„The year is 1987. The cult classic game Kaiser is taking the software market by storm. Now, finally, eight years later, this once-successful game returns with a completely new look.

It is an economic simulation in the battle for the imperial crown (around the year 1700). Acquire land, create living space for your citizens, wage wars, engage in trade, set taxes, and much more as you make your way to the imperial palace. Play alone or with up to 8 players.“ (back of the game box)

Kaiser Deluxe is a remake of the original game Kaiser (1988). You start your career as a poor man in the 18th century. Trade goods, acquire land, achieve fame, raise taxes, and conduct war. But don't forget to make your people happy. You're heading to be Kaiser (Emperor) - not more, not less!

The game is improved for the 1990s: It supports gameplay for 1 up to 8 players, SVGA graphics, digitized speech, CD-audio music, and an endless-play option. It was developed by the Swiss publisher LINEL. Markus Grimmer was the project lead. He counted on Bob Smith for programming, Michael Tschögl for artwork, and Christoph Schnell for the music. Grimmer wrote the manual. They worked with the original concept of Dirk Beyelstein and CCD. Rolf Feusi and Dario Schmidhauser did the testing. As the game’s publisher and distributor, they chose Softgold Computerspiele (a publishing arm of Rushware) with project lead Thorsten Neumann.

The reviews in the game magazines were not so favorable. Power Play (1995-07) states that with a delay of eight years, the Swiss development team Linel is bringing a graphically enhanced “Deluxe Edition” of this classic back into the spotlight. But in terms of gameplay, nothing has changed since the 64 era: „You take on the role of the ruler of a province in the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation. The goal of the game is still to rise from “Lord” to Emperor in the shortest time possible. To do so, you must ensure that the granaries are full, your subjects are satisfied, and your bank statements always show a credit balance. Across multiple screens, you use various hotspots to carry out all desired purchases and actions. If you’re satisfied with your choices, simply click “Next” to conclude the current game year. Once you attain the title of Baron, you’ll also gain military authority. Solo players face off against the computer in Kaiser Deluxe, while social players can invite up to seven power-hungry friends to join in.“

The reviews brand Kaiser Deluxe as an eight-year-old game burned onto CD in 1995—technically unchanged and enhanced only by strange EGA graphics. And they grant it only a nostalgia bonus. PC Player (1995-08) says: „The gameplay in Kaiser is basically boring as hell. Managing grain supplies, placing a few buildings on the map, and waging a war now and then—that's it; there's nothing more to it.“

However, these reviews seem to be quite harsh. Strategy simulation fans and retrogamers seem to have a different approach. In a comment, the YouTube Let's Player Legendary Games notes that, unlike the press, both he and his relatives and friends really loved the multiplayer game back then. And @Charleshawn66 also comments under the video: “Very cool! The DOS version looks GREAT! […]” Unfortunately, there was only a German version of Kaiser Deluxe on the market.