We released Taipan! for Windows a little over a year ago. Since then, we have received a few requests to provide people with the original BASIC source code for this game. So for those of you that want to take a trip down memory lane and see some old school BASIC programming, here is the source code for the original Taipan!

Our version of the game is based off of the same logic patterns that are contained in the original code. There was some artistic license taken and some new features added (obviously) to make the game more appealing on a Windows platform rather than just a text based game. These include sound, graphics, and quests.

I came across the code the other day while doing a server rebuild and decided to put it up as a quick link here. So for those of you nostalgia freaks that really want to see what that old BASIC code looked like, now is your chance. For you younger gamers / developers out there, take a look at the code and be amazed at how small it is. In those days, a game’s enjoyment was based on your imagination and not all of the visual and audio candy they pepper into games to make them playable. To me, games today are not as cerebral as they were in the old days, but the trade-off is that they look and sound much better.

eSource Development has just released their latest Nostalgia Game Taipan! Why does the name sound familiar? It's a port from the original DOS / AppleII source code, but updated with graphics, sound, and more! If you're an old timer like me, playing these games from the early 80's is a pure treat.

Taipan! is one of the original games that combines economic challenges with combat. You are in command of a small barge and have the help of your commander as you sail from port to port in search of trading bargains and opportunity. Upgrade cannons and purchase larger ships to hold more cargo and allow you to fend off the marauding pirates!
The addition of sound and quests makes this a game you can replay dozens of times over. And the best part is... It's FREE (if you sign up using TrialPay) or just $4.95 direct from this website.

Taipan Objective: The objective of the game is to accumulate wealth in excess of $1,000,000 before your mandatory retirement of 30 years. To achieve this, you travel from port to port purchasing items at bargain prices and unloading them at ports that have a higher price for that item. If there is no activity on an item, you can return to your home port (Hong Kong) and store the items in your warehouse.

You can also deposit excess funds into a bank or borrow money from a lender. Be careful... The interest is quite high when borrowing money from these sources.

Taipan! begins with the Taipan (you) in command of a small barge. As you accumulate more wealth, you can purchase larger ships. These ships not only hold more cargo, that also hold more cannons, which are useful during ship to ship combat.

Taipan! Game play is turn based. Each turn starts when a new port of call has been selected and the "Set Sail" button has been pressed. After the ship reaches its destination, you may get information about important activities. You can view the "Port Information" document to get current prices in that port. Not all ports offer the same services. For example, repairs to your vessel are only available in Hong Kong, Saigon, Batavia, and Nagasaki. While other services such as cannon and new ship purchasing are random events. When these options are available, the buttons will be enabled.

Taipan! Features:

• Save game feature
• Intuitive interface
• Quests that can grow your empire quicker
• Awesome sound effects
• Multiple levels of play
• Its FREE via TrialPay! What else could you want? But if you don't want to subscribe to the great deals on TrialPay, you can always download the trial version and purchase a license key.