Starflight 2: Trade Routes of the Cloud Nebula

The Good
This game took the premise of Starflight and added to it. I liked the fact that your ship could become more powerful, especially after you acquire technology from the past! The new alien species were nice and an explanation of the "terminally-grumpy" race (who's name eludes me at present) from Starflight was very interesting. As before, the story for Starflight II was engrossing and that made gameplay all that much better. The graphics (for its time) were awesome but since I didn't have a sound card, I don't know how the sound was.

Another welcome addition were populated planets. Now you could hook up with aliens on planet surfaces to learn information as well as to establish much needed trade routes.

The Bad
I really don't recall anything I didn't like about the game. I'm sure if I still had a 5 1/4" drive, I'd play again.

The Bottom Line
Bottom line: EA and Binary Systems took an excellent game and improved it. Now if we could only get a Starflight III...grin

The Good
Virtually roaming among the stars, can increase my powers. Dangers. Simple but complicated...

The Bad
In StarFlight2, I cannot sell minerals but only artifacts, so it takes longer to build up... Also, is there any walkthrough available?

The Bottom Line
Role game, adventures among the universe with lots of stars to visit and races to cope with...

The Good
Starflight 2 is a fantastic game. It takes the non-linear gameplay of the original and somehow manages to create a more interesting universe to travel through.

I love the game, but the original still holds that special place in my heart.

The graphics make use of the MCGA/VGA palette, so the game looks fantastic. 256 colors really bring out the best in the game, and Binary Systems did a top-notch job with them. The planets look more real than in the first one - the ability to determine mountains from water is easier in this game.

The sound... well to be honest, I can't remember if it utilized the AdLib/SoundBlaster at the time so I can't give a thumbs up/down on this one.

But where this game really shines is the gameplay.

Instead of wandering around the galaxy mining planets and collecting creatures, you actually have planets colonized by other alien races, some from the first game and others that are completely original. This is where "Trade Routes" come into play. Each colonized system has a specialty Item for sale, and a specialty Item they will pay through the nose for (or other body part if the alien's don't have noses). Figuring out which planets want what is part of the gameplay. After you figure it out, trading routes will appear on the map, so you can plot your course dependig on what you have to sell and get the most profit (If I'm starting to sound to much like a Ferengi, let me know).

Another interesting aspect of the game is the Bartering system. In the original, if you need materials, you either must mine them or purchase them at Starport. In SF2's case, when you visit planets, you can buy items and haggle over the price. You can usually knock 10+ credits per unit off the price of an item. But, be warned! Some races will haggle, but will get offended and refuse to haggle with you if you offer what they think is an unfair price. Other races won't haggle at all, so you'll need to keep your wits about you.

The Bad
The game is a classic. Their isn't much I don't like :)

The Bottom Line
If you enjoyed the original, the sequel is right up your alley. It's not as non-linear as the first one, but the similarities are so strong that it'll be like riding a bike. You really never forget how.

Bottom Line: A must buy for space exploration buffs and non-scifi fans alike.