This era of video games is truly the age of simulation, with hundreds of realistic simulator games available for players. Now, up steps port simulator, Docked. Can this ultra realistic sim entice players? Or should this have been left at the bottom of the ocean?
A Family Affair
Simulation games are not often known for a rich narrative or an engaging story. However, Saber Interactive have tried to break the mould with Docked. To their credit, there is actually a decent story to uncover. In this game you play as Tommy, who, at the request of his father, returns to help run his family business in a seaside port known as Port Wake. Tommy has been absent from his family for many years, due to reasons unknown at the start of the game. Then he returns to help in trying times. When you begin the game, a storm has just hit the port and devastated the business. It’s subsequently up to Tommy and others to rebuild the port and restore the family legacy.
Upon completing the prologue, I assumed that was the end for story details and narrative, but I was very wrong. This narrative is surprisingly deep and thoughtful for a simulator game and continues to unravel the more you play. As you progress through missions, you’ll learn why Tommy left his family, and his reasons for walking away. The writing in the game is superb as you converse with different characters, thus learning about each worker and staff member. I had to take a moment near the end of the game to remind myself I was actually playing a simulator. The voice acting propels this and makes each character believable. Bravo Saber, you had no right making a story as good as this in such an unexpected setting!
Machinery Mayhem
Simulators’ bread and butter lies in gameplay and thankfully, Docked has succeeded in this department – mostly. Played from a first person perspective, the game begins with the aim to make it as welcoming as possible for players. You are introduced to the STS (Ship-To-Shore) crane, a monumentally large machine that you are tasked to pick and move items with. For such a large piece of machinery it is extremely smooth and responsive to use. As you progress through each mission, new machinery is unlocked for Tommy to pilot. The aim of each mission often boils down to speed and precision. The quicker you move your cargo and the least amount of damage occurring on each shipment, gives you greater rewards.
Every machine you operate has different controls; this adds variety and complexity to gameplay. Some of these bigger machines require such precision it can feel overwhelming when you first pilot them. Fortunately, thanks to the great UI options, you can easily show the control scheme at the same time. Once I got used to these machines, I felt like I was flying around the port, working jobs like a pro! There are multiple camera options but first person felt the best and most accurate view for me to complete my tasks!
Profit Is The Promised Land!
It’s important to remember that above all else, this is a realistic simulator and this is apparent in the game’s economy system. The system shows your daily profit and entices you to keep going on one more mission. Completing missions earns Tommy money and upgrade materials, which are vital to the survival of the port. You can buy new machines or secure bigger and harder contracts the more profit you earn, making it highly rewarding for the player.
As this is a business simulator as well, you need to become a master delegator. Using the business management tab, you can take on contracts and assign staff and vehicles to these tasks to help the profit to flow. Money is imperative for Port Wake so that you can repair the damage the storm has caused. It’s an addictive system that kept me going back for more. Conversely, the one downside to gameplay is that sometimes the missions can feel slightly repetitive. However, as a simulator, this is to be expected in some aspects. Still, this is a fantastic effort by Saber with an addictive gameplay loop.
Sittin’ On A Beautiful Dock Of The Bay
When I think of realistic simulators, it is important that the game captures the essence in visual presentation. Docked is no different; my god this game is gorgeous! Everywhere you look on Port Wake you are met with sheer beauty. The water glistens on the sun so wonderfully; it’s mesmerizing. Weather effects (in particular rain and wind effects) are outstanding. Every machine drips with such excruciating detail that you could look inside the cabin of these vehicles for hours.
Sadly, whist the visuals are outstanding, Docked has some fidelity issues at launch. I am baffled by the decision to lock the PS5 version to 30fps; it’s a real shame there are no performance options to change this. Loading screens is also a major issue currently, as they are tediously long. Hopefully, the developers can smooth this out post launch!
Finally, sound design and musical score do a solid, if unspectacular job. Every machine whirrs and beeps as you would expect; movement of the massive vehicles sounds powerful and weighty. As previously mentioned, the voice acting is surprisingly excellent. Music in Docked aims to be understated but serene and it succeeds with a peaceful, often country soundtrack, that calms the nerves when moving shipments. A good job overall by Saber.
Verdict
I have never managed to sink my teeth fully into a realistic simulator, but with Docked, that has dramatically changed. A surprisingly thoughtful story, full of wonderful characters and heart, really breaks the mould of what this genre is used to. Pack in brilliant tight responsive controls and stunning visuals and you have a recipe for success. Whilst some performance issues and repetitive missions may bring down your satisfaction, this is still a wonderful simulator with great business management options! I’m going back to Port Wake!
