Ships At Sea

Ships at Sea delivers a breathtaking maritime experience that combines the thrill of seafaring with the depth of a professional simulator. Set in the stunning Norwegian waters of Lofoten, this next-generation ship simulation lets players build their maritime careers across various vessel types, from commercial fishing to cargo transport and maritime services. The attention to detail in recreating the harsh yet beautiful Nordic seascape is nothing short of remarkable.

The ability to either collaborate with friends in a shared company or compete against them in the same vast ocean creates a dynamic playground that breathes new life into the maritime simulation genre.

Paired with Nvidia's cutting-edge WaveWorks technology and a revolutionary physically-based buoyancy system, Ships at Sea manages to deliver an unparalleled level of immersion that puts even veteran titles like American Truck Simulator's attention to detail to shame.

Dancing with the Waves

The ocean simulation in Ships at Sea is a technical marvel that deserves special recognition. Unlike the simplified water physics found in games like Dredge, the WaveWorks implementation creates waves that behave with startling realism.

Every vessel, from small fishing boats to massive cargo ships, responds to the water with convincing weight and momentum. The dynamic weather system adds another layer of complexity, with storms that not only look spectacular but present genuine challenges to navigation and operation.

The environmental effects aren't just for show – they're integral to the gameplay experience. Fog rolls in to obscure visibility, forcing reliance on radar systems, while powerful storms test both your ship handling skills and decision-making abilities. These weather patterns create organic moments of tension that rival the atmospheric achievements of titles like DREDGE, but with a more grounded, simulation-focused approach.

A Career at Sea

The career progression system offers a depth that maritime enthusiasts will appreciate. Starting from basic vessel operations, players can work their way up through different boat class certificates, unlocking more sophisticated ships and equipment. The variety of career paths available is impressive, with each offering unique challenges and gameplay loops. The commercial fishing mechanics, in particular, show remarkable attention to detail, from jigging to longline operations.

The implementation of the company system adds a fascinating economic layer to the experience. Whether working solo or with friends, managing resources and coordinating operations feels more engaging than similar systems in other simulation games. At least, it's a clear step up from Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024's barebones campaign mode.

Port Life and Beyond

The recreation of Lofoten's harbors serves as more than just a pretty backdrop. These ports are living, breathing environments where players can interact with various facilities, from equipment shops to shipyards. The 1:1 scale map spanning 46 x 46 kilometers provides plenty of space for exploration while maintaining a sense of authenticity that simulation fans crave.

The attention to detail extends to the licensed ships and equipment, which come complete with fully functional instruments and realistic handling characteristics. The wheelhouse experience, with its array of sophisticated navigation and communication tools, provides a level of immersion that makes every journey feel authentic and purposeful.

Pros

• Impressive visuals powered by cutting-edge physics technology
• Deep multiplayer integration
• Impressive variety of career paths and progression systems

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• Limited geographic variety
• Severe performance issues in some scenarios

Ships At Sea is a simulation of the captain's pleasure of steering your own ship. Set sail on a variety of different types of ships, from a cruise ship to a fishing boat. Take the helm or take your place on the deck. Hyper-realistic design will allow you to fully experience the atmosphere of traveling on the sea. Deliver cargo, entertain people on board the liner, catch crabs or deep sea fish, patrol the borders and just enjoy the sea life with Ships At Sea.

Pros of the game:

• Realistic ship models
• Ship cleaning system
• Cooperative mode for a full team