Video Game Gazette
With the release of the N.E.S., consoles dominated the world of video games. However, home consoles lacked the power and storage needed to run certain types of games such as Star Control. Sadly, most gamers never got a chance to play these games because they put their gaming money in consoles rather than in their PC. Fortunately, the release of 32-bit systems with CD-ROM drives changed the gaming landscape, as they had processing power and storage that was previously only available on home computers. All sorts of genera that were new to consoles were unleashing on the gaming masses. These included first person shooters and strategy action games. Star Control II by Accolade was one such game. As we all now know, first person shooters would dominate gaming over the next ten years and strategy games would be relegated back to PCs. This rather unfortunate turn of events greatly restricted most peoples’ gaming diet. If you are tired of first person shooters and want to play something different try Star Control II.
So what is Star Control II? Well, it is something like an R.P.G., as you travel the galaxy and interact with its many inhabitants. It also has elements in common with the original War Craft, in that you will inevitably fight alien races, and build up resources. The battle scenes remind me of the old combat game on the Atari 2600, albeit with updated graphics and features like scaling.
Star Control II is a truly engrossing game. This is due in part to its detailed story line. Here is a brief introduction. After centuries of conflict and the devastating Little War of 2015, world leaders made a pact for global disarmament. All of the world’s weapons of mass destruction were dismantled and stored in huge vaults known as peace bunkers. These were guarded by Star Control, whose charge was to keep the peace. By 2025 the great era without war had begun. Not long after, we began to colonize the solar system. Scientists also began investigating warp speed technology. Our first contact with alien life forms was in 2112, when a Chenjesu vessel appeared at the Ceres asteroid base. They came to warn us that an Ur-Quan fleet was advancing towards our solar system. They told us of the destruction that the Ur-Quan brought and asked that we join the Alliance of the Free Stars. After careful deliberation earth’s leaders accepted the offer to join the alliance. Our large stash of weapons of mass destruction were put to good use in the war with the Ur-Quan.
The war dragged on for several decades. By 2134 the Ur-Quan had gained the upper hand. It seemed that the coalition, which now numbered 14 different races, was doomed. In desperation, we sent ships out on dangerous reconnaissance missions so try to outmaneuver the Ur-Quan. One such mission was sent to the Zeeman-Vela star cluster. Our cruisers were ambushed by enemy vessels. Only the Tobermoon, commanded by Captain I. Burton escaped. However, the Tobermoon was severely damaged. After drifting through space for more than a week, the crew was able to safely land the ship on Vela II for repairs. While exploring the planet, a young ensign discovered an enormous subterranean city that was built by an extinct race known as the Precursors. The city was full of long dormant robots and a wealth of advanced Xenotechnology. Realizing the importance of this discovery, Captain Burton reported the discovery to earth high command.
A scientific expedition was sent to Vela II. Not long after they arrived, they received word that an Ur-Quan taskforce was seen moving towards the Vela system. They were ordered to destroy the city and return to earth. This was unthinkable, to squander such a great technological discovery could spell our doom. So Captain Burton remained on Vela II with the scientific expedition and sent the Tobermoon back to earth with the rest of the crew, to get reinforcements. The reinforcements never arrived, but never did the Ur-Quan. After ten long years the expedition finally discovered the secrets of the Precursor technology. The city sprung to life. Robots scurried around, power generators glowed, and giant cranes moved into place. After a day it became clear what the machines were doing, they were assembling a starship! After several years the construction suddenly stopped. The planet simply did not have enough resources to finish the ship. However, the ship was far enough along to be space-worthy. After lifting off, they discovered the Tobermoon drifting through space. She was badly damaged and there was no sign of the crew. Captain Burton boarded her old vessel and began repairs. Fortunately, the thrusters were not severely damaged and both vessels soon set a course for earth. Shortly after you had engaged HyperDrive, sensors picked up a ship tailing you. It disengaged your thrusters returning you to TrueSpace. Heroically Captain Burton intercepted the ship with the Tobermoon allowing you to warp out. Upon exiting hyperspace you find yourself on the edge of our solar system. At full thrusters you will reach earth in two days, and learn the fate of our world.
Star Control II has a mix of incredible 3D animation and 16-bit era R.P.G. graphics. The animation is truly awesome, even by today’s standards. Some people would consider the 16-bit graphics dated, but to me it is just classic.
Star Control II has a wide variety of gameplay. For the arcade gamer, there is the super melee space battle. It is something like a cross between Asteroids and Combat for the Atari 2600. You have thrust and direction just like in Asteroids. However, the game also makes use of gravity, so that you can catapult around planets. You can play against the computer, or match your skills against a friend. You build a fleet of up to 12 ships from a selection of 25 alien spacecraft, then blast your opponent to bits. The real fun begins with the story mode. It is an enormous space opera R.P.G. There are more than 3,000 planets in 500 different star systems. The planets offer valuable resources that you can trade with the numerous alien races that you will encounter. Some of these encounters will turn sour and will lead to war. This results in super melee space battles.
