Computer Gaming World Issue 54 - TextFiles.com

A
s sequels go, they generally lose some of the flavor and
excitement that was generated by their predecessors.
Fortunately, this is not always the case in the software
world. In the continuing evolution of three dimensional modelled
graphics, Rainbird Software has continued to build upon the
experience gained from Starglider
I and its wire-framed vector objects
by keeping pace with the
present industry benchmark of Starglider II
color-filled vector generated
objects.
The historical background of
Starglider II takes up where its
predecessor left off. It is your basic Star Wars
premise, in which you, as the last hope of
free civilization, must do battle with the overwhelming
odds against you. You must attempt
to push back the evil Egron empire
and save Novenia and all other free worlds.
The Egron war machine has devoured planet
after planet in their quest for absolute
domination. They must be stopped!
In Starglider I, the player was confined to
the vicinity of the planet Novenia, his vehicle
lacking the ability to leave the planet's atmosphere.
In the sequel, it's possible, with the
newly perfected "star drive", to leave Novenia
and travel to other worlds. Possible,
nay.... necessary; for the Egrons are constructing
powerful beam projectors on the seven
moons of Millway, which will be used to
protect a vast space station during its construction.
It is this space station that will be
turned against Novenia, unless it can be
destroyed first. (Shades of the Death Star in
The Empire Strikes Back!).
As previously mentioned, Starglider II features
three dimensional modelled graphics. It also has a
patterned, full perspective, scrolling landscape.
This is also an enhancement of Starglider I, since
the original provided no real landscape, whatsoever;
merely objects scattered over a dark and dismal plain.
However, should you find the patchwork landscape a distraction,
there is a key function to disable it.
Has the use of three dimensional modelling been improved,
over previous releases? Undeniably, yes! As an example, I point
to the "walkers", reminiscent of those in the opening scenes of
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. They move with a fluidity
that has been heretofore unseen in computer games. Also, the
use of color renders these animations more real and life-like
than ever before.
New to Starglider graphics are the energy bolts that you can
fire at your opponents; they are no longer mere lines drawn on
the screen, and then erased. They are now actual objects, resembling
elongated two dimensional diamonds.
The feeling of actual flight has also been improved. The land
and space stapes are redrawn with such precision and speed,
that Starglider could very easily be referred to as a "mini-flight
simulator".
An ST with a single sided drive will not be able to access the excellent
soundtrack and the digitized sound effects. Instead, computer
generated sounds replace the very real crashes of stereo
digitized thunderclaps, and explosions, etc. A nice addition to the
by Frank Eva
TITLE: Starglider II
SYSTEM: Amiga, AU,, S r
# PLAYERS: 1
PRICE: $44.95
PUBLISHER: Rainbird Software
Menlo Park, C A 94025
Review
Starglider package, specifically for ST single sided drive owners,
is an audio cassette containing the musical score.
As is the case with most titles issuing from the United
Kingdom, the documentation, complete as it may be, lacks the
most important information: How to succeed at game play, the
▪ philosophy being that the player is
expected to learn by trial and
error. Other than the fact that no
real hints are given on succeed-
ing at Starglider II, the game has
no real weak points! However, a
few suggestions are in order, that
- may facilitate a more ideal
method of play. First of all, even
though there is optional joystick control, the
use of the mouse is preferred. The basic
problem here is the fact that most joysticks
come with only one trigger button, or a combination
of buttons that accomplish only one
task. With new joysticks entering the game
play market, perhaps we will someday see
computer programs that remove the major
drawback to the use of a joystick: the number
of available functions is just too limited. Both
joystick modes can be equally frustrating. The
"one hand" mode forces the player to issue
acceleration and deceleration commands in a
method similar to firing weapons systems,
and this can actually be damaging to game
play. Whereas a quick tap of the fire button
causes the current weapon to be fired, the
player must remember to hold down the button
and push the stick forward to increase
speed, or backward to reduce speed. You
may find yourself holding the button down
too long when trying to fire your weapons
and instead reducing or increasing your
speed.
The other joystick mode forces the player to use
the SPACEBAR to fire weapons! Now, if you happen
to own a joystick that attaches to your work
surface with suction cups, and provides a fire button
on the control stick, this method will be a valuable
option. However, if you don't, you will find the weapon
firing sequence very awkward.
The best alternative is to use the mouse. Since this is already a
one hand device, your other hand can be used to issue specialized
commands from the keyboard. The mouse, with its standard
two button configuration, is the perfect tool for flying the Icarus.
You can bank left or right simply by moving the mouse in that
direction. (A "mouse pad" will help to limit the desk space required).
Also, changing altitude is accomplished by moving the
mouse forward or back. And finally, changing speed is accomplished
by holding down the right button, while simultaneously
moving the mouse forward or back. The left mouse
button fires the currently selected weapon.
In Starglider II, you must learn to control your speed. New attack
patterns your enemies have devised will frequently leave
you flying in circles, since some of them like to get you from the
rear. So, slow down and analyze these patterns, thus saving
energy.
Who will like Starglider II? Certainly the arcade fan, for the realistic
air and space combat, but also the ardent adventurer, for the
exploration of some sixteen planets and moons making up the
Solice System, the closest star cluster to the Novenian system.
Since this includes most computer game players, I would imagine
that the only person who would not enjoy Starglider II is
one who likes only text adventures! Starglider II is a good buy!