Summary
- Genres: Strategy
- Platforms: BBC Microcomputer System
Starfleet Encounter: A Comprehensive Guide
Released in 1984, Starfleet Encounter is a turn-based strategy game for the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and Amstrad CPC. It is the second game in the Rebelstar series, following Rebelstar Raiders.
The game is set in the distant future, where humanity has colonized several star systems. The player takes control of a Starfleet ship on a mission to rescue a group of scientists who have been captured by an alien race known as the G’rr.
The gameplay in Starfleet Encounter is similar to that of other turn-based strategy games. The player moves their ship around a grid-based map, using various weapons and abilities to defeat enemy ships and complete objectives.
One of the unique features of Starfleet Encounter is its emphasis on exploration. The player can choose to explore different star systems, each with its own unique planets and challenges. This exploration can lead to the discovery of new weapons, abilities, and even new crew members.
Another unique feature of Starfleet Encounter is its branching storyline. The player’s choices throughout the game can affect the story’s outcome. This replayability value makes Starfleet Encounter a game that can be enjoyed multiple times.
Gameplay
Starfleet Encounter is a turn-based strategy game in which the player controls a Starfleet ship on a mission to rescue a group of scientists who have been captured by an alien race known as the G’rr.
The game is played on a grid-based map, with each square representing a different location in space. The player’s ship can move around the map, using various weapons and abilities to defeat enemy ships and complete objectives.
The player’s ship is equipped with a variety of weapons, including lasers, photon torpedoes, and missiles. Each weapon has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and the player must choose the right weapon for each situation.
In addition to weapons, the player’s ship also has a variety of abilities, such as shields, cloaking devices, and repair systems. These abilities can be used to protect the player’s ship from enemy attacks and to complete objectives.
The player must use a combination of weapons and abilities to defeat enemy ships and complete objectives. The game features a variety of different enemy ships, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. The player must learn how to defeat each type of enemy ship in order to progress through the game.
Exploration
One of the unique features of Starfleet Encounter is its emphasis on exploration. The player can choose to explore different star systems, each with its own unique planets and challenges. This exploration can lead to the discovery of new weapons, abilities, and even new crew members.
The player can use their ship’s sensors to scan planets for resources and signs of life. If the player finds a planet that is inhabited, they can land their ship and explore the planet’s surface.
The player can encounter a variety of different things on the planets they explore, including friendly aliens, hostile aliens, and valuable resources. The player must use their wits and resources to overcome the challenges they encounter on the planets they explore.
Story
Starfleet Encounter features a branching storyline. The player’s choices throughout the game can affect the story’s outcome. This replayability value makes Starfleet Encounter a game that can be enjoyed multiple times.
The story of Starfleet Encounter begins with the player’s ship being sent on a mission to rescue a group of scientists who have been captured by the G’rr. The player must travel through a variety of star systems, defeat enemy ships, and complete objectives in order to reach the G’rr homeworld and rescue the scientists.
Along the way, the player will encounter a variety of different characters, both friendly and hostile. The player’s choices throughout the game will affect the relationships they build with these characters and the outcome of the story.
Legacy
Starfleet Encounter was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, branching storyline, and emphasis on exploration. Starfleet Encounter is considered to be one of the best strategy games of its era.
The game’s legacy continues to this day. Starfleet Encounter has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the PC, Mac, and mobile devices. The game has also been included in several retro gaming compilations.
Starfleet Encounter is a classic strategy game that is still enjoyed by many gamers today. The game’s innovative gameplay, branching storyline, and emphasis on exploration make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
8/10
