Firestart

Firestart is a remake of Project Firestart, an early 'survival horror' title, released in 1989 on the Commodore 64.

The setting is 2066, aboard the research vessel Prometheus, which is in Mars orbit. The ship's team of scientists were engaged in genetic experiments, hoping to splice together a hardy and versatile creature that could be used in iridium mining. However, something went wrong. Contact with the vessel was lost and you were sent in to investigate, retrieve the science logs and clean up the mess.

For the most part, the remake is true to the original game, retaining the same ship layout, objectives and events. The one major difference is that the 2D, third-person, side scrolling view has been replaced with first-person 3D.

Consequently, Firestart is a combination first-person-shooter and survival horror. You must explore the dark corridors of the ship and attain as many of your goals as possible before escaping. You can pick up guns, but ammo is limited. There are also only a few places where health can be replenished. Dangerous creatures will constantly stalk you and unexpected events occur that may throw your plans into disarray.

There are multiple endings, each dependent on the goals you successfully achieved. Secondary goals (such as looking for survivors) are entirely optional, but may lead to a more satisfying ending. There are also multiple difficulty settings, which change the events that occur as well as the toughness of your foes.

The game was developed in two and a half months, for the Retro Remakes 2006 competition.