Created by legendary Automated Simulations (later renamed Epyx) founders Jon Freeman and Jim Connelley, Automated Simulations released Tycoon in 1980 for the Apple II, TRS-80, and Commodore PET, delivering an authentic and sophisticated commodity trading floor simulation where up to four players competed to build massive personal fortunes trading crude oil, gold, silver, wheat, soybeans, and pork bellies using margin leverage, futures contracts, and short selling.
🎬 Deep Vision & Technical Analysis
🌆 Atmosphere & Visual Direction
Authentic vintage visual direction representing landmark era aesthetic standards.
⚡ Action Pacing & Physics Engine
Systemic interaction and engaging pacing designed for historical immersion.
🎯 Performance & Launch Trajectory
An essential milestone preserved in masterclass gaming archival standard.
Tycoon is a business simulation game for 1 to 5 players by David Bohlke for the TRS-80 Model I Level II and published by The Software Exchange.
Gameplay
Tycoon is a game in which the player manages and makes financial decisions for a large business to increase the player’s total worth and become a tycoon.
Reception
J. Mishcon reviewed Tycoon in The Space Gamer No. 30. Mishcon commented that “As currently constituted, I’d advised against this game, but a second edition with more complete instructions (and perhaps some non-financial complications for extreme tactics) would be very interesting.” In a SoftSide review, Brad Cameron wrote, “Buy this—it is the player’s skillful decisions that may win them the game, as there are many different strategies to use.”
