Summary
- Release Year: 1982
- Genres: Shooter, Simulator
- Platforms: Apple II, Arcade, ColecoVision, Commodore C64/128/MAX, Commodore VIC-20, Texas Instruments TI-99
- Developers: Sega Electronics, Sega Enterprises, Inc.
- Publishers: Coleco
Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator (1982)
Overview
Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator is an arcade action game released in 1982 by Sega. The game is based on the popular Star Trek franchise, and puts the player in control of the Starship Enterprise on a mission to save the Federation from NOMAD, a powerful and deadly probe.
Gameplay
The game is played from two points of view. The top of the screen contains a third person view of the Enterprise, along with the ship’s gauges. On the bottom of the screen is a first person point of view from the perspective of the ship’s captain.
The player controls the Enterprise using a joystick and buttons. The joystick moves the ship left and right, and the buttons fire phasers and photon torpedoes. The player can also dock at starbases to replenish their supplies of energy and torpedoes.
The game consists of ten levels, each of which is made up of multiple rounds. In each round, the player must battle their way through waves of enemies, including Klingon fighters, deadly anti-matter saucers, asteroid fields, and deadly meteors. Each round also contains one or more starbases, which the player can dock at to replenish their supplies.
The game ends when the player’s energy supply has completely run out.
Enemies
The player will encounter a variety of enemies in Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator, including:
- Klingon fighters: These are the most common enemy in the game. They are relatively weak, but can quickly overwhelm the player if they are not dealt with quickly.
- Anti-matter saucers: These are more powerful than Klingon fighters, and can fire deadly anti-matter blasts.
- Asteroid fields: These are fields of asteroids that can damage the Enterprise if it collides with them.
- Deadly meteors: These are large meteors that can cause significant damage to the Enterprise if they hit it.
Weapons
The Enterprise is equipped with a variety of weapons to defend itself from its enemies. These weapons include:
- Phasers: These are the Enterprise’s primary weapons. They are energy weapons that can be fired rapidly.
- Photon torpedoes: These are powerful explosive weapons that can be used to destroy enemy ships.
Starbases
Starbases are scattered throughout the game levels. The player can dock at starbases to replenish their supplies of energy and torpedoes. Starbases also provide a safe haven from enemy fire.
Legacy
Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator was a popular arcade game in the early 1980s. It was one of the first Star Trek games to be released, and it helped to popularize the franchise in the arcade market. The game was also notable for its innovative use of two different points of view, and for its challenging and addictive gameplay.
Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator has been ported to a number of home platforms over the years, including the Atari 2600, Commodore 64, and PC. The game remains popular today among fans of classic arcade games and Star Trek fans alike.
Conclusion
Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator is a classic arcade game that offers challenging and addictive gameplay. The game’s innovative use of two different points of view and its variety of enemies and weapons make it a unique and memorable experience. Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator is a must-play for fans of classic arcade games and Star Trek fans alike.
Review Score
7.5/10