2 in 1 Pack: Der Planer 2 / Mad TV 2

This 1998 Windows compilation from Swing! Entertainment and UCON Interactive combines two strategy games: Der Planer 2, an economic city-building simulator, and Mad TV 2, a business management game about operating a TV station. Designed as a budget-friendly package, this dual offering presents two distinct German-developed simulation challenges – one focused on urban planning and the other on media empire building.

2 in 1 Pack: Der Planer 2 / Mad TV 2: Review

In the pantheon of 1990s German gaming, few titles stand out as uniquely as the 2 in 1 Pack: Der Planer 2 / Mad TV 2. Released in 1998, this compilation offers a double dose of managerial simulations that, while not groundbreaking, provide a fascinating glimpse into the gaming landscape of the era. This review will delve into the development history, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, world-building, and the enduring legacy of these two games.

Development History & Context

The 2 in 1 Pack: Der Planer 2 / Mad TV 2 was published by Swing! Entertainment Software GmbH and UCON Interactive GmbH, two companies that were active in the German gaming scene during the late 1990s. The pack includes Der Planer 2, developed by Greenwood Entertainment Software GmbH, and Mad TV 2, also by Greenwood Entertainment Software GmbH. Both games were originally released in 1996 for DOS, and their inclusion in this compilation was likely a strategic move to capitalize on the growing popularity of Windows-based gaming.

The late 1990s were a transitional period for the gaming industry. The shift from DOS to Windows was well underway, and CD-ROMs were becoming the standard media for game distribution. This period saw a surge in managerial simulations, as developers sought to create games that were both accessible and complex. Der Planer 2 and Mad TV 2 fit neatly into this trend, offering players the chance to manage a transport company and a TV station, respectively.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Der Planer 2

Der Planer 2 places the player in the role of the head of a transport company. The game’s narrative is minimalistic, focusing more on the mechanics of management rather than a compelling storyline. The player’s goal is to expand the company by opening divisions in various regions, increasing market share, and generating profit. The game’s winning conditions can be set before starting a new game, adding a layer of customization that was relatively rare at the time.

The characters in Der Planer 2 are largely faceless, serving as cogs in the machine of the player’s corporate empire. The dialogue is functional, providing necessary information without delving into deep character development. The game’s themes revolve around business strategy, resource management, and the relentless pursuit of profit.

Mad TV 2

Mad TV 2, on the other hand, offers a more lighthearted narrative. The player takes control of a TV station, managing everything from employee schedules to the TV programming. The game’s cartoonish graphics and humorous dialogue add a layer of charm that is missing from Der Planer 2. The narrative is more about the day-to-day operations of a TV station rather than a grand overarching story.

The characters in Mad TV 2 are more fleshed out, with distinct personalities and quirks. The dialogue is witty and often humorous, providing a stark contrast to the more serious tone of Der Planer 2. The game’s themes revolve around creativity, entertainment, and the challenges of running a media empire.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Der Planer 2

Der Planer 2 is a managerial simulation at its core. The gameplay revolves around employing personnel, getting orders, and setting trip routes for the vehicles. The game’s interface is straightforward, with a main menu that resembles a building with several doors, each leading to a different aspect of the game.

One of the unique features of Der Planer 2 is the inclusion of two action sequences that can be disabled: a scavenger hunt and a money transport robbery. These sequences add a layer of excitement to the otherwise mundane tasks of managing a transport company. The scavenger hunt involves driving through a city and searching for ordained locations, while the robbery sequence requires the player to sedate robbers by shooting them with a crosshair.

The game’s progression system is based on the player’s ability to manage resources effectively. The more divisions the player opens and the higher the market share, the more successful the company becomes. The game’s UI is functional but lacks the polish of modern managerial simulations.

Mad TV 2

Mad TV 2 offers a different kind of managerial experience. The player is responsible for all aspects of daily work at a TV station, from managing employees to creating a TV schedule and handling advertisements. The game’s graphics are cartoonish, fitting the not-too-serious gameplay.

The gameplay mechanics in Mad TV 2 are more about creativity and entertainment. The player must balance the needs of the station with the desires of the audience, creating a schedule that appeals to a wide range of viewers. The game’s progression system is based on the player’s ability to create popular shows and attract advertisers.

The UI in Mad TV 2 is more intuitive than in Der Planer 2, with clear menus and options that make it easy to manage the station. The game’s sound design is also noteworthy, with a catchy soundtrack and humorous sound effects that add to the overall experience.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Der Planer 2

The world-building in Der Planer 2 is minimalistic, focusing more on the mechanics of management than on creating an immersive environment. The game’s setting is a generic transport company, with the player’s actions taking place in various regions around the world. The art style is functional, with simple graphics that serve their purpose without adding much to the overall experience.

The sound design in Der Planer 2 is equally minimalistic, with basic sound effects and a lackluster soundtrack. The game’s audio does little to enhance the player’s experience, serving more as a background element than a key component of the game.

Mad TV 2

Mad TV 2, on the other hand, excels in world-building and art direction. The game’s cartoonish graphics create a whimsical atmosphere that is both charming and engaging. The TV station setting is brought to life with detailed environments and humorous character designs.

The sound design in Mad TV 2 is also noteworthy, with a catchy soundtrack and humorous sound effects that add to the overall experience. The game’s audio complements the visuals perfectly, creating a cohesive and immersive world that draws the player in.

Reception & Legacy

The 2 in 1 Pack: Der Planer 2 / Mad TV 2 received mixed reviews upon its release. Critics praised the games for their unique concepts and engaging gameplay, but also noted their lack of polish and depth. The compilation was seen as a way to capitalize on the growing popularity of Windows-based gaming, but it ultimately fell short of expectations.

The legacy of Der Planer 2 and Mad TV 2 is somewhat mixed. While neither game is considered a classic, they both hold a special place in the hearts of German gamers who grew up during the late 1990s. The games’ unique concepts and engaging gameplay have left a lasting impact on the managerial simulation genre, influencing subsequent titles and paving the way for more complex and immersive experiences.

Conclusion

The 2 in 1 Pack: Der Planer 2 / Mad TV 2 is a fascinating artifact of the late 1990s gaming landscape. While neither game is a masterpiece, they both offer unique and engaging experiences that are worth exploring. Der Planer 2 provides a deep dive into the world of transport management, while Mad TV 2 offers a more lighthearted look at the entertainment industry. Together, they form a compelling snapshot of a time when managerial simulations were on the rise and the gaming industry was in a state of flux. For those interested in the history of German gaming, this compilation is a must-play.