Star Control I

Programmed by ?
Software house Accolade

Reviewed by Robert Caporetto

Unlike other Space games, Star Control isn't about total annihilation of alien species. Taking control of either the allied 'Alliance of Free Starts', or the evil 'Hierarchy of Battle Thralls' run by the Ur-quan, your main objective is to build up large fleet, and then successfully obliterate your opponent's base [Sounds a bit like Supremacy, doesn't it?]

Unlike the aforementioned classic, Star Control doesn't go into as much depth with the resource management, but when the joys of combat come around, the game takes a different shape altogether. To win battles, it isn't just a case of having a sufficient strategy, or the right tactics, but, like Archon, it it decided via straight out arcade-style-combat. Here, each of the different alien races [8 in total] have craft with both primary and secondary weaponry, which vary wildly, such as the Ur-quan's plasma cannon, or the Terran's Guided Nuclear Weapons, or the bizarre Secondary abilities of such races as the Mycon with their Regeneration, or the Syreen with their ability to assimilate enemy crew members.

The ships have crew, which if expires caused the ship to explode, and energy, which is essential for firing weapon systems, on the ship. Back to the strategic aspect, which, although being turn-based, is still quite enjoyable, because of the relative pace that it moves through. Also, unlike many other strategy games, is quite easy for the general gamer to pick up, and seriously get into, which is surely a plus point! One thing I don't like, compared to the PeeCee version is the loss of almost half the races available [and they are pretty good ones too!], and the lack of scenarios in the strategy section [which does limit the enjoyability in the long run].

Overall, Star Control is a true classic, but seriously, as good as the C64 version is, it doesn't compare with the more in-depth PC version, or it's superlative sequel, which ditches the strategy aspect, and adds a major quest to complete.

Overall: 8.5/10 An enjoyable strategy game. An outstanding blast in the Melee section.