At GamingShogun.com, our staff comes from a wide variety of professional backgrounds. Every so often, we find ourselves wondering what it would be like to operate heavy machinery for a living. Other times—perhaps while driving past the Queen Mary in Long Beach on the way to a Halloween event—we’ve contemplated the sheer difficulty of unloading massive shipping containers from a deck battered by a brutal storm. If you’ve ever wanted to scratch that itch, Docked Deluxe Edition puts you in the seat of the world’s largest cranes to do exactly that.
It would have been easy for the developers at Saber Interactive to create a basic, no-frills crane simulator. However, that doesn’t fit the style of the studio behind Snowrunner, Mudrunner, Road Kings, and Bus Bound—sims known for having surprisingly deep narratives. As a simulation enthusiast myself (who once claimed I’d play any sim except golf, only to eventually play that too), the prospect of managing a port, stacking containers, and repairing docks sounded right up my alley. By adding a cohesive story, Saber has truly elevated the gameplay experience.
The Story: Disaster at Port Wake
You play as Tommy Mason, the “prodigal son” returning to join the family business at Port Wake. Tommy arrives just before a devastating hurricane levels the area, leaving him to work double-time to restore order. Fortunately, you aren’t alone; family and friends provide both contracts and helpful advice as you progress. The dialogue is grounded and realistic rather than corny, perfectly capturing the atmosphere of a community dealing with natural devastation. Using a hurricane as the catalyst for the game was a brilliant move, as it effectively frames the gameplay as an engaging disaster cleanup operation.
Gameplay and Realism
In terms of realism, Docked is accessible. You don’t need a massive physical equipment console or a H.O.T.A.S. setup; a keyboard and mouse work perfectly well. There is a rewarding learning curve regarding locks, lighting, and crane mechanics. Just when you feel you’ve mastered a machine, the game introduces a new challenge or a more efficient way to operate. The “in-cab” details provide enough immersion to feel authentic without getting bogged down in tedious micro-operations, focusing instead on the satisfying results of your labor.
The Deluxe Edition: Is It Worth It?
With any Deluxe Edition or pre-order, the question is always: Is it worth the money? In this case, the Premium Reach Stacker is a significant draw, offering better engine quality and faster start times and adjustments compared to the standard models.
The Deluxe Edition also includes:
- Two future New Horizons DLCs
- A Premium Terminal Tractor
- The Premium Reach Stacker and additional content
The gameplay is surprisingly addictive, often leading to those “just one more contract” late-night sessions. There is a genuine sense of satisfaction in helping your community recover while mastering the machinery.
Final Verdict
Docked Deluxe Edition is a “chill” yet remarkably addictive experience. The inclusion of two planned DLCs shows a commitment to the title that the community can rally behind. I fully expect the dedicated fandoms of Snowrunner and Mudrunner to find themselves right at home at Port Wake.
