Games published by DesignWare, Inc.
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We provide a complete list of games published by this publisher.
Millionaire: The Stock Market Simulation (Release 2)
The latest game in Jim Zuber/Blue Chip's superb line of business simulations, Millionaire Release 2 is the second and far superior version of Millionaire, a great stock market simulation.
Although at first glance the game seems very limited, as you can only trade 15 stocks (all of them blue chips, such as Boeing, GM, HP, etc. ), Millionaire Release 2 is actually a very well-designed and versatile simulation that offers a good range of realistic options. For example, the game gives you 5 difficulty levels to choose from: at the 'Novice' level, you can buy stocks but not on margin; 'Investor' lets you buy stocks on margin; 'Speculator' lets you use margin as well as call options; 'Professional' adds put options to the mix; and finally, 'Broker' lets you do everything an expert investor can do: buy stocks on margin, use call and put options, and sell short. The game even allows you to change some macroeconomic variables (which you cannot control in real life), such as the tax rate, the commission rate and the interest rate on loans.
The game is turn-based, with each turn representing one week. During a turn you can buy and sell stocks, read the news, read stock descriptions, view time series charts of individual stocks, the industry, the overall stock market and your personal net worth, and view stock option prices. Although the number of stocks could be higher, Millionaire Release 2 is nevertheless a fun and reasonably realistic stock market simulation that includes realistic factors that many other simulations do not, such as short selling and stock options. Overall, a very complete simulation that fans of the genre should enjoy. Highly recommended.
The Body Transparent
The 1980s may be known for its iconic music and fashion, but it was also a time of innovation in the world of technology. One of the most iconic developments of the decade was the release of the Apple II computer, which revolutionized personal computing. As a result, the gaming industry also saw a surge of new and exciting games being developed for the Apple II – one of which was "The Body Transparent", released in 1985.
Developed by Silicon Beach Software, "The Body Transparent" was a groundbreaking game that combined elements of adventure, action, and puzzle-solving. The game was set in a futuristic world where players took on the role of a scientist who had to navigate through a complex scientific facility in order to recover a stolen research project. What set this game apart from others at the time was its use of cutting-edge graphics and gameplay, which were a rarity on the Apple II.
One of the most intriguing aspects of "The Body Transparent" was its use of virtual reality. Players were able to experience the game through the eyes of the main character, allowing for a more immersive gameplay experience. This was a groundbreaking concept at the time and helped the game stand out among its competitors. The 3D graphics and first-person perspective added a level of realism that was unprecedented in its time.
Another major aspect of the game was its complex and challenging puzzles. As players navigated through the facility, they had to solve various puzzles in order to progress. These puzzles were not only visually appealing but also required critical thinking skills and patience. With each level, the puzzles became increasingly difficult, making the game highly addictive for players who were up for the challenge.
In addition to the unique gameplay and graphics, "The Body Transparent" also had an enthralling storyline. As players progressed through the game, they uncovered the secrets of the facility and the mysterious project that had been stolen. The game's narrative was well-written and filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping players on the edge of their seats until the very end.
"The Body Transparent" received critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising its graphics, gameplay, and story. It was also one of the few games on the Apple II that catered to both younger and older audiences, as it had elements that appealed to a wide range of players.
Unfortunately, "The Body Transparent" did not receive the recognition it deserved, as it was released towards the end of the Apple II's lifespan. However, for those who had the opportunity to experience the game, it remains a beloved and iconic game of its time. Its innovative use of technology and captivating gameplay continue to be admired by gamers and industry professionals alike.
The Grammar Examiner
The year was 1984, a time when personal computers were just starting to become a household commodity. It was during this time that a game was released that would revolutionize the educational gaming industry - The Grammar Examiner. Developed for the DOS operating system, this game was a tool for learning proper grammar in a fun and interactive manner.
The Grammar Examiner was not your average DOS game. It wasn't a shoot 'em up or a puzzle game, but rather an educational game that focused on improving one's grammar skills. Developed by a small independent company, this game was designed for children and adults alike, who wanted to brush up on their grammar skills or learn from scratch. The game was popular among parents and teachers, who found it to be an effective and engaging way to teach grammar to their children and students.
The game had a simple yet engaging interface. Players would be presented with various sentences containing grammatical errors and their task was to identify and correct these errors. This may sound mundane, but what made the game unique was its use of colorful graphics and animation that brought the sentences to life. The characters in the game were humorous and relatable, making it easy for players to stay engaged and interested.
What truly set The Grammar Examiner apart from other educational games was its interactive nature. Players were not just passive recipients of information, but active participants in the learning process. The game allowed players to choose their difficulty level and provided hints and explanations for the correct grammar rules. This not only helped players to learn actively but also encouraged them to challenge themselves and improve their skills.
Released in 1984, The Grammar Examiner was ahead of its time. It was an early example of incorporating gaming into education and was met with critical acclaim. Reviews praised the game for its simplicity, yet effectiveness in teaching grammar. It was even used in some schools as a supplement to traditional grammar lessons. The success of The Grammar Examiner paved the way for future educational games and its impact can still be seen today in the vast array of educational games available.
