Simutrans

infobox VG


caption=Simutrans Pak 64 screenshot
developer=Hansjörg Malthaner (initial, left in 2004)
Markus Pristovsek "Prissi" (current head of development)
license=Artistic License
publisher=Simutrans Development Team
distributor=Simutrans Development Team
version=0.100.0
released=6 March 1999
genre=Business simulation
modes=Single-player
platforms=Cross-platform
media=Digital download
requirements=SDL (Linux), Allegro (BeOS)
input=Keyboard and mouse

"Simutrans" is a simulation game which depicts the transporting of goods, people, mail and power. It was originally written by Hansjörg Malthaner, and is now maintained and developed by a small team. New releases for bug fixes, changes or new features are frequent.

"Simutrans" is cross-platform, with releases available for Microsoft Windows, BeOS, and Linux. While originally closed-source, in 2007, "Simutrans" adopted the Artistic License and is now open source.

Overview and features

Like similar games, such as "RollerCoaster Tycoon", "Transport Tycoon" or "Railroad Tycoon", the main goal of "Simutrans" is to create a stable economy, as well as making a company grow and avoid bankruptcy. "Simutrans" features the ability to modify the terrain and build various types of vehicles and infrastructure. Up to six computer AI-controlled players are also supported, distinguished by colour schemes.

"Simutrans" is multilingual, and includes the option of darkened night times complete with city lights and vehicle headlights. Recent versions include a beginner mode, fourteen additional primary colours and new secondary colours, and a freeplay command-line option to allow debt without bankruptcy. Seasons and different climates are also supported.

"Simutrans" is compiled by default for Windows, Linux and BeOS. There is also a version available for Intel-based Mac, though this is compiled separately. "Simutrans" can make use of several graphics libraries, including GDI (Windows version), SDL (all versions) and Allegro (currently used with the BeOS version).

Development

"Simutrans" was originally created by Hansjörg Malthaner, who has since retired from active development. Over the course of its history many different people have contributed to the code; often these contributions take the form of "one-off" additions to the code. Currently the "Simutrans" codebase is maintained by Markus Pristovsek "Prissi", who heads the development team.

ee also

*"Lincity"
*"OpenTTD"

External links

* [http://simutrans.sourceforge.net/ Project page]
* [http://www.simutrans.com/ International forum]