Summary
- Release Year: 1983
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: BBC Microcomputer System
- Publishers: Acornsoft
Starship Command: A Retrospective
Released in 1983, Starship Command is a classic arcade shooter that puts players in the role of captain of a battle starship, tasked with defending the frontiers of space from hostile alien ships. With its unique rotating gameplay, challenging difficulty, and variety of starship designs, Starship Command is a must-play for fans of the genre.
Gameplay
Starship Command is played from a top-down perspective, with the player’s ship locked in the center of the screen. The world rotates and moves around the player ship, and player shots also have limited range and are subject to the same rotation. This means that players need to predict where shots will need to go in order to hit the enemies.
The player ship has both long range scanners and shields, but may only use one at a time. By default, the game will automatically switch between them based on the proximity of enemy vessels, but the player can optionally take full control.
Using shields, thrusting, turning, and firing all use up energy, which is also depleted when hit by enemies. Energy will automatically replenish, most quickly if the shields are off and the starship is not moving, but this leaves the player open to attack.
Strategy
Starship Command is a challenging game that requires both skill and strategy to succeed. Players need to be able to quickly assess the situation and make decisions about how to best use their ship’s weapons and shields. They also need to be able to predict the movement of enemy ships and projectiles in order to avoid being hit.
One of the key strategic elements of Starship Command is the use of the escape capsule. Players are not expected to return their ship from the frontiers. Each individual voyage is a separate command, and lasts either until the player’s vessel is destroyed or until they use an escape capsule. If the escape capsule is successfully launched, which means firing it so that it doesn’t collide with any enemy ships, and the player is judged by Star-Fleet to have killed enough enemies during his command, then he is given a new commission and a new and visually different ship.
The number of points required to reach the next level is not fixed. Sometimes a score of 60 will suffice, and sometimes a score of 80 will not be enough to guarantee automatic promotion to the next level, assuming the escape capsule was jettisoned safely. Strangely, more points were awarded when an escape capsule collided with and destroyed an enemy ship as opposed to being shot or colliding with the starship.
Legacy
Starship Command was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best arcade shooters of all time. It was ported to a number of home computers, and was followed by a sequel, Super Starship Command, in 1988.
Starship Command has been praised for its innovative gameplay, challenging difficulty, and variety of starship designs. It is a game that has stood the test of time, and remains a popular choice for retro gamers today.
Tips for Playing Starship Command
- Use your shields wisely. Shields will protect your ship from enemy fire, but they will also drain your energy. Only use your shields when you need them.
- Use your thrusters to maneuver your ship. Thrusters will allow you to move your ship quickly and avoid enemy fire.
- Use your scanners to detect enemy ships. Scanners will allow you to see enemy ships that are not visible on the screen.
- Use your weapons to destroy enemy ships. Weapons will vary in their range and power. Choose the right weapon for the job.
- Use the escape capsule to save your life. If your ship is about to be destroyed, use the escape capsule to save your life.
Conclusion
Starship Command is a classic arcade shooter that is still enjoyed by gamers today. With its unique gameplay, challenging difficulty, and variety of starship designs, Starship Command is a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
8/10
