Summary
- Release Year: 1982
- Genres: Adventure, Puzzle
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Amstrad PCW, Apple II, Atari 8-bit, Atari ST/STE, Commodore 16, Commodore C64/128/MAX, Commodore Plus/4, DOS, Mac, Tatung Einstein, TRS-80
- Developers: Infocom
- Publishers: Infocom
Starcross (1982): A Space Mining Adventure
Introduction
Starcross is a 1982 science fiction video game developed and published by Atari, Inc. for the Atari 8-bit family of home computers. The game is set in the year 2186, and the player takes on the role of a miner of quantum black holes, scouring the asteroid belt in a one-man survey ship. Finding and harnessing a single black hole can make a person’s fortune, but it’s a lonely business, fraught with the known and unknown hazards of space.
Gameplay
The player controls their ship from a top-down perspective, using the joystick to move and fire. The ship is equipped with a variety of weapons and tools, including lasers, missiles, and a tractor beam. The player must use these tools to defend their ship from enemy ships and asteroids, and to collect quantum black holes.
Quantum black holes are found in asteroid fields, and the player must use their tractor beam to capture them. Once a black hole is captured, the player can transport it back to their base to sell it for a profit. The player can also use black holes to power their ship’s weapons and shields.
The game is divided into a number of levels, each with its own unique challenges. The player must progress through the levels by collecting a certain number of black holes and defeating a boss enemy.
Development
Starcross was developed by a team led by programmer Ed Logg. Logg was inspired to create the game after reading an article about the possibility of mining black holes for energy. He wanted to create a game that would be both challenging and fun, and that would allow players to experience the excitement of space exploration.
The game was developed over a period of two years, and it was one of the most ambitious projects that Atari had ever undertaken. The game’s graphics and sound were cutting-edge for the time, and it featured a complex and engaging gameplay experience.
Release and Reception
Starcross was released in 1982 to critical acclaim. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, its beautiful graphics, and its immersive sound design. Starcross was a commercial success, and it helped to establish Atari as a leader in the home video game market.
Legacy
Starcross is considered to be one of the classic video games of the 1980s. The game’s unique gameplay and immersive setting have made it a favorite among gamers for decades. Starcross has been ported to a number of different platforms, and it is still available for purchase today.
In-Depth Review
Starcross is a challenging and rewarding game that offers a unique and immersive space exploration experience. The game’s graphics and sound are top-notch, and the gameplay is both addictive and engaging.
One of the things that makes Starcross so special is its sense of atmosphere. The game’s dark and mysterious setting creates a feeling of isolation and danger. The player is constantly on edge, wondering what might be lurking in the shadows.
The game’s gameplay is also very well-crafted. The player must carefully manage their resources and make strategic decisions in order to survive. The game’s difficulty is perfectly balanced, and it provides a sense of accomplishment when the player finally completes a level.
Overall, Starcross is a classic video game that deserves its place in the pantheon of great games. The game’s unique gameplay, immersive setting, and beautiful graphics make it a must-play for any fan of space exploration games.
Tips for Playing
Here are a few tips for playing Starcross:
- Be careful when exploring asteroid fields. Asteroids can damage your ship, and they can also hide enemy ships.
- Use your tractor beam to capture quantum black holes. Black holes can be used to power your ship’s weapons and shields, and they can also be sold for a profit.
- Upgrade your ship’s weapons and shields as soon as possible. This will help you to survive the increasingly difficult levels.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies. There is no one right way to play Starcross.
Conclusion
Starcross is a classic video game that offers a unique and immersive space exploration experience. The game’s challenging gameplay, beautiful graphics, and immersive sound design make it a must-play for any fan of the genre.
Review Score
8/10
Art
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