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The object of Star Trader is for you, as commander of an expedition starship, to explore the five star systems and their planets, trade with the inhabitants, and mine the area. If any planet is inhabited, you must persuade the population to join the Empire.

You must seek out the Ultimate Computer, as your planet needs its resources.

A corner of the screen displays the five 'single character' star systems. You must move your 'block' or space ship over the system, then press 'V' for visit. The screen flashes, and you then have the system's many planets to orbit, explore, mine and do trade with. These are just different-sized dots.

The rest of the screen is divided into three sections. One of these shows your status, fuel, time, food, water and air; another is your inventory, showing your trade; and the third displays details of the planet you're currently orbiting, its temperature, atmosphere, population type, attitude, water, food, fuel and minerals.

Sound is scarce. Beeps accompany the movement of your ship, and there's an effect for visiting and leaving planets.

Star Trader seems similar to Star Trek and Galaxy. It's slow and boring with hardly any variation - the process is the same for each planet.

You may load and save games, and you are given very clear instructions, demonstrating each part of the display.