Seafarer – The Ship Sim Launches This Month

You got that right! A Steam announcement posted on September 3rd said the developer, Astragon, is launching the full game and that it’s also available on consoles.
I reviewed this game in its Early Access (EA) phase, and I’m still shaking my head at how fast some developers launch their products. Way back before Seafarer was announced, I played early access games like inZoi, which is still an EA title and has been for years. That game is still improving, while Seafarer still looks much the same as when it was released as an EA title.
In fact, some Steam users are pointing out that Seafarer should be developed more before full release. But you know…some game developers want more money, and therefore console launch is pretty important to them.

Despite this announcement, the same company released Bus Simulator 27 on September 8th this year. The game already has mixed reviews, and several bugs have been reported. Just look at the game’s Steam forums…

The arcade simulation genre is continuing into the future with ‘light simulation’ games for anyone who wants to buy entertainment with quick money. That’s the customer these games are for. Not hardcore simulation enthusiasts.
And no, the mission system in Seafarer is nothing like the contract system of Euro Truck Simulator 2. I’m pointing out that detail because some game influencers are comparing Seafarer to a road trucking game, which has far more options and customisations, and much more sandbox simulation. In fact, Seafarer still lacks a lot of gameplay, as it still does to this day. The range of available ships is limited. Types of missions are lacking. Most of the map is closed off. Just a few ports…and off you go, doing the same few contracts over and over.

If this game is supposed to be the next ‘maritime home simulator’, it’s likely not going to happen, or become a major success story about simulating maritime jobs in virtual environments, even if it’s all Unreal Engine. Because it doesn’t matter what fancy name a game engine has when the gameplay is faulty and lacking at the core level.
This game has a strong early-access vibe attached. What’s going to change that? I don’t know.
But…DLCs, you know. Surely. No doubt about that one.

Support for mods? Yes, but we don’t know for sure.