Developer: Argonaut Software Ltd.

Starglider 2 (1988)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Starglider 2: A Classic Sci-Fi Flight Simulator and Space Combat Game

Released in 1988, Starglider 2 is a sci-fi flight simulator and space combat game that was developed and published by Atari Games. It is the sequel to the 1986 game Starglider, and it was released for the Atari ST, Amiga, and MS-DOS.

Starglider 2 is set in the year 2620, and the player takes on the role of a starfighter pilot who must defend the galaxy from an alien invasion. The game features a variety of missions, including escort missions, bombing missions, and search and destroy missions. The player can choose from a variety of starfighters, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses.

One of the most impressive things about Starglider 2 is its graphics. The game uses a 3D engine to create a realistic and immersive space environment. The starfighters are beautifully detailed, and the explosions and other effects are very impressive.

The gameplay in Starglider 2 is also very good. The flight controls are responsive and the combat is exciting and challenging. The game also features a variety of different enemies, each with its own unique attack patterns.

Starglider 2 was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and challenge. The game was also ported to a number of other platforms, including the Sega Genesis and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

Gameplay

Starglider 2 is a space combat game in which the player takes control of a starfighter and must complete a variety of missions. The missions include escort missions, bombing missions, and search and destroy missions. The player can choose from a variety of starfighters, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses.

The starfighters in Starglider 2 are armed with a variety of weapons, including lasers, missiles, and bombs. The player can also use a variety of defensive maneuvers, such as chaff and flares.

The combat in Starglider 2 is fast-paced and exciting. The player must constantly be aware of their surroundings and must be able to react quickly to enemy attacks. The game also features a variety of different enemies, each with its own unique attack patterns.

Graphics

Starglider 2 is one of the most visually impressive games of its era. The game uses a 3D engine to create a realistic and immersive space environment. The starfighters are beautifully detailed, and the explosions and other effects are very impressive.

The game’s graphics were praised by critics, and they still hold up today. Starglider 2 is a visually stunning game that is a pleasure to play.

Sound

The sound in Starglider 2 is also very good. The game’s soundtrack is composed of a variety of electronic and orchestral pieces that help to create a sense of atmosphere and excitement. The sound effects are also very good, and they help to bring the game’s world to life.

Challenge

Starglider 2 is a challenging game. The missions are difficult, and the enemies are tough. The player must be skilled in both flying and combat in order to succeed.

The game’s challenge was praised by critics, and it is one of the things that makes it so replayable. Starglider 2 is a game that will keep players coming back for more.

Conclusion

Starglider 2 is a classic sci-fi flight simulator and space combat game. It features beautiful graphics, exciting gameplay, and a challenging difficulty. The game is a must-play for fans of the genre.

Starglider 2 Trivia

  • Starglider 2 was one of the first games to use a 3D engine.
  • The game’s soundtrack was composed by Chris Huelsbeck, who also composed the soundtracks for the Turrican games.
  • Starglider 2 was ported to a number of other platforms, including the Sega Genesis and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.
  • The game was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered to be one of the best space combat games ever made.

Review Score

9/10

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Birds of Prey (1991)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Birds of Prey (1991): A Classic Combat Flight Simulator

Released in 1991, Birds of Prey is a combat flight simulator that puts players in the cockpit of some of the most iconic aircraft in history. Set in a fictitious present-day world during a conflict between Soviet and NATO forces, the game offers a variety of mission types to participate in, ranging from air-to-air combat to ground attack and reconnaissance.

One of the things that sets Birds of Prey apart from other flight simulators of its era is its focus on realism. The game’s flight model is accurate and unforgiving, and players must carefully manage their aircraft’s speed, altitude, and energy in order to succeed. The game also features a detailed damage model, which means that players must be careful not to take too much damage or their aircraft will be destroyed.

Another thing that makes Birds of Prey special is its wide variety of aircraft and arming options. Players can choose from a variety of aircraft on both the Soviet and NATO sides, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Players can also choose from a variety of weapons and equipment to outfit their aircraft, allowing them to customize their aircraft to suit their own playstyle.

The combination of realism and variety makes Birds of Prey a challenging and rewarding experience for flight sim enthusiasts. The game is also notable for its graphics, which were cutting-edge for their time. The game’s terrain is detailed and realistic, and the aircraft models are well-rendered.

Gameplay

Birds of Prey offers a variety of mission types to participate in, including:

  • Air-to-air combat: Players engage in dogfights with enemy aircraft.
  • Ground attack: Players attack enemy ground targets, such as tanks, buildings, and radar installations.
  • Reconnaissance: Players fly over enemy territory to gather intelligence.

Players can choose to fly for either the Soviet or NATO side, and the game features a dynamic campaign that changes depending on the player’s actions. The game also features a variety of difficulty levels, so players of all skill levels can enjoy the game.

Aircraft

Birds of Prey features a wide variety of aircraft to choose from, including:

  • Soviet aircraft: MiG-29 Fulcrum, Su-27 Flanker, Su-25 Frogfoot, and Yak-38 Forger
  • NATO aircraft: F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, A-10 Thunderbolt II, and Harrier jump jet

Each aircraft has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. For example, the MiG-29 is a highly maneuverable fighter, while the Su-27 is a powerful interceptor. The A-10 is a heavily armored ground attack aircraft, while the Harrier is a versatile jump jet that can take off and land vertically.

Weapons and Equipment

Players can choose from a variety of weapons and equipment to outfit their aircraft, including:

  • Air-to-air missiles: These missiles are used to engage enemy aircraft.
  • Air-to-ground missiles: These missiles are used to attack enemy ground targets.
  • Bombs: These weapons are used to destroy enemy ground targets.
  • Rockets: These weapons are used to attack enemy aircraft and ground targets.
  • Electronic countermeasures: These devices are used to protect aircraft from enemy radar and missiles.

Players can customize their aircraft to suit their own playstyle. For example, a player who prefers air-to-air combat might choose to equip their aircraft with a variety of air-to-air missiles, while a player who prefers ground attack might choose to equip their aircraft with a variety of bombs and rockets.

Graphics and Sound

Birds of Prey features impressive graphics for its time. The game’s terrain is detailed and realistic, and the aircraft models are well-rendered. The game also features a variety of sound effects and music that help to create a immersive experience.

Reception

Birds of Prey was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its realism, variety, and graphics. The game was also a pioneer in the use of 3D graphics in flight simulators.

Birds of Prey is still considered to be one of the best combat flight simulators ever made. The game is a must-play for fans of the genre.

Legacy

Birds of Prey has had a lasting impact on the flight simulator genre. The game’s realism, variety, and graphics set a new standard for flight simulators. The game also helped to popularize the use of 3D graphics in flight simulators.

Birds of Prey has been followed by a number of sequels and spin-offs, including Birds of Prey 2 (1994), Birds of Prey: Strike Force (1997), and Birds of Prey: Talon (2003). The game has also been ported to a variety of platforms, including the PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.

Conclusion

Birds of Prey (1991) is a classic combat flight simulator that still holds up today. The game’s realism, variety, and graphics make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Starglider (1986)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Starglider (1986): A Space Combat Classic

Starglider is a 3D space combat game released in 1986 by Rainbird. It was developed by Argonaut Software, led by programmer Jez San. The game was inspired by Jez San’s love of the 1983 Atari coin-op Star Wars.

Starglider was a groundbreaking game for its time. It was one of the first 3D space combat games, and it featured stunning graphics and innovative gameplay. Players took control of a spaceship and fought against enemy ships in a variety of missions. The game was praised for its realism and its challenging difficulty.

Starglider was a critical and commercial success. It was one of the best-selling games of 1986, and it received positive reviews from critics. The game was followed by a sequel, Starglider 2, in 1988.

Gameplay

Starglider is a 3D space combat game in which players take control of a spaceship and fight against enemy ships in a variety of missions. The game features a variety of different ships, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Players must use their ship’s weapons and abilities to defeat their enemies and complete the mission objectives.

The game’s missions are varied and challenging. Players must escort cargo ships, destroy enemy bases, and even rescue hostages. The game’s difficulty increases as players progress through the missions.

Graphics

Starglider’s graphics were groundbreaking for its time. The game used a 3D vector graphics engine to create a realistic and immersive space environment. The ships and environments were all rendered in 3D, and the game featured a variety of special effects, such as explosions and smoke trails.

The game’s graphics were praised by critics for their realism and detail. Starglider was one of the first games to use 3D vector graphics, and it helped to set a new standard for graphics in video games.

Gameplay

Starglider’s gameplay is fast-paced and challenging. Players must use their ship’s weapons and abilities to defeat their enemies and complete the mission objectives. The game’s controls are simple and intuitive, but the gameplay is difficult to master.

The game’s difficulty increases as players progress through the missions. Players must learn to use their ship’s weapons and abilities effectively in order to survive. The game also features a variety of different enemy ships, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses.

Legacy

Starglider was a critical and commercial success. It was one of the best-selling games of 1986, and it received positive reviews from critics. The game was followed by a sequel, Starglider 2, in 1988.

Starglider is considered to be one of the classic space combat games. It was one of the first games to use 3D vector graphics, and it helped to set a new standard for graphics in video games. The game’s fast-paced and challenging gameplay still holds up today, and it remains a fun and rewarding experience.

Conclusion

Starglider is a classic space combat game that still holds up today. Its innovative gameplay and stunning graphics were groundbreaking at the time, and it remains a fun and challenging experience. If you’re a fan of space combat games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Starglider.

Additional Information

  • Starglider was developed by a small team of just four people.
  • The game was originally going to be called “Star Wars: The Arcade Game,” but Lucasfilm refused to license the Star Wars name.
  • Starglider was one of the first games to use a 3D vector graphics engine.
  • The game’s soundtrack was composed by David Whittaker.
  • Starglider was released on a variety of platforms, including the Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum.
  • The game was a critical and commercial success, and it was followed by a sequel, Starglider 2, in 1988.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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