- Bridge Builder
Infobox VG| title = Bridge Builder
developer =Chronic Logic
publisher =Chronic Logic
designer =
engine =
version =
released = 2000
genre = Puzzle
modes =Single player
ratings =
platforms = Windows,Linux ,Mac OS X
media =Download
requirements =
input = Mouse, KeyboardBridge Builder is a series of
computer game s developed and published byChronic Logic . "Bridge Builder" is the first in the series, followed by "Pontifex", "Pontifex 2" (later renamed to "Bridge Construction Set"cite web |url= http://www.chroniclogic.com/ |title= Chronic Logic website |accessdate=2008-05-23 |format= |work= ] ), and "Bridge It". The object of each game is to construct a bridge which a train may cross over, given a limited budget and available materials. "Bridge Builder", which is no longer supported, isfreeware and entirely two-dimensional, while its sequels use all three dimensions, but are considereddemoware ; the full version must be purchased from Chronic Logic's online store.Gameplay
Each level is composed of a section of land, such as a river or chasm, and an initially laid track that shows the train's starting and ending points. A number of anchor points in and around the chasm are where the player anchors the bridge from. Should the player's train cross the bridge successfully and under budget, the level is passed. Later games add additional constraints such as a boat that must pass underneath between two consecutive train crossings.
Although "Bridge Builder" only allows the player steel beams, bridges in later instalments can be created using a variety of materials. Along with varying strengths of steel, the player can also use cable or hydraulics that expand or contract for some purpose, such as to allow a ship to pass underneath the bridge. In all games, the player is constrained by a budget that determines the maximum amount of material that can be used and still pass the level.
There is no penalty for failing a level; the player may try and test infinitely many different designs before finding one that succeeds. A poorly-designed bridge may break as soon as the player begins to test it, unable to support its own weight. While testing the bridge, the stress on each section can be seen, representing both
tensile stress andcompressive stress . If the stress becomes too great, that section breaks and disintegrates, possibly jeopardizing the entire structure.Reception and Legacy
In 2006 creator Alex Austin released an updated version of "Bridge Builder", known as "Bridge Building Game", adding more levels and options.
Add-ons
"Bridge Builder" comes with fifteen levels, though over a hundred fan-made levels are available for downloading. Contests sponsored by
Chronic Logic are held every few months, with the winner(s) receiving a free Chronic Logic game.References
Further reading
* [http://www.gamechronicles.com/qa/bridgeit/body.htm Interview of Josiah Pisciotta] regarding "Bridge It".
* [http://www.gamedev.net/columns/interviews/pontifex.asp Interview with Chronic Logic] onGameDev .
* [http://www.firingsquad.com/games/pontifex/default.asp Review of Pontifex] on Firingsquad.com
* [http://www.softpile.com/reviews/Pontifex/ Review of Pontifex] on softpile.com
* [http://www.imgmagazine.com/features/view.php?ID=377 Interview with Chronic Logic] onInsideMacGames
* [http://www.gamersinfo.net/index.php?art/id:309 Interview with Chronic Logic] on GamersInfo.net
* [http://www.gamersinfo.net/index.php?art/id:160 Review of Bridge Construction Set] on GamersInfo.netExternal links
* [http://www.chroniclogic.com/ Chronic Logic Website]
* [http://www.bridgebuilder-game.com/ Bridge Builder website]
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