Smugglers 3, Mar 27, 2010

by taradr008

A great outer space adventure! With excellent graphics, storyline and twists, this is a game you wont regret buying. In terms of difficulty, it is challenging enough to be entertaining but not frustratingly difficult.

A solid, cleverly made game with great replay value, Jul 14, 2008

by Steve K (East Lyme, CT USA)

Some developers create gorgeous graphics in order to entice potential customers to buy their games.  They make them beautiful to play, easy to learn, and most notably entertaining only the first couple times one plays the game. Smugglers 3 is not one of those games. It is commendable that instead of focusing on compelling graphics and realistic gameplay, Niels Bauer has fashioned a game with a clever intriguing interface and in-depth plot that provides for infinite replays. When I bought Smugglers 2 (one of the only games I have bought), after falling in love with the demo, I was hooked on the series (I bought Smugglers 3 recently as well). The ability to make a fortune in one of several roles, making allegiance to one of several factions, and being able to customize the ship that you battle your heart out in makes the Smugglers series one of the greatest inexpensive games out there. Really looking forward to Smugglers 4, two thumbs up Niels Bauer!

Smugglers 3 revue, May 23, 2008

by Bobby (Lewiston, ID USA)

This game is a fun game is you like sci-fi. It has a slow plot at first but it gets lots better the more you play. the goal of this game is to be come a top general and lead your side to victory or turn rouge and lead the rebels if you hate the fighting you can just peace fully trade your way to fame. 

Revolutionary Sci-fi rpg, May 02, 2008

by Sten (San Francisco, CA USA)

Smugglers 3 is the third in a line of RPG space warfare games. Its comprehensive gameplay pales in comparison to all others of its type. The storyline not only involves war, but trading as well, and this game introduces the conceptt of aging. There are countless star systems and planets, and there are ghost ships to loot, treasure to discover, and spies to uncover. i suggest this game not only for video game lovers, but science fiction lovers. Unlike most games with this free flowing style, in this game, the factions revolve between war and peace. YOU actually have an affect on how said wars turn out. In the add-on package, you can even pursue love.

Sci fi adventure games, May 01, 2008

by craig (Olds AB CAN)

This games is relatively well designed multiple choices make it interesting. the graphics and sound could use some work. the starship fights are turn based which is a little disappointing but they are still we though out. all and all one good games designed for more of the serious gamer type.

Sumgglers 3, The Most Futuristic Game Ever, Mar 08, 2008

by Nightsong (Sacramento, CA USA)

Smugglers 3, is a Epic Futuristic RPG based on 4 factions; The Fedaration,The Outer Rim Alliance,The Syndicate,And The Coalition. The factions wage war and ally. You can do missions and gain enough money to buy powerful ships. The ships are from Starwolf Starfighters, to Gladiator Battlecruisers. And weapons are the exicting parts. As soon as you get the Gladiator Battlecruiser, you now control the strongest weapon in the game; The Tachyon Turrets. With more than 30 planets, Smugglers 3 is truly the "Power Overwhelming" size. At a reasonable price, buying the game is absolutely worth it.When you become old and retire, you can make another character on a different faction. Slightly better than Dark Orbit Online,but they are no match one on one. Once you play, you will be surely be "Locked On" your computer. Being in the heat of battle can be breathtaking. That is, because Smuggler 3’s random Starship generator can suddenly generate a strong ship! Smugglers 3 is a Truly Epic game.

Great concept not very well done., Feb 27, 2008

by Stefan (CA USA)

  The advertisement promised something like David Brabens "frontier Elite" from the 90’s brought up to date, but quite frankly I was disappointed and will not pay the money for the full version.
  The ideas are very good, to have a free role in deciding who you will work for what you will do, if you will fight, trade or smuggle is very good.  And if this game had been made in the 80s or early 90’s it may have been a hit. However there are no graphics to speak of it really is like a 1980s adventure game where you select your decision and it tells you the result, it is not interactive at all.
  The concept is excellent and if developed into a game where you can actually fly your ship it could become popular, if not I guess we will keep waiting for "Frontier Elite IV" about 10 years and waiting so far.

Smugglers 3, Feb 26, 2008

by Matt (USA)

    Smugglers 3 is an exciting space game where you the main character is captain of a space ship and you must gain fame and expierience for yourself and your government. 
    What really stands out about this game is how simple yet exciting it is.  I own an xbox 360 and I would much rather play Smugglers than hop on and play halo. 
    The basic gameplay is completeing missions to be promoted and trading goods to make money.  You can upgrade weapons and parts on your ship.  You can even buy newer larger and more powerful ships.  Occasionally you can fight with pirates and enemy ships.  The game also features a save and load feature so you can gaurente that you do not waste large amount of your life only to have to redo eveything when you log back on to play.  This game also features a second chance system.  If you die while trying to take on a ship out of your league you can start get on w/out restarting.
    Finally I gave this game 5 stars simply because it was perfect.

Great Game, Feb 19, 2008

by Joe (Seattle, WA USA)

The game has great graphics and a great plot.  I hope a fourth one comes out soon.

Inconsistent, Feb 01, 2008

by Elad (Bellingham WA)

I find the battles to be inconsistent with weapons and upgrades.  For example, if you have an avenger and purchase a MR mid-range targeting computer with at targeting % of 100%, you would expect it to hit an enemy ship once in a while.  I have had it miss a mid range target 4 and 5 times in a row.  Very frustrating.

One of the best games ever!!!, Sep 05, 2007

by Ben Harris (New Zealand)

This game proves you don’t need state of the art graphics or gameplay to enjoy a game. This game is one of the best games I have ever played and I have only played the demo but this game is amazing. I have spent many hours in the middle of the night playing this game over and over. There isn’t many games I consider worth getting but this is definitely one of them. 11/10.

Absolutely Stunning...Engrossing...Free up your Schedule, Jul 22, 2007

by Captain Ed! (Sacramento,CA USA)

I have quite a bit free time to sample demos I find on the net and as far as space trading sims go this one is a keeper, it totally blows the competition away… I went through the 250 turn demo so quickly I was flabbergasted and cursing the time limit because i wanted more, More, MORE!!! Awesome amount of freewill and things to do and see even limited to one system in the demo , I could have easily spent another 250 turns hopping planets swapping goods (easy, intuitive trading system that leaves no guesswork) and fulfilling missions for more money, for more parts, for more status.  If I had the money I would have bought it on the spot. From what I saw the player avatars were somewhat lackluster but the available rewards and events (get married and own a spread on your world!) still kept my interest. 4 stars for the demo. CHECK THIS ONE OUT SPACE MONKEYS!

One of the better comp. games, Jul 07, 2007

by Matt (Sacramento, CA USA)

Smugglers 3 was one of the better games I have played on the computer. I get bored easily from most of my owned games so i try demos a good deal. This demo erased my boredom, at least for a few hours. If I had the money to spare I would buy this hands down. Great game overall even if it lacked something in graphics. The fighting system could be a little less random and the game easier at the beginning but otherwise Great overall 4.5 stars!

Great Game, May 18, 2007

by Derek (Plymouth, MN USA)

I found this game to be very enjoyable to play for a variety of reasons.  This is a war and strategy game to the core.  I love being able to upgrade my ships components and upgrade my ships themselves.  I also enjoy the four factions of this game, lending it more variety.  This game is a trading and fighting game, much like Tradewinds, Tradewinds 2, and Tradewinds Legends.  The concept of the game is great, along with how it is very hard to have repetitive games.  But there are some things I don’t like about this game.  The main thing I don’t like is that there is a de facto time limit.  The game accurately simulates aging, so when your character reaches age 70, you need to retire soon.  The only other thing I didn’t like was the lack of a campaign.  If they had had a campaign and made the aging simulation optional, this game would be five stars for me.  But as it is, I give this game four stars.

Like most games, it takes time, but it's time well spent., May 06, 2007

by Graeme J (UK)

Smugglers 3 is the kind of game that The Sims was when it came out all those years ago. It takes little time to get into the game, and when you do, it is amazing. you can choose your path (good or bad) and there is an amazing amount of choice for flying your own ship and crew. Its one of those games that is easy to understand and easy to play, complete with the graphics and sounds that every good game has. I would recommend this game to anyone that likes addictive, adventurous and ultimately satisfying simulation war games.

Smugglers 3: An Inferior Version of Privateer, Apr 03, 2007

by David (Elizabethville)

Smugglers 3 is an incredibly poor version of Privateer (1993).

Privateer had an underlying sense of realism that Smugglers 3 just can’t capture.

In Privateer, players could maneuver their ships in tactical combat by using joy sticks or key pads. No such options are available in Smugglers. Combat is limited to choosing your distance from the enemy and deciding whether or not you want to fire any weapons. There are no dodging ships on your view screen. There are no crosshairs to center over an enemy vessel.

In Privateer, all damage to your ship had to be repaired. Star ports also charged landing fees for use of their facilities. Although the cost of docking fees and repairs was sometimes annoying, I think this added to the overall realism of the game.  I also liked the fact that in Privateer, a player could “walk” through a star port. No such option is available in Smugglers 3. Players in this game are simply given a text of options for businesses to visit.

Adictive and Fun!, Mar 05, 2007

by Victor S (Sparks, NV USA)

I have to say this game is one to have. It’s adictive yet fun and simple but will keep you on the edge of your seat. While playing you’ll get lost in the game. Caution if you play this game you should have spare time because you wont want to let it go!

Smugglers 3 Rules!!!, Mar 02, 2007

by Ruslan Voznyuk (West Springfield MA, USA)

Smugglers 3 is a very addictive space-strategy game and is definitely worth giving a try. The game consists of a galaxy with 25 star systems and over 75 planets which will surely keep anyone busy. Play as one of four factions and trade, fight, or complete missions to earn money, honors, and a good reputation. Buy new, more powerful ships and weapons and upgrades to take on any foe and conquer any planet.

The game has fair graphics and a rich story line which informs you of the factions in war or at peace, although with a few mistakes. The best thing about this game is that it doesn’t take forever to traverse between different star systems, although the traveling between planets depends on your engine upgrade. Lastly the battle sequences can get somewhat annoying and exhausting. The reason is because you have to choose weapons from a pull down menu, click a separate fire button, and click "OK" on a number of pop-up windows. In the end its a very enjoyable and recommendable game. "4.5"