Summary
- Release Year: 2004
- Genres: Simulator, Strategy
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Publishers: Assemble Entertainment
The Great Art Race: A Colonial Economic Simulation with a Twist
Released in 2004, The Great Art Race is a unique economic simulation game that combines historical accuracy with a dash of whimsy. Players take on the role of a colonial plantation owner in the 18th century, tasked with managing their coffee and tobacco plantations to generate the wealth needed to recover their family’s stolen art collection.
Gameplay
The game is played on a map of the Caribbean, divided into a grid of provinces. Each province can be developed to produce coffee or tobacco, and players must carefully manage their resources to maximize their profits. They must also invest in research to improve their production methods and trade with other players to get the best prices for their goods.
In addition to the economic gameplay, The Great Art Race also features a unique art collection mechanic. Players can purchase artwork from around the world, and each piece of art has a different value. The goal of the game is to collect the most valuable art collection, which can be used to score points and win the game.
Historical Context
The Great Art Race is set during the Age of Exploration, a period of European colonialism in the Americas. The game accurately reflects the economic and social conditions of the time, including the use of slave labor on plantations. Players must carefully consider the ethical implications of their actions, as their decisions will have a real impact on the lives of the people living in their colonies.
Critical Reception
The Great Art Race received positive reviews from critics, who praised its unique blend of economic simulation and historical accuracy. The game was also nominated for several awards, including the International Game Developers Association award for Best Simulation Game.
Legacy
The Great Art Race has been praised for its innovative gameplay and its educational value. The game has been used in schools to teach students about the history of colonialism and the economics of the Caribbean. It remains a popular game among fans of economic simulations and historical games.
Conclusion
The Great Art Race is a unique and engaging economic simulation game that offers players a chance to learn about the history of colonialism while also having fun. The game’s challenging gameplay and historical accuracy make it a worthwhile experience for both casual and hardcore gamers.
Additional Information
- The game was developed by Haemimont Games, a Bulgarian video game developer.
- The game was published by Paradox Interactive, a Swedish video game publisher.
- The game is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
- The game has been translated into several languages, including English, French, German, and Spanish.
- The game has a strong modding community, which has created a number of new maps, scenarios, and mods.
Review Score
8/10
Art
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