Dark Star (1984 video game)
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| Dark Star | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer | Design Design |
| Publisher | Design Design |
| Platforms | |
| Release | 1984 |
| Genre | Shoot 'em up |
| Mode | Single-player |
Dark Star is a 1984 ZX Spectrum shoot 'em up developed and published by Design Design.[1] It was ported to other home computer platforms including the Amstrad CPC, TRS-80 Color Computer, and Dragon 32/64 in 1985.
In Dark Star, the player controls a heavily armed spaceship called LIAR (Light Interstellar Attack Recon) with the mission to liberate the Dark Star galaxy from the tyranny of the Evil Lord. The game takes place in a 16x16 sector grid, where the player must navigate through space, hop between planets, and use hyperspace gates to jump between sectors.[2][3][4]
The gameplay is divided into two main phases: space combat and planetary assault. In space, the player's battle computer generates a real-time display of the immediate vicinity, showing enemy ships, missiles, energy concentrations, and Warp Gates. The LIAR's weaponry is fixed and aimed by maneuvering the ship, with plasma bolts fired in the direction of flight. Energy can be replenished by flying through blue squares.[3][4][5][1]
On planets, the player must destroy enemy towers and bases to liberate the planet. Towers provide anti-aircraft fire and collapse when hit. Some areas are protected by force shields with navigable holes to avoid damage. Once all bases on a planet are destroyed, it is liberated, and the player can leave to continue their mission.[3][4][5][6]
Dark Star utilizes 3D vector graphics and wireframe displays, reminiscent of classic arcade games like Asteroids.[6] The game features a Tactical Sector Map that displays enemy bases, the player's ship position, and includes humorous comments. Dark Star also offers an extensive user-definable menu for customizing screen display, sound effects, skill levels, and keyboard controls.[2][4][7]
The game includes a humorous hall of fame with various names and references. Players can adjust the difficulty setting, which affects the Empire's sphere of influence. Dark Star also features a colorful high-resolution title page and offers various customization options for controls and sound.[3][4][8][9]
Hidden content
The original ZX Spectrum cassette release of Dark Star contained a hidden program called Spectacle on the reverse side. This program, which resembled teletext, required password to access. Clues to these password were hidden within the game's high-score table, referencing the Supertramp song "Just Another Nervous Wreck" from the album "Breakfast in America". According to Simon Brattel, one of the game's developers, working on Spectacle helped keep the team sane during Dark Star's development.[10]