Bridge Builder
Encyclopedia
Bridge Builder is a series of computer games developed and published by Chronic Logic
. Bridge Builder is the first in the series, followed by Pontifex, Pontifex 2 (later renamed to Bridge Construction Set), and Bridge It. The object of each game is to construct a bridge which a train may cross over, given a limited budget and available materials. Bridge Builder, which is no longer supported, is freeware
and entirely two-dimensional, while its sequels use all three dimensions, but are considered demoware; the full version must be purchased from Chronic Logic's online store.
Although Bridge Builder only allows the player steel beams, bridges in later installments can be created using a variety of materials. Along with varying strengths of steel, the player can also use cable or hydraulics that expand or contract for some purpose, such as to allow a ship to pass underneath the bridge. In all games, the player is constrained by a budget that determines the maximum amount of material that can be used and still pass the level.
There is no penalty for failing a level; the player may try and test infinitely many different designs before finding one that succeeds. A poorly-designed bridge may break as soon as the player begins to test it, unable to support its own weight. While testing the bridge, the stress on each section can be seen, representing both tensile stress and compressive stress. If the stress becomes too great, that section breaks and disintegrates, possibly jeopardizing the entire structure.
Audience Award in 2003. In praise of the original Bridge Builders flexibility, 1UP.com
stated "the sheer variety of solutions provide more entertainment than expected and Bridge Builder quickly becomes less of a game and more of a toy." Peter Stock, creator of Armadillo Run
, cited Bridge Builder as an inspiration for his game. Chronic Logic also sponsors multiple contests to see who can build the best bridge. World of Goo
's first episode features a level called Ode to the Bridge Builder.
In 2006 creator Alex Austin released an updated version of Bridge Builder, known as Bridge Building Game, adding more levels and options.
are held every few months, with the winner(s) receiving a free Chronic Logic game.
Chronic Logic
Chronic Logic LLC is an indie video game developer and publisher located in Santa Cruz, California. It was founded in 2001 by Alex Austin and Ben Nichols after Austin's Bridge Builder became popular. Later, Josiah Pisciotta joined the company...
. Bridge Builder is the first in the series, followed by Pontifex, Pontifex 2 (later renamed to Bridge Construction Set), and Bridge It. The object of each game is to construct a bridge which a train may cross over, given a limited budget and available materials. Bridge Builder, which is no longer supported, is freeware
Freeware
Freeware is computer software that is available for use at no cost or for an optional fee, but usually with one or more restricted usage rights. Freeware is in contrast to commercial software, which is typically sold for profit, but might be distributed for a business or commercial purpose in the...
and entirely two-dimensional, while its sequels use all three dimensions, but are considered demoware; the full version must be purchased from Chronic Logic's online store.
Gameplay
Each level is composed of a section of land, such as a river or chasm, and an initially laid track that shows the train's starting and ending points. A number of anchor points in and around the chasm are where the player anchors the bridge from. Should the player's train cross the bridge successfully and under budget, the level is passed. Later games add additional constraints such as a boat that must pass underneath between two consecutive train crossings.Although Bridge Builder only allows the player steel beams, bridges in later installments can be created using a variety of materials. Along with varying strengths of steel, the player can also use cable or hydraulics that expand or contract for some purpose, such as to allow a ship to pass underneath the bridge. In all games, the player is constrained by a budget that determines the maximum amount of material that can be used and still pass the level.
There is no penalty for failing a level; the player may try and test infinitely many different designs before finding one that succeeds. A poorly-designed bridge may break as soon as the player begins to test it, unable to support its own weight. While testing the bridge, the stress on each section can be seen, representing both tensile stress and compressive stress. If the stress becomes too great, that section breaks and disintegrates, possibly jeopardizing the entire structure.
Reception and Legacy
Pontifex 2 won the Independent Games FestivalIndependent Games Festival
The Independent Games Festival is an annual festival at the Game Developers Conference, the largest annual gathering of the indie video game industry. It was founded in 1998 to assist and inspire innovation in video game development and to recognize the best independent video game developers...
Audience Award in 2003. In praise of the original Bridge Builders flexibility, 1UP.com
1UP.com
1UP.com is a video game website owned by IGN Entertainment, a division of News Corporation. Previously, the site was owned by Ziff Davis before being sold to UGO Entertainment in 2009....
stated "the sheer variety of solutions provide more entertainment than expected and Bridge Builder quickly becomes less of a game and more of a toy." Peter Stock, creator of Armadillo Run
Armadillo Run
Armadillo Run is the title of a transport puzzle video game created by Peter Stock. The game is currently in version 1.0.6, and is only legally available from the .-Objective:...
, cited Bridge Builder as an inspiration for his game. Chronic Logic also sponsors multiple contests to see who can build the best bridge. World of Goo
World of Goo
World of Goo is a physics-based puzzle game by 2D Boy, an independent game developer consisting of Kyle Gabler and Ron Carmel, both former Electronic Arts employees, released for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, iOS, Android and WiiWare...
's first episode features a level called Ode to the Bridge Builder.
In 2006 creator Alex Austin released an updated version of Bridge Builder, known as Bridge Building Game, adding more levels and options.
Add-ons
Bridge Builder comes with fifteen levels, though over a hundred fan-made levels are available for downloading. Contests sponsored by Chronic LogicChronic Logic
Chronic Logic LLC is an indie video game developer and publisher located in Santa Cruz, California. It was founded in 2001 by Alex Austin and Ben Nichols after Austin's Bridge Builder became popular. Later, Josiah Pisciotta joined the company...
are held every few months, with the winner(s) receiving a free Chronic Logic game.
Further reading
- Interview of Josiah Pisciotta regarding Bridge It.
- Interview with Chronic Logic on GameDevGameDevGameDev.net is a website dedicated to game development, founded by Kevin Hawkins, Dave Astle, and Michael Tanczos among others, in 1999. It serves as a central trade resource and media outlet for the computer and video game industry, with particular regards to hobbyist and independent developers...
. - Review of Pontifex on Firingsquad.com
- Interview with Chronic Logic on InsideMacGamesInsideMacGamesInside Mac Games, or IMG for short, is a website dedicated to Apple Macintosh computer gaming. Founded in 1993, Inside Mac Games has transitioned from an electronic magazine into a web-only publication...
- Interview with Chronic Logic on GamersInfo.net
- Review of Bridge Construction Set on GamersInfo.net
External links
- Chronic Logic Website
- Bridge Builder website
- Cryptic Sea Website where the original version is available for download