Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!mips!ptimtc!nntp-server.caltech.edu!nyet
From: nyet@nntp-server.caltech.edu (n liu)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.games
Subject: Re: Starflight
Keywords: remember that one?
Message-ID: <1991Mar22.080301.15037@nntp-server.caltech.edu>
Date: 22 Mar 91 08:03:01 GMT
References: <18804@milton.u.washington.edu>
Distribution: usa
Organization: California Institute of Technology, Pasadena
Lines: 35

picard@milton.u.washington.edu (Mary Stumpel) writes:


>Hi everyone. Remember that game Electronic Arts released some time ago
>called "Starflight?" Having never played the game before, I would like
>to ask you folks if this game is any good. The premise sounds interesting,
>but I've never seen the game (not even a demo) so if there is anyone
>willing to give me a quick review, that would be most appreciated.

Definitely one the great classics.. I had the IBM version though.
It had mediocre graphics, but the playing field is IMMENSE - i believe
it had about 80 starsystems, each with an average of 3-4 planets (max
8 i think). You could also land anywhere on any planet - i'm fairly
sure the terrain was generated via random number seed. The terrain
actually was deterministic though - land in the same place twice, and
it looks exactly alike. The plot was also fairly original, and had
some pretty good twists (won't spoil them for you). If you find it,
i recommend it highly - i still have some random hint sheets around too
if you ever have any questions on winning. 

The basic premise is this:
You are the captain of a spacecraft (big surprise). Of late, several
star systems have become unstable, and the resulting supernovae of 
some of the stars laid waste to their inner planets. Your assignment
is to find out why, and, if possible, prevent it from happening
to your home planet. Along the way you meet hostile/friendly aliens
and land on planets to mine valuable minerals which you sell to make
money, repair your ship, etc. Its fairly complex and involving. The 
size of the area you can explore is overwhelming.. Just doing that
and ignoring the plot can keep you occupied for weeks.

good luck on finding it..  If i can find my old one, i suppose i could
lend/sell it to you.

nyet@truebalt.caltech.edu