Smugglers

The year is 2450. The Federation has settled many distant worlds. However, dissatisfied colonies at the far reaches of human space have broken off from the Federation and reformed themselves into the Outer Rim Alliance. War soon follows, not only between the Federation and the Outer Rim solar systems, but even between planets within many seemingly secure systems.

You start as a freelance captain of a small spaceship with a desire for glory. You can join the army of each side and help fight the war. You may become a peaceful trader, ferrying needed goods from planet to planet and from one system to another. You can become a pirate, plundering vessels from both sides and smuggling illegal goods. It doesn't matter what you do, only that you'll reach your goal - to become the richest smuggler in all of known space.

Smugglers is a space trading simulator with minor combat aspects. In each game you aim to achieve the highest score, based on your net worth. To do so you can buy cheap goods and sell them where they're most needed, or to plunder the ships of your enemies. The star map is the same in each game, but the shift in prices (viewable from the Trading Information screen that allows you to compare prices), military developments and various encounters are randomized in each game.

You are able to purchase bigger ships, with bigger cargo bays, shield and weapon strength and customize them with special items. The local banking system allows you to take loans and each of the two factions will reward its freelance captains who earn enough fame in combat.