Universe (computer game)
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| Universe | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Omnitrend Software |
| Publisher(s) | Omnitrend Software |
| Designer(s) | Thomas Carbone, Bill Leslie |
| Engine | valFORTH |
| Platform(s) | Atari 8-bit, Apple II, IBM PC |
| Release date | 1983 |
| Genre(s) | computer role-playing game |
| Mode(s) | single player |
| Media | floppy disk |
| System requirements | Atari 8-bit computer with 48K, disk drive |
| Input methods | keyboard |
Universe is a science fiction video game by Omnitrend Software. It was written by Thomas Carbone and Bill Leslie in valFORTH on an Atari 800. It was Omnitrend's first game.
Contents |
[edit] Plot
The story starts off on the planet Axia within the Local Group, a settlement that took place centuries ago thanks to the discovery of an alien hyperspace booster. This technology allowed the Local Group to be settled with supplies being sent from Earth using the booster.
However the supplies have stopped arriving and the player must now search for a second hyperspace booster that was reported in the area. The game starts with a loan from the bank to finance a spaceship to be used to find this second booster. The player then travels to different planets and engages in trading, mining or even piracy.
[edit] Details
The game comes on 4 disks and included in the US$89.95 cost was two free hours a month on the Universe BBS. Upon mailing in the included warranty card, users were also mailed subsequent versions of the game on replacement disks, based on suggestions from the BBS. A review in Computer Gaming World praised this dedication to customer service.[1]
Universe is an involving game, like requiring the player to calculate hyperjump coordinates for the navigation computer and calculate minimum orbits for planets in order to launch shuttles. The speed of the game tended to bog down when graphics were involved and when the game performed calculations involving orbital mechanics. On the Atari, having only one disk drive resulted in numerous disk swaps.
There is another game called Universe developed by Core Design.[1]
[edit] References
- ^ Fitzsimmons, Nick (June 1984), “Universe: A Dual Review”, Computer Gaming World: 14-15
[edit] External links
- Universe at MobyGames
- Universe Article on Universe.
- Antic Vol. 3 No. 5 Product review for Universe.
- Analog Issue 20 Review - Omnitrend's Universe.
- atarimania.com Docs and Info on Universe.
- Omnitrend Company Website.
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