Star Trader
- Star Trader (1974 on Mainframe, 1979 on Research Machines 380Z)
- Star Trader (1979 on Compucolor II)
- Star Trader (1984 on Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum)
Description
As a merchant in the distant future, you captain a starship from system to system, visiting starports to buy and sell cargo until you amass one thousand credits and retire to the quiet life. Fuel, upkeep, and even computer access contribute to overhead expenses. Pirates will get in your way and do costly damage to your ship or even end your career if your aim is slow. When money runs short, however, you can always scoop fuel from a red giant star or swipe some cargo from the ship a few bays down. If you make your deliveries on time, your reputation will bring you better fees.
The emphasis of the game is economic; ship-to-ship combat is purely a gallery shoot with moving targets and a possibility of escape. All play is real-time, so even in the starport, your fuel is being used and delivery dates are getting closer. Care must be taken in selecting cargo, as some runs will lose you money for the amount of fuel they consume. Run out of fuel in mid-jump and you're space salvage. Everything happens on one, tripartite game screen showing the view outside your ship, your status (cash, fuel, repair, date, etc.), and the graphical menu below.
Groups +
Screenshots
Promos
Credits (TRS-80 CoCo version)
Reviews
Players
Average score: 5.0 out of 5 (based on 1 ratings with 0 reviews)
Be the first to review this game!
Discussion
Subject | By | Date |
---|---|---|
First commercial game I wrote.. | Steve Hartford (3) | Jun 12, 2016 |
Analytics
Upgrade to MobyPro to view research rankings!
Identifiers +
Contribute
Are you familiar with this game? Help document and preserve this entry in video game history! If your contribution is approved, you will earn points and be credited as a contributor.
Contributors to this Entry
Game added by Slik.
Game added October 1, 2009. Last modified February 22, 2023.