Ship Simulator 2006 Add-On was released in February 2007. The game has a built-in scenario editor to create new missions. Users can also design their own missions, and share with others. 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.
The user can steer various ships, amongst others a Rotterdam water taxi, a container ship and even the ill-fated RMS Titanic, in various weather conditions and in 3 real life harbours, which are Rotterĭam, Hamburg and Phi Phi Islands in Thailand, plus a fourth harbour, New York City was later released as a free download. The first version of Ship Simulator was released in 2006 and was titled Ship Simulator 2006.