Bootleg Steamer
Release date: Apr 25, 2024
Developers: Team Junkfish
Publishers: Junkfish Limited
Genres: Action, Adventure, Casual, Indie, Racing, Strategy
Categories: Single-player, Steam Achievements, Family Sharing
Supported languages: English

In this rogue-like game, you embark on your journey as a captain during the tumultuous American Prohibition. Overcome challenges like inclement weather, relentless Coast Guard pursuit, shrewd Mafia dealings, and your own financial pitfalls, all while ensuring your path to wealth remains unhindered. Supply and Demand: Turn Smuggling into a Profitable Endeavour The population is thirsty, and you’re the captain they need. Buy cheap alcohol from underground brewers and upsell it to thirsty Americans at lucrative premiums. Each city and town will have its own demands, so navigate your strategy carefully to maximise your profits. Customise your Ship, Choose your own Unique Crew, and Develop your own Strategy Become a master of bootlegging by tailoring your smuggling operations to your liking. Choose and upgrade ships, recruit skilled crew members, and develop a truly unique strategy to outwit both the Coast Guard and the Mafia. Your decisions shape your success as you navigate the hazardous waters of Prohibition-era America with a strategic edge. Play as 1 of the 6 Unique Captains and explore over 50 different maps Choose your captain wisely! 6 captains are ready to set sail, each with their own pros and cons which could make or break your bootlegging strategy. Traverse diverse oceans, rivers, and lakes while you overcome challenges, from weather phenomena to dogged Coast Guard patrols, all to chart your course to wealth in this trading rogue-like adventure. Mafia Favours and Contracts Forge alliances with the Mafia through contracts, utilising their influence to navigate the perilous waters of the Prohibition. Engage in high-stakes dealings and avoid invoking their wrath – but remember, they always collect on their debt with interest! Invitations and Sea Parties Immerse yourself in the Prohibition-era America. Interact with the locals, aid a rail baron, support cities devastated by the Great Depression, and contribute to the construction of the iconic Empire State Building. Make connections with thirsty customers and throw Sea Parties visible from the shore. Your actions reverberate through the historical tapestry of the 1920s, adding a unique layer to the rogue-like storytelling experience. Game Features Explore the United States Prohibition Era: Over 50 different maps spanning the American continent between 1920 and 1933, each showcasing a different look and a different challenge. 60 different playable ships to choose from: You begin your adventure by selecting a humble starter ship, making strategical choices between nautical speed, steering, loading times, and cargo capacity. As you progress in your lucrative career, you can choose to upgrade your beginner ship or buy a brand new one. Each one comes with distinct aesthetics and functionality, but you can always tailor them to your playstyle with a few well-placed upgrades. Choose from 60 crew mates: Each map provides a new opportunity to expand your crew. Choose wisely, as each crew member comes with their own unique advantage and disadvantage! Whom you hire onto your ship could help or hinder your strategy. 15 unique pets to adopt: From cats and dogs to parrots and rare sea creatures, your favourite ship mascot is surely hiding among them. Discover them all as they help you on your journey to become the most successful rumrunner in America. 10 Special Abilities: Be tactical and employ them at the right moment to avoid being caught by Coast Guard or the raging Mafia. Some of which include: >> Tangle Net Launcher: The Coast Guard are passionate about dismantling your empire. Slow them down by casting out your net and making a quick get away. >> Alcohol Super Charger: Sometimes there’s a need for speed. Use some of your smuggled alcohol to fuel the engine and leave your pursuers in your wake. >> Divine Favour: Your prayers have been answered. The next time you get caught, Divine Favour lets you hide all illegal cargo during an inspection. Weather Phenomena: Navigate your way around whirlpools, storms, and water currents as you learn to use them to your advantage. Logbook Management: Monitor your Seasonal smuggling operations by tracking your crew, ships, and profits. Make notes of your mistakes and improve year-on-year as you unearth yet-to-be-discovered misadventures. Are you ready to take on the challenge and build your own smuggling legacy today? 

Press reviews: “Bootleg Steamer is a fun-filled rogue-lite title that will test your skills and tactical nuance. With plenty of captains to select and a hearty array of vessels to sail, there are plenty of ways to skin a cat. Moreover, the incredible stage design and challenging obstacles will push your buttons. Consequently, it is an excellent indie title that will keep you coming back for more.” 9/10 – Movies Games and Tech “The game is a souls-like on water. It’s punishing but rewarding. Regardless of how you play the game, there are hours of fun gameplay to be had with Bootleg Steamer.” 4/5 – Thumb Culture 

Notes: Smuggling of illegal alcohol using ships and making huge profit out of it is the main aim of this game.