Starflight 2: Trade Routes of the Cloud Nebula

aka: Starflight II
Moby ID: 85
DOS Specs
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Description official descriptions

Following the events of the first Starflight, the galaxy is at relative peace. The balance of power is disrupted when the Spemin, usually a minor nuisance, suddenly gain technological superiority and begin a campaign of expansionism. Through investigation, Interstel determines that the Spemin technology is not their own and that they have obtained it from somewhere on the other side of a flux (wormhole). Interstel commissions a force to visit this area, called the Cloud Nebula, and find a way to nullify the Spemin technology.

Starflight 2 is a space exploration game that contains much of the interface from its predecessor. This includes crew management, ship improvement, resource collection, planet landings, alien diplomacy and exploration of a new galaxy. Much of the gameplay takes place via a standard interface that allows access to ship stations. Landing on a planet however will shift to an overhead view and the player manually controls his rover while searching for objects of interest.

New to Starflight 2 is trading, alien races will now buy and sell unique items at different prices, it is no longer necessary to return to the Interstel starport to sell resources. As mentioned, the galaxy itself and the alien races that inhabit it are also new. New technologies exist for the player such as Blasto Pods (torpedoes); a devastating weapon, and Jump Pods; which will transport anywhere on the starmap.

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Credits (DOS version)

22 People (16 developers, 6 thanks) · View all

Reviews

Critics

Average score: 77% (based on 11 ratings)

Players

Average score: 3.7 out of 5 (based on 46 ratings with 6 reviews)

Binary System and EA took a great game, and made it better...

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.

DOS · by Chris Martin (1155) · 2001

StarFlight2

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...

DOS · by Rene Codere (2) · 2000

A Game I Still Play Today

The Good
This game, and its predecessor, had it all. You flew around in a large universe, with a custom ship AND a custom crew. This game succesfully combined action, strategy, tactics, and a bit of role playing, into what is one of the best science fiction games to date.

There are few games that bring a gleam to my eye and a song to my heart, but the Starflight games accomplish just that. With it's brilliant mix of playability, ease of use, story, humor, and great graphics, this is one game that begs for a sequel.

This is a game to which others like it have been judged, including Star Control 2, a very similar game. :) I can't gush enough about what this series of games means to me. :)

The Bad
Nothing, really. It didn't need any patches like games today. ;)

The Bottom Line
I would describe this game as mix of role playing, science fiction storytelling, and space exploration. It's funny, tense, and though provoking all at the same time. :)

DOS · by Brian Rubin (22) · 1999

[ View all 6 player reviews ]

Trivia

Development

Starflight and Starflight 2 were written in a mixture of Forth (!!) and assembly.

Graphics

While Starflight 2 supports additional video modes, it loses a video mode of the original: 16-color CGA composite mode.

Awards

  • Computer Gaming World
    • September 1990 (Issue #74) – Role-Playing Game of the Year
    • November 1996 (15th anniversary issue) – #6 Least Rewarding Ending of All Time

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  • MobyGames ID: 85
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Contributors to this Entry

Game added by Trixter.

Amiga, Macintosh added by Terok Nor. Windows added by eWarrior.

Additional contributors: MAT, Shoddyan, Patrick Bregger.

Game added March 8, 1999. Last modified January 19, 2024.