Constructor (video game)
| Constructor | |
|---|---|
 PC boxart | |
| Developer(s) | System 3 |
| Publisher(s) |
Acclaim System 3 (re-released & HD) |
| Designer(s) | Phil Thornton (English Version) |
| Platform(s) | |
| Release date(s) | |
| Genre(s) | Real-time strategy, Construction and management simulation |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Constructor is a 1997 video game released originally for MS-DOS personal computers, and later ported to the PlayStation, Mac OS and Windows-native DirectX 3. It was developed by System 3 and published by Acclaim.
In the game, packed with humorous undertones, the player controls a construction company in a map split between several estates, and must deal with other teams to win the game.
On July 31, 2015, System 3 announced that Constructor was getting an HD re-release on consoles and PC, in 2016, [3] but is now delayed until 2017. [4]
Gameplay
The player controls a construction company, and aim to drive the other players out of business. Using teams of workers and foremen, the player must build facilities to manufacture building materials (a sawmill, concrete works, etc.), in order to build houses (ranging from simple wooden cabins to large mansions) in which to house tenants who pay rent and thus fund the company, as well as producing new workers, tenants and other characters. Along the way, the player can build homes for undesirables such as gangsters and hippies, who work to undermine the enemy.
Releases
The game was originally released for MS-DOS Personal Computers in 1997.
Ports
The game was later ported to the PlayStation, Mac OS and Windows-native DirectX 3 in 1998.
On January 14, 2010, System 3 Software re-released Constructor for Sony PSP and PS3 systems in Europe via the PlayStation Network.[5]
A remake of the original was heading to tablets and other platforms in 2013. On March 29, 2013 it was announced that Constructor would make a return and also debut on tablets.[6]
Constructor HD was announced by System 3, on July 31, 2015, that the game would be getting a high-definition remaster. It was originally planned to be released on January 29, 2016, but has being delayed three times. It was first delayed until April 29, 2016 and then late summer 2016, before finally setting on the January 31, 2017. As the game has progressed, new ideas have been added to enrich the gameplay.[7][8]
Sequel
Constructor II was announced in April 1998; it would have players visiting the wasteland of an alien planet.[9] The sequel maintained the style of humor present in the original, bringing back a cast of characters from the first game.[9] New characters based on the alien theme were also added, including the Alien Egg which impregnates victims, later causing their guts to explode.[9] Constructor Space, which was previewed many years ago after the game was launched but it never happened. It was mentioned on June 29, 2016, as a possible sequel to Constructor HD, if successful.
Constructor: Street Wars (known as Mob Rule in the US) was released in 1999, but failed to achieve the same success of the first game.
References
- ↑ "Constructor | Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2016-11-18.
- ↑ "Constructor HD gets January release date". MCV. Retrieved August 18, 2016.
- ↑ "Constructor HD Announcement". System3. Retrieved July 31, 2015.
- ↑ "Constructor HD pushed back to 2017". videogamer. Retrieved August 25, 2016.
- ↑ "'Heads-Up' PlayStation Store Update". PlayStationBlog. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
- ↑ "Constructor, California Games being re-mastered for tablets in 2013". VG24/7. Retrieved April 4, 2013.
- ↑ "Constructor HD: Still under Construction…". System3. Retrieved April 11, 2016.
- ↑ "Why System 3 is rebuilding Constructor". MCV. Retrieved June 29, 2016.
- 1 2 3 "Bricks in space". PC Zone (62): 15. April 1998. ISSN 0967-8220. OCLC 173325816.