This program/app is a simulator with some game aspects. You control Britains typical narrowboats in a 3D environment. (Some of the features below are only available in the new beta version, yet.)
Some features which are already present in the game:
- A comprehensive ;-) tutorial section which teaches you basic aspects of controlling a narrowboat and how to use the game.
- You can choose from up to three narrowboats. You start with the 54ft "Pixel Princess" and can unlock the 70ft "Endless Joy" and the 27ft "Kingfisher" later in the game.
- To control the narrowboat the game offers:
- Naturally, a control for the tiller and a combined throttle/gear control.
- Support for a Joystick/Gamepad
- A mooring dialogue to tie/untie your boat (at selected locations in the game area)
- A "Push Off" function to push off your boat from the dock or the bank (i.e. when it ran aground)
- A Bow Thruster (only on a few occasions).
- Different point of views including a "park distance control" to keep an overview.
- The game level ("Drifting Badger Marina") is an 8-shaped stretch of a canal with the following features:
- Marina
- Winding hole
- 4 Locks
- a tiny Aqueduct
- Junction
- Bridges
- Bends
- a short Tunnel
- Pub
- The game level ("Pontcysyllte") is a representation of the Lllangollen Canal around the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. These are some of the features:
- An area of 2x2km resulting in roughly 3.6km of canal.
- A lift bridge in Froncysyllte (28W).
- Other traffic (AI) perfectly immitating inexperienced and/or drunk boaters.
- Naturally, you can cross the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
- You will be required (in the levels) to slow down when passing mooring boats.
- 7 new levels from "Bicycle Transport" to "Squirrel Survey".
- Varying current of the llangollen canal. (Adjustable in the options)
- Since version 1.8 the game also has some limited/experimental support for VR on Android devices.
During the game you'll have to perform some simple tasks. To advance you'll have to collect "Canal Karma" by displaying your navigating skills. Speeding and behaving like having a ride on the dodgems is considered as bad karma and will reduce your score.
Having completed the tasks with a high enough score will allow you to cruise freely. (If you feel unconfortable with this game aspect then read the last answer on the Q & A page.)
