M.U.L.E. 1983

Is it still worth playing?

Ozark Softscape's 1983 strategy game for Atari 8 bit computers, designed by Danielle Bunten Berry, who used the Atari's four joystick ports to let four people play at once. It is mostly turn based, with real time parts where players compete directly, and it simulates economics. It is set on the planet Irata, where up to four players choose a colonist race and develop land. They use Multiple Use Labor Elements, the M.U.L.E.s of the title, to harvest Energy, Food and Smithore, the material M.U.L.E.s are built from. Players buy what they need and sell what they do not, and can create or exploit shortages by refusing to sell, which raises the price next turn. To win you compete to amass the most wealth, but you also have to cooperate for the survival of the colony. Every trade is still a two sided decision, with rivals who depend on each other.