Description

"Starmaster" is an engaging space combat simulator developed by Activision for the Atari 2600 console and released in 1982. In the game, players assume the role of a starfighter pilot tasked with defending the galaxy from enemy attack. The gameplay involves navigating a starship through the vast expanse of space, represented on a radar-like map, to locate and engage enemy spacecraft in dogfights, while also managing fuel reserves and protecting starbases from enemy raids. The player uses the joystick to maneuver the ship and the button to fire lasers, switching between the views and systems via the console switches, adding a layer of strategy and simulation beyond typical shooters of the time.

"Starmaster" was developed by Alan Miller, one of the prominent figures in early video game design who co-founded Activision after leaving Atari. The game was notable for its innovative use of the Atari 2600's capabilities, presenting a more complex and immersive experience than many other space-themed games of the era. It also featured a unique game mechanic where players had to toggle between the action screen and a galactic chart using the console's select switch, allowing for strategic planning and real-time action resolution. For its contribution to advancing the space simulator genre and its innovative gameplay, "Starmaster" received critical acclaim and went on to influence future space combat games. Its blend of tactical depth and direct combat was particularly praised, making it a beloved and influential title among early computer games.

Title

Starmaster - Title

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Gameplay

Starmaster - Gameplay

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