Clipper (video game)

Clipper is a text-based adventure game developed by Information Access in 1983. It was designed to run on CP/M operating systems and later ported to MS-DOS. The game places the player in the role of a captain navigating a clipper ship laden with cargo.

The player's primary objective is to transport goods, such as coffee, silk, and opium, between various ports around the world, including London, New York, and Hong Kong. Success is measured by accumulating wealth through profitable trading.

Gameplay in Clipper relies heavily on economic simulation and resource management. The player must consider factors like market prices, cargo capacity, ship speed, and fuel consumption to make informed decisions regarding routes and trade goods. The game incorporates elements of risk, with events such as storms, pirates, and fluctuating market conditions potentially impacting the player's progress and profitability. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strategic planning and skillful trading.

Clipper is notable for its complex economic model and its emphasis on strategic decision-making, features uncommon for its time. While simplistic by modern standards, Clipper offered a sophisticated simulation of 19th-century maritime trade. The game lacks graphical elements, relying instead on textual descriptions and player input via typed commands.