ZX Computing


Startrek

Categories: Review: Software
Author: Phil Garratt
Publisher: Fuller Micro Systems Ltd
Machine: Spectrum 16K

 
Published in ZX Computing #5

Startrek

Fuller Micro Systems' Startrek is a no-frills version of the classic game for the 16K Spectrum. Your task, as ever, is to clear the 8 x 8 sector galaxy of the cursed Klingons. Nicely detailed user-defined graphics are used to mark the Enterprise and any Klingons or starbases in your current sector. You are also told the state of your energy reserves, shields and torpedoes. Sectors are numbered consecutively, rather than in the more usual line/column format.

Seven commands are available in this version. 'Helm' requires a direction from 0 to 7 and 'Warp Factor' from 1 to 63, and is used for movement. 'Torpedo' uses the same direction input, and will always destroy any Klingon it hits, whereas 'Phasers' seem to need an awful lot of energy to knock out the enemy. 'Update' is equivalent to a short range display, and has to be used if you want the destroyed Klingon to disappear from the screen. Updating is done automatically when the Enterprise moves. The 'Long Range Scan' shows Klingons, starbases and stars in the surrounding eight sectors and is slightly confusing as it is not justified, so that if there are only stars in a sector, it appears in the Klingons' column. 'Shields' set the strength of your defences and the last command is 'Resign' for when you tire of the chase.

The galaxy is well supplied with starbases at which you can refuel, but I can't help feeling that, with such a limited number of commands and scenarios, you'd have to be a pretty dedicated 'Trekkie' to see this one through to the bitter end. However, it is reasonably quick, has good graphics (although it would have been nice to see the torpedo tracks) and sound effects.

Startrek is priced at £5.50 and is available from Fuller Micro Systems, The ZX Centre, Sweeting Street, Liverpool 2.

Phil Garratt

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