Summary
- Release Year: 1991
- Genres: Puzzle
- Platforms: Amiga
- Publishers: Software 2000
Build It!: Das Bauhaus (1991): A Virtual Architecture Masterpiece
Released in 1991, Build It!: Das Bauhaus is a groundbreaking construction simulation game that allows players to design and build their own Bauhaus masterpieces. Developed by Max Design and published by Electronic Arts, the game was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
Gameplay
Build It!: Das Bauhaus is a top-down construction simulation game in which players take on the role of an architect tasked with designing and building a variety of Bauhaus-inspired structures. The game features a wide range of building materials and components, including walls, roofs, windows, doors, and furniture. Players must carefully plan and execute their designs, taking into account factors such as structural integrity, aesthetics, and functionality.
The game offers a variety of construction tools and features to help players create their dream Bauhaus buildings. These include:
- A grid-based building system that allows for precise placement of building components
- A variety of construction materials and components to choose from
- The ability to design and build both interior and exterior spaces
- A physics engine that simulates the real-world behavior of building materials and structures
- A day/night cycle and weather system that affects the appearance and functionality of buildings
Bauhaus Architecture
Build It!: Das Bauhaus is heavily inspired by the Bauhaus movement, a German art and design school founded in 1919. The Bauhaus movement emphasized simplicity, functionality, and mass production. Bauhaus architects believed that buildings should be designed to meet the needs of the people who use them, and that they should be affordable and accessible to everyone.
The game’s architecture reflects the Bauhaus principles of simplicity, functionality, and mass production. Players are encouraged to create buildings that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical. The game also features a number of pre-designed Bauhaus buildings that players can use as inspiration or starting points for their own designs.
Critical Reception
Build It!: Das Bauhaus was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, realistic graphics, and educational value. Many reviewers also praised the game’s focus on Bauhaus architecture, which they felt was a unique and important contribution to the video game landscape.
The game won a number of awards, including the Software Publishers Association’s “Best Simulation Game of the Year” award in 1991. It was also nominated for the BAFTA Interactive Entertainment Award for “Best Simulation Game” in 1992.
Legacy
Build It!: Das Bauhaus is considered to be one of the most important construction simulation games ever made. The game’s innovative gameplay and focus on Bauhaus architecture helped to popularize the genre and inspire a new generation of architects and designers.
The game has also been praised for its educational value. Build It!: Das Bauhaus can be used to teach students about Bauhaus architecture, construction principles, and design concepts. The game is still used in schools and universities today as a teaching tool.
Conclusion
Build It!: Das Bauhaus is a groundbreaking construction simulation game that allows players to design and build their own Bauhaus masterpieces. The game’s innovative gameplay, realistic graphics, and educational value have made it a critical and commercial success. Build It!: Das Bauhaus is a must-play for anyone interested in architecture, design, or construction simulation games.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
