Virtual Sailor
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| Developer(s) | Ilan Papini |
| Distributor(s) | SimSquared Ltd. |
| Platform(s) |
Windows 2000 Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows 8.1 |
| Release date(s) | 1999 |
| Genre(s) | Ship simulator |
| Mode(s) | Single-player / Multiplayer |
Virtual Sailor, created by Ilan Papini and published by Quality Simulations and Hangsim, is a shareware program which allows users to operate a wide variety of vessels (sail & powered) in world-wide locations. Both the graphics and boat dynamics have been designed to be as realistic as possible, and the software also features multi-player capabilities. Users can create add-ons including boats, sceneries and marine animals to share with other players.[1]
Gameplay
Players may control a variety of sail and motor powered vessels above and below the sea, interacting with other vessels, changing weather conditions, marine life and dynamic wave movements. Racing against either AI or online competitors is possible, as is exploring, recreating voyages or naval combat.[2] It is possible to create and edit vessel types and marine scenery.[1] Control panels feature compass bearing, wind speed and direction, speed, rpm, fuel level, winch settings, sail settings, dependent on the vessel type. Unusual for a vehicle simulator, users of Virtual Sailor can roam the interiors of their ships. Weather and sea conditions are adjustable, enabling different levels of play. Vessels may be controlled by keyboard, mouse or customisable game controllers.[3] A large variety of vessel types and scenery have been created by users and are available on fan sites and forums.[1][4]
History
Virtual Sailor was first released in 1999 and since then has seen 13 major release versions, with many minor updates released each year. Version 7.5.0 was released on June 20, 2016.[5] In the nine-year period between version 7.0.1 and 7.5.0, developers turned to a new program called "Vehicle Simulator". Vehicle Simulator, released on March 27, 2009 expands on Virtual Sailor, allowing for simulation of automobiles and aircraft as well as ships and having more realistic graphics, but still backwards compatible with many add-ons made for Virtual Sailor.
Critical reception
GameSpot said of the game "Virtual Sailor simulates the entire marine environment and makes a complete sailing experience, it's multiplayer capability for online sailing and racing creates an extremely immersive marine experience."[6]
Notes
- 1 2 3 Coyle, Liam. "AVSIM Commercial Review: Virtual Sailor 5". www.avsim.com. Retrieved 2009-01-25.
- ↑
- Add-On Ships And Scenery Are Available.
- ↑ "Downloads - Virtual Sailor v5.0 beta - PC Advisor". www.pcadvisor.co.uk. Retrieved 2009-01-25.
- ↑ "Uziana.com Game Reviews - Virtual Sailor 5". www.uziana.com. Retrieved 2009-01-25.
- ↑ "Virtual Sailor - Virtual Sailing Simulator". www.hangsim.com. Retrieved 2016-06-30.
- ↑ "Virtual Sailor - PC game". pc.gamezone.com. Retrieved 2009-01-25.