Spacebucks is Sierra's new Windows game of interstellar trading. Designed by the good folk at Impressions Spacebucks puts the player in the role of CEO of a galactic transport company. As such, the game has the player setting up trade routes, budgeting advertising, and dabbling in the stock market on the side. What it doesn't simulate is space flight from a first person perspective.
Spacebucks reinforces the impression (no pun intended) that we got from Caesar II, namely that Impressions has turned a corner graphically, and their games are growing more aesthetically pleasing in leaps and bounds. The final product will have ample video clips and other multimedia eye and ear candy, but even the basic playing screens show a new concern for sharp graphics that convey needed information concisely.
The basic modules of Spacebucks consist of the galactic, planetary, and ship building screens. The galactic screen shows a chart of the known galaxy. As the game begins, only one solar system has been discovered. Clicking on the solar system will show which goods the residents of that system need, and which goods they can supply. Goods are broken down into broad generic categories: passengers, minerals, chemicals, food, technologies, etc. By clicking a toggle, the galactic screen can instead show information on a selected ship: where it is going, how much it has spent on fuel, what it is carrying, how much revenue it has garnered this trip, etc. This is a quick and easy way to reassure yourself that a ship is turning a profit.
Once you've decided on a potentially profitable route you'll have to enter the planet screen for that planet and secure landing rights. Of course, you'll have the chance to negotiate with the local government (what would a commerce game be without haggling)!? The planetary screen shows some info on the government of the planet, what it needs as well as the percentage of those needs your company is supplying, and what you've built at the starbase. Starbases can be improved with the addition of shipyards, bars, restaurants, shopping malls, and so forth. Presumably the nicer your starbase, the more you can charge passengers for a ticket.
Now that you have two starbases, you can build a route between them. This is a simple matter of clicking on the starting planet, then every stop you want your ship to make. Of course, you still need a ship. The shipbuilder screen offers the option of buying from a selection of ship types and equipping it as needed with weapons and shields (even though space combat doesn't play a big part in the game, you've got to protect against those pirates)! As more and more of the galaxy gets explored, you'll have the option of more and more advanced add-ons.
Now that you have a ship, send it on its merry way. Once a ship is assigned to a route it'll function without further guidance from you, scurrying back and forth between the various planets. The only time it'll contact you is when it encounters a problems. Problems often come in the form of space pirates. When a ship sees these ahead, it'll send a radio signal to you, briefing you on the situation and asking whether it should fight, flee, or pay off the bad guys. Once you give it orders, you again become a mere observer, watching and hoping your ship and cargo get away.
In order to maximize profits, you can develop an advertising campaign. Once your lines are the latest "in" place to be, you can raise ticket prices. If you see a competitor is doing well, you can dabble in the stock market and ride his coattails to fatten your coffers. Of course, if he is really doing too well, you can resort to "dirty tricks" to sabotage his business, and drive down his ever-important CSI (customer service index).
Spacebucks is mechanically a simple game. Most game decisions are made at a fairly high level (which is realistic, if you keep in mind your position as CEO of your firm). Impressions has deliberately created a game that doesn't bog you down in details, but is still challenging to play. Frankly, we welcome their decision in these days of ultra-realistic economic models which force you to worry over every minute detail. Don't make the mistake of confusing simple to play with simple to win, either. Random events will keep you on your toes, as will the pressures of your competitors. Spacebucks is attempting to rendezvous with the fun side of business while jettisoning the drudgery. If it succeeds, Impressions should have a successful mission.
