Pizza Tycoon, known as Pizza Connection in Europe, is a business simulation game originally developed by the German company Cybernetic Corporation and Software 2000 in 1994. After its re-release in 2017, it was published by Assemble Entertainment. The game was localized for the American market by MicroProse, featuring new artwork and settings to cater to the U.S. audience.
Gameplay
In Pizza Tycoon, players assume the role of a pizza restaurant manager in either a European or U.S. city. The game allows players to choose from over 30 different characters, create custom pizzas, participate in cooking contests, and design both the restaurant’s layout and kitchen. Beyond managing the business, players can opt to engage in illegal activities, such as working with the local mafia to sabotage competitors or generate profits through illicit trades like weapons and drug dealing.
The game incorporates a playful and humorous tone, evident in its graphics, cartoonish animations, and quirky in-game messages. The original European version (Pizza Connection) had a graphic style reminiscent of MAD magazine artist Don Martin. However, when MicroProse adapted the game for the American audience (Pizza Tycoon), they redesigned the characters to avoid copyright issues, creating figures modelled after famous personalities like Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and Lenin.
Additional Information
Pizza Tycoon stands out among simulation games because of its complex blend of business management and criminal elements. Players must juggle running a successful pizza business, developing menus, setting prices, and keeping customers happy while also having the option to delve into underworld dealings to gain an edge over competitors. This dual-layered gameplay offers a unique challenge compared to other business sims, as players must balance both legitimate and shady strategies.
Players can also customize pizzas by selecting ingredients, influencing the restaurant’s reputation and sales. The game rewards creativity, allowing players to develop pizzas that appeal to different tastes and compete in pizza-making contests. Meanwhile, managing the restaurant’s atmosphere by adjusting the décor or expanding the kitchen can impact customer satisfaction.
A notable feature is the ability to interact with local mafia organizations. Through bribery or sabotage, players can influence rival restaurants, giving a competitive advantage in the market. However, criminal involvement comes with its own risks, as getting caught can lead to negative consequences for the business.
Overall, Pizza Tycoon offers an engaging mix of humour, strategy, and simulation, appealing to players interested in both culinary creativity and intricate business management with a twist of mafia intrigue.
