I drink, therefore I am! You too will be able to burp this out loud soon - if you haven't done so already... on several occasions... none of which you could remember the next day. Come this January, the self-proclaimed tycoon experts from Virtual Playground (Prison Tycoon) will make a virtual anonymous alcoholic out of everyone willing to play their latest creation: Beer Tycoon. Published by Frogster Interactive, the game will be a tycoon like no other, albeit more than modest in appearance (they're probably relying on our beer-induced visual indulgency while playing this thing).

"Gamers have numerous options in the game. They start with a handful of brewery buildings and try to build up to an international big brand corporation. For this, they have to manage all necessary things. From recruiting and marketing to the development of new products – and these are only a few of the many important tasks facing intending brewery managers.

Featuring highly detailed 3D graphics (ed. - rrright...), the game offers the opportunity to enter the beer business as head of a micro brewery or a medium sized suburban brewery, or even enter the global competition managing a full-blown big brewery. These companies can consist of up to 21 different brewery building types. There are 50 ingredients one can brew the beer from, including various kinds of hops and malts, and even specialities like chilli and chocolate."

I like my beer straight, cold, and sometimes black, thank you, but I guess a bit of choice never hurt nobody. And come to think of it, why would they release a Beer Tycoon in the middle of winter, when a Vodka Tycoon would have been so much more welcome - and my drinking comrade thinks so too! After all, great minds drink alike.

(N.B. Archive text, links removed)