Description of Ocean Trader
Ocean Trader is an excellent, unassuming shipping simulation from the makers of Pizza Tycoon that is virtually unknown outside Europe.
As manager of a global shipping business, your responsibilities run the gamut from choosing which type of ships to buy, to striking a profit-maximizing balance between speed and fuel costs. Your banker stands ready to give you loans at exorbitant rates, and profit opportunities abound, thanks to different goods prices in various cities.
The game's graphics is the static but pleasing SVGA, and the interface is excellent (the map screen in particular clearly shows the desired exports and imports for each country). Although Ocean Trader doesn't come close to the level of realism found in Capitalism Plus, it is a very enjoyable, "light" business game that does have a solid (albeit simple) economic model underneath. In a nod to the real world of shipping industry, you can also enter into forward contracts (that lock delivery prices for an agreed amount of goods), and take advantage of special freight contracts as they show up.
A great game overall, and a good alternative for those looking for a shipping sim with more "meat" than the simpler Ports of Call.
Review By HOTUD
External links
How to play Ocean Trader
To run the game in its most complete form, use the English version ISO, run install.exe and selecting the "Maximum Installation (41 Mb)" option to display videos in the game.
Then run setup.exe in the installed game folder and select "CD Audio" as the device for playing music.
Afterwards, it will be possible to launch the game itself (using trader.exe).
You can play the German version with the better audio tracks of the English version too, by mounting the German disk image after the English disc installation (keep the English disc mounted).
Captures and Snapshots
Comments and reviews
SSD 2025-06-16 1 point
The Ocean Trader manual (OCR), httpd://www.abandonia.com/en/games/553/Ocean+Trader.html
A "strategy guide" by Yomuchan (2014). Ocean Trader - Strategy Guide, in: GameFAQs, https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/pc/933893-ocean-trader/faqs/68636?validate=1
(German) Game magazine ratings at Kultboy.com https://www.kultboy.com/testbericht-uebersicht/1804/
Alternatives from that time are: High Seas Trader (1995 Simulation Game), abrufbar unter: https://www.old-games.com/download/4301/high-seas-trader (letzter Zugriff: 15.6.2025)
Ports of Call (1989 Simulation Game), abrufbar unter: https://www.old-games.com/download/4371/ports-of-call (letzter Zugriff: 15.6.2025)
Chan, Trevor (2001). Capitalism II (Капитализм II, 金融帝国II, Capitalism II), abrufbar unter: https://www.myabandonware.com/game/trevor-chan-s-capitalism-ii-cqs
Mravac Kid 2014-12-19 3 points DOS version
I just love this game, it's one of the best trading games ever made.
Write a comment
Share your gamer memories, help others to run the game or comment anything you'd like. If you have trouble to run Ocean Trader, read the abandonware guide first!
Download Ocean Trader
We may have multiple downloads for few games when different versions are available. Also, we try to upload manuals and extra documentation when possible. If you have additional files to contribute or have the game in another language, please contact us!
DOS Version
9 MB
603 MBAmiga ROM
- Year: 1995
- Publisher: Software 2000
- Developer: Software 2000
Similar games
Fellow retro gamers also downloaded these games:
