Summary
- Release Year: 1986
- Genres: Shooter, Simulator
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Apple II, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, Mac, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Argonaut Software Ltd.
- Publishers: Rainbird
Starglider (1986): A Space Combat Classic
Starglider is a 3D space combat game released in 1986 by Rainbird. It was developed by Argonaut Software, led by programmer Jez San. The game was inspired by Jez San’s love of the 1983 Atari coin-op Star Wars.
Starglider was a groundbreaking game for its time. It was one of the first 3D space combat games, and it featured stunning graphics and innovative gameplay. Players took control of a spaceship and fought against enemy ships in a variety of missions. The game was praised for its realism and its challenging difficulty.
Starglider was a critical and commercial success. It was one of the best-selling games of 1986, and it received positive reviews from critics. The game was followed by a sequel, Starglider 2, in 1988.
Gameplay
Starglider is a 3D space combat game in which players take control of a spaceship and fight against enemy ships in a variety of missions. The game features a variety of different ships, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Players must use their ship’s weapons and abilities to defeat their enemies and complete the mission objectives.
The game’s missions are varied and challenging. Players must escort cargo ships, destroy enemy bases, and even rescue hostages. The game’s difficulty increases as players progress through the missions.
Graphics
Starglider’s graphics were groundbreaking for its time. The game used a 3D vector graphics engine to create a realistic and immersive space environment. The ships and environments were all rendered in 3D, and the game featured a variety of special effects, such as explosions and smoke trails.
The game’s graphics were praised by critics for their realism and detail. Starglider was one of the first games to use 3D vector graphics, and it helped to set a new standard for graphics in video games.
Gameplay
Starglider’s gameplay is fast-paced and challenging. Players must use their ship’s weapons and abilities to defeat their enemies and complete the mission objectives. The game’s controls are simple and intuitive, but the gameplay is difficult to master.
The game’s difficulty increases as players progress through the missions. Players must learn to use their ship’s weapons and abilities effectively in order to survive. The game also features a variety of different enemy ships, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses.
Legacy
Starglider was a critical and commercial success. It was one of the best-selling games of 1986, and it received positive reviews from critics. The game was followed by a sequel, Starglider 2, in 1988.
Starglider is considered to be one of the classic space combat games. It was one of the first games to use 3D vector graphics, and it helped to set a new standard for graphics in video games. The game’s fast-paced and challenging gameplay still holds up today, and it remains a fun and rewarding experience.
Conclusion
Starglider is a classic space combat game that still holds up today. Its innovative gameplay and stunning graphics were groundbreaking at the time, and it remains a fun and challenging experience. If you’re a fan of space combat games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Starglider.
Additional Information
- Starglider was developed by a small team of just four people.
- The game was originally going to be called “Star Wars: The Arcade Game,” but Lucasfilm refused to license the Star Wars name.
- Starglider was one of the first games to use a 3D vector graphics engine.
- The game’s soundtrack was composed by David Whittaker.
- Starglider was released on a variety of platforms, including the Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum.
- The game was a critical and commercial success, and it was followed by a sequel, Starglider 2, in 1988.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
