From: klui@corp.hp.com (Kenneth K.F. Lui)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.games
Subject: Re: Stellar 7 (was Re: Macintosh Games release listing
Date: 18 Dec 92 20:06:54 GMT
Article-I.D.: hpscit.1gtb0uINNda3
Organization: Hewlett-Packard Company
NNTP-Posting-Host: klui.corp.hp.com

In article <1992Dec18.155336.14146@ee.eng.ohio-state.edu> zimmy@kalman.eng.ohio-state.edu (Michael Zimmerman) writes:
>No, It was out for the Apple II+ WAY BACK.  Certainly it only had use of
>the Apple's 8 colors then, but it was out and it was a great game.  I am
>disappointed by the lackluster reviews it has been getting, thought I have
>not seen it yet for myself.
>
I still have my original Stellar 7 diskette for my Apple II+.  It
was truly one of my favorite games for that platform.  Recently,
I had the chance to play Stellar 7 for the Macintosh and I've got
mixed feelings about the game.

The graphics are so-so--this is on a IIx running 7.0.1--and looks
a lot like a PC port than anything else because it's so blocky.
I'm really hate the way VGA 320x200 screens look.  Sure, there's
dithering, but the program has pretty large blocks for "pixels"
in both the big and small screen.  Ironically, playability in
most-detailed mode, full screen, on a IIx is around the same as
on my Apple II+.  There is polygon-filled graphics in most-
detailed mode.  For those who like nostalgia, the game can be set
to least-detailed mode and you'll end up with wire-frame graphics
just like the II's.  Input response is a little sluggish in most-
detailed mode.  I didn't get a chance to play it in lowest-detail
mode (once you get used to detailed, it's difficult dealing with
anything less) but response may be better.  For me, the response
was similar to the original Stellar 7 so I accepted it.

Dynamix added in the Macintosh version of Stellar 7 (never seen
the PC version, though that came out first):

- more types of enemies
- more offensive weapons for the Raven (your hover tank)
- a "boss" at the end of each planet
- a story board of who you're fighting against

These are good additions and are to be expected, BUT...  The
following are still retained from the old Apple II version:

- Wrap-around world:
  The "world" defined for each planet is really small and as you
  head in one direction for a while, you'll end up where you
  started from in a relatively short amount of time.  This really
  gives the game less substance, because the terrain is just cake
  frosting and doesn't do anything else.  There aren't any caves
  to visit; no mountains to venture on; you get the idea.
- Misc:
  It's been a loooooong time since I've played Stellar 7 for my
  II+.  However, as I started the game, everything was familiar
  in a strange sort of way.  I finally realized that your start-
  ing position as well as other obstacles and enemies' positions
  are almost exactly the same as in the II version.  This was a
  faux-pas in my opinion.  The newness is just gone from this
  aspect.  Maybe the starting positions and enemy placement were
  optimal for the game, but this seems unlikely.
  
Just last week, I saw a CD-ROM version of Stellar 7 for the IBM
PC.  Too bad it wasn't dual format with a Macintosh version, too.
Perhaps the CD version has better sound and gives you larger
"worlds" to play on.  More likely, the CD version will give you
better sound and more levels.

Would I recommend Stellar 7?  It depends.  If you liked Stellar 7
on the Apple II, and like some nostalgia, get it.  If the
deficiencies outlined above turn you off, don't.  Try it and
decide for yourself.

Friends of mine who have PCs say that Nova 9 is a lot better than
Stellar 7.  Last time I saw the list of Mac games, Nova 9 is
still not released.  I haven't seen Nova 9 on the PC either.


Ken
#include <disclaimers>  My opinions do not reflect those of my employer
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Kenneth K.F. Lui, klui@corp.hp.com                  3000 Hanover Street MS20BJ
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Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.games