Some great games invent new genres, and others, like Paul Reiche III's Star Control, compile sparkling new versions of old ones. Star Control pays homage to all those rotate-and-thrust games like Space War, Asteroids, and Gravitar. Its unique sense of humor and terrific two-player mode made it a runaway hit in a time when home computers weren't known for arcade thrills -- at least not in America.

Each of 14 different spacecraft with wildly varying abilities go up against each other as the Ur-Quan Hierarchy and the Alliance of Free Stars fight for the fate of the galaxy. The good guys fly such vessels as the tiny Shofixti Scout, the highly maneuverable Arilou Skiff, the transformable Mmrnmhrm X-Form, and the shard-throwing Chenjesu Broodhome. Then there's the Syreen Penetrator, manned by sexy vixens that can lure enemy cosmonauts into jumping out of their ships. The bad guys enter the galactic grudge-match with seven ships of their own, equipped with dirty tricks -- from the cloaking device on the Ilwrath Avenger, to the unholy might of the Ur-Quan Dreadnought.

The graphics and sound are top-notch, especially on this Amiga version. An optional strategy mode allows all this to happen in the context of interstellar war. On a rotating, 3D map of stars, players fight for planets that produce people and mineral resources. An equally good sequel, Star Control II, uses the setting for an epic, Starflight-esque role-playing game. ~ John Gorenfeld, All Game Guide