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Star Trader is recorded in two sections - the instructions are of high quality, and very clear, and recorded on one side of the cassette. The other side carries the main program. The game is designed to combine the reaction skills of an arcade game with the logic and complexity of an adventure, but I would credit it with only partial success in this respect as the arcade section is excellent, with full 3D effect, and relative ship/alien movement superbly portrayed. The trading/adventure section, although entertaining is unfortunately marred by the rapid time elapse, which means that it is necessary to eat, drink and sleep urgently very often, which is tedious and annoying to say the least.

The object is to succeed as an interplanetary trader by studying the stock exchange and buying cheap goods on one planet to sell at a profit on the next. The action section is confined to the space fight, during which you will probably be attacked by space pirates against whom you may defend yourself with a laser and batteries (if you can afford to buy them). This excellent action, with the 3D effect making the standard "shoot-'em-up" idea much more difficult and graphically interesting.

On landing on a planet you will have to pass through customs, and you can choose the degree to which you are honest with the customs officers: ranging from total declaration to bribery, but if your bribe is too low, all your goods are confiscated and you are jailed before release with very little money.

As a summary, I would say that this game is of a high standard and improves with play as you learn the tricks of rapid trade to help avoid the tedious process of refreshment.