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{{Infobox video game | title = Star Cruiser<br />スター クルーザー<br />Star Quest | collapsible = yes | state = expanded | show image = | image = | caption = | developer = [[Arsys Software]] | publisher = [[Arsys Software]]<br />[[Masaya (company)|Masaya]] (Mega Drive)<br />[[Namco]] (Genesis)<ref name="genesis"/> | distributor = | series = ''Star Cruiser'' | engine = | version = | platforms = [[PC-8801|NEC PC-88]], [[NEC PC-9801|NEC PC-98]], [[X1 (computer)|Sharp X1]], [[Sharp X68000]], [[Mega Drive/Genesis]] | released = '''NEC PC-88''' {{vgrelease|JP=May [[1988 in video gaming|1988]]<ref>http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=28056</ref>}} '''Sharp X1''' {{vgrelease|JP=June 1988<ref>{{GameFAQs|id=786528|name=Star Cruiser (X1)}}</ref>}} '''NEC PC-98''' {{vgrelease|JP={{vgy|1989}}<ref name="cyberhead_products"/>}} '''Sharp X68000''' {{vgrelease|JP=April 14, 1989<ref>{{GameFAQs|id=991659|name=Star Cruiser (X68000)}}</ref>}} '''Mega Drive/Genesis''' {{vgrelease|JP=December 21, {{vgy|1990}}<ref name="genesis">{{GameFAQs|id=579909|name=Star Cruiser (Genesis)}}</ref>|NA=Canceled<ref name="genesis"/>}} | genre = [[Role-playing shooter]]<br />[[First-person shooter]] | modes = | ratings = | media = [[Floppy disk]], [[ROM cartridge|Cartridge]] | requirements = | director = | producer = | designer = Osamu Nagano <br> [[:jp:吉村功成|Katsunori Yoshimura]] | programmer = | artist = | writer = | composer = }} {{nihongo|'''''Star Cruiser'''''|スター クルーザー|Sutā Kurūzā}} is a [[First-person shooter|first-person]] [[role-playing shooters|role-playing shooter]] [[video game]] developed by [[Arsys Software]] and released [[Video gaming in Japan|in Japan]] for the [[NEC PC-8801|PC-88]] and [[X1 (computer)|Sharp X1]] [[home computer]]s in {{vgy|1988}}. The game was [[Porting|ported]] by Arsys Sofware to the [[NEC PC-9801|NEC PC-98]] and [[X68000|Sharp X68000]] computer platforms in {{vgy|1989}},<ref name="cyberhead_products">{{cite web|title=Product list|url=http://www.cyberhead.co.jp/eng/product.htm|publisher=Cyberhead|accessdate=30 August 2012|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20010415084256/http://www.cyberhead.co.jp/eng/product.htm|archivedate=2001-04-15}}</ref> and then ported by [[Masaya (company)|Masaya]] (NCS) to the [[Sega Mega Drive]] (Genesis) [[home console]] in {{vgy|1990}}.<ref name="genesis"/><ref name=Star-Cruiser>{{allgame|16126|Star Cruiser}}</ref> The game is considered innovative and ahead of its time, for being an early example of an [[action role-playing game]] with fully [[3D computer graphics|3D polygon graphics]],<ref name=4gamer>[http://www.4gamer.net/games/008/G000896/20080428044/ スタークルーザー] ([http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?sl=ja&tl=en&u=http://www.4gamer.net/games/008/G000896/20080428044/ translation]), 4Gamer.net</ref> combined with early [[first-person shooter]] gameplay,<ref name=Star-Cruiser/> which would occasionally switch to [[Space flight simulator game|space flight simulator]] gameplay when exploring the [[open world|open-ended]] [[overworld|outer space]] with [[six degrees of freedom]]. All the backgrounds, objects and opponents in the game were rendered in 3D polygons, many years before they were widely adopted by the [[video game industry]].<ref name=4gamer/> The game also emphasized storytelling, with plot twists and extensive character dialogues,<ref name=4gamer/> taking place in a futuristic [[science fiction]] setting.<ref>{{cite web|title=Star Cruiser (X68000)|url=http://www.amusement-center.com/project/egg/cgi/ecatalog-detail.cgi?contcode=7&product_id=969|work=Project EGG|publisher=Amusement Center|accessdate=31 August 2012|archiveurl=http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?sl=ja&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amusement-center.com%2Fproject%2Fegg%2Fcgi%2Fecatalog-detail.cgi%3Fcontcode%3D7%26product_id%3D969|archivedate=31 August 2012|year=2011}}</ref> [[Namco]] licensed the Mega Drive version of ''Star Cruiser'' for a [[North America]]n release entitled ''Star Quest'', which Namco planned to publish for the Sega Genesis in July 1994.<ref name="egm59"/> However, the North American release of ''Star Quest'' was eventually canceled.<ref name="genesis"/> ==Plot== The game is set in the 27th century, when 200 years have past since Central Earth ended a war that began when humans made first contact with aliens. The balance of power, however, is being jeopardized by the militaristic nation VOID, which is attempting to deport all aliens from civilized society, and by the remains of the Earth Federation, the Federation Patrol. VOID is planning to wage war and take control of the galaxy, but a small battalion on the [[Ganymede (moon)|Ganymede]] satellite of [[Jupiter]] is being trained to resist VOID.<ref name="plot">http://stevethefish.net/masaya/console/megadrive/starcruiser.htm</ref> The story begins with protagonist Brian training in a simulation set up by his friend and comrade, Gibson, and instructed by his trusted droid, Freddy. After he finishes training, Brian goes to a restaurant, where he is given the news on VOID, which has a nearby base that acts as a stronghold and is sending out threatening enemies. The team cannot confront them directly because of an energy field protecting the base from ordinary weaponry. However, Brian is asked to lead a [[kamikaze]] attack, with a starship that can temporarily charge through the energy field with Shield Buster technology. Brian is tasked with crashing into the fortress and destroying it from the inside, and stealing a prototype spacecraft, the Star Cruiser, to even the odds in the war. Shortly after the briefing, however, their own Ganymede base is attacked by VOID.<ref name="plot"/> The protagonist eventually embarks on a quest involving the exploration of the galaxy.<ref name="egm59"/> ==Gameplay== [[File:Star Cruiser screenshot.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Mega Drive]] [[porting|port]] of ''Star Cruiser'' (1988), an early [[role-playing shooters|role-playing shooter]] that combined [[first-person shooter]] and [[Role-playing video game|role-playing game]] elements. Screenshot also demonstrates early use of [[3D computer graphics|3D polygon]] graphics and [[automap]] feature.]] The game involves the exploration of four solar systems with over 30 planets and dozens of characters.<ref name="egm59"/> It is viewed entirely from a [[First person (video games)|first-person perspective]], with [[3D computer graphics|3D polygon graphics]] used to represent outdoor environments,<ref name="gamingsancturary">http://www.gamingsanctuary.com/StarCruiser.html</ref> trees, benches, buildings, and other objects,<ref name="plot"/> as well as enemies. The gameplay can vary depending on the environment. In a city, the [[player character]] can move around town and enter various buildings to interact with [[non-player character]]s,<ref name="egm59"/> who are represented with an [[anime]]-like appearance,<ref name="gamingsancturary"/> or leave the city and go into outer space.<ref name="egm59"/> When the player goes into outer space, they can fly to other planets,<ref name="egm59"/> moving around in free flight,<ref name="plot"/> but occasionally encountering enemies and engaging in [[Space combat game|space combat]].<ref name="egm59"/> There is an autopilot feature available, setting the spacecraft to automatically go to a set destination, but the player may still encounter enemies along the way. There is also a warp feature available, allowing the player to warp to different locations, but this requires energy.<ref name="gamingsancturary"/> On various planet surfaces, the player will explore enemy bases and combat enemies on the ground.<ref name="egm59"/> At enemy bases, the game plays like a [[first-person shooter]], exploring a dungeon while moving, [[Strafing (gaming)|strafing]] and shooting enemies in a first-person perspective.<ref name="plot"/> Enemy bases usually need to be cleared by finding hidden keys, unlocking doors and finding key items and objects.<ref name="egm59"/> It does not use a traditional [[Experience level|levelling]] system, but uses various [[Role-playing video game|role-playing game]] elements. The player can acquire different weapons and can customize craft to an extent, while needing to upgrade equipment, the shields that behave like [[hit point]]s,<ref name="gamingsancturary"/> the space craft's speed of movement in outer space,<ref name="plot"/> and the [[Magic points|energy]] needed to move around, shoot,<ref name="plot"/> travel and warp between destinations.<ref name="gamingsancturary"/> The player can also go to a mechanic to repair equipment and shields as well as restore energy.<ref name="gamingsancturary"/> ==Reception== The home computer versions were critically acclaimed. The original NEC PC-88 and Sharp X1 versions won two 1988 awards from Japanese computer magazines, including [[Action-adventure game|Best Adventure Game]] from ''[[:jp:POPCOM|POPCOM]]'' and [[Video game graphics|Best Special Effects]] from ''[[:jp:Oh!X|Oh!X]]''.<ref name="cyberhead_profile">{{cite web|title=Corporate profile|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20011024203406/http://www.cyberhead.co.jp/info.htm|publisher=Cyberhead|accessdate=30 August 2012|archiveurl=http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?sl=ja&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fweb.archive.org%2Fweb%2F20011024203406%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.cyberhead.co.jp%2Finfo.htm|archivedate=24 October 2001}}</ref> The X68000 version also won several 1989 awards from Japanese computer magazines, including [[Action game|Best Action Game]] and overall [[List of Game of the Year awards|Best Software]] from ''[[:jp:ログイン (雑誌)|LOGiN]]'',<ref name="cyberhead_profile"/> and Best Special Effects from ''Oh!X''.<ref name="cyberhead_profile"/><ref name="ohx"/> The X68000 version was also a runner-up for two other 1989 awards from ''Oh!X'', coming third place for [[Video game music|Best Theme Music]] (below ''[[Bosconian]]'' and ''[[Genocide (video game)|Genocide]]'') and fourth place for overall [[List of Game of the Year awards|Game of the Year]] (below ''[[After Burner]]'', ''Genocide'' and ''[[Tetris (video game)|Tetris]]'').<ref name="ohx">http://www3.ocn.ne.jp/~kikux68k/x68k_ohxgamedata.html</ref> The Mega Drive/Genesis [[Video game console|console]] version was generally well received. In Japan, ''[[Famitsu|Famicom Tsūshin]]'' (now ''Famitsu'') gave the Mega Drive version a score of 24 out of 40.<ref>http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=7210</ref> In North America, the June 1994 issue of ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'', in its "Fact Files" section, reviewed Namco's unreleased Sega Genesis version, noting that the English [[Game localization|localization]] was 100% complete. They gave it a positive review, stating that it "packs a good blend of action and [[Role-playing video game|role-playing]]" along with a "[[Strategy video game|strategy]]" theme, exploration and character interaction. They criticized the space flight segments for "imperfect and hazy" controls, but praised the game overall for providing "hours of solid gameplay."<ref name="egm59">''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'', issue 59, June 1994, page 190</ref> In the United Kingdom, however, the September 1993 issue of ''[[Sega Power]]'' criticized the Japanese import version of ''Star Cruiser'', stating it is "unplayable" because of the Japanese-language "question and response" [[Cut scene|scenes]], giving it a one-star score.<ref>https://archive.org/stream/SegaPower46Sep1993/SegaPower%2046%20Sep%201993#page/n97/mode/2up</ref> Japanese site 4gamer retrospectively reviewed the game in 2008 and described it as a "masterpiece".<ref name=4gamer/> ==Legacy== The game's sequel, ''Star Cruiser 2'', was released in {{vgy|1992}},<ref name="dengeki_list">[http://web.archive.org/web/20040201144907/http://dengeki.jp/~roburi/cd.csv でんげき~別館~], ''[[Dengeki]]''</ref> for the [[NEC PC-9801|PC-9821]] and [[FM Towns]] computers.<ref>[http://www.dengeki.jp/~roburi/akiary/200406.html 日記(バックナンバー)] ([http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://www.dengeki.jp/~roburi/akiary/200406.html&ei=evdJTbGLAY314AaNtpyJDA&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CCQQ7gEwAQ&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dsite:dengeki.jp%2B%2522%25E3%2582%25B9%25E3%2582%25BF%25E3%2583%25BC%25E3%2582%25AF%25E3%2583%25AB%25E3%2583%25BC%25E3%2582%25B6%25E3%2583%25BC%2B2%2522%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-GB:official%26prmd%3Divns Translation]), ''[[Dengeki]]''</ref> Seven [[chiptune]] [[video game music]] [[soundtrack album]]s of both ''Star Cruiser'' games, composed by Toshiya Yamanaka, have been released from 1992 to {{vgy|2008}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Search Results: "Star Cruiser"|url=http://vgmdb.net/search?q=star+cruiser&field=date|publisher=VGMdb|accessdate=31 August 2012}}</ref> In 2008, [[Platinum Games]] (formerly [[Capcom]]) developer [[Hideki Kamiya]] (known for titles such as ''[[Resident Evil]]'', ''[[Devil May Cry]]'', ''[[Viewtiful Joe]]'', ''[[Ōkami]]'' and ''[[Bayonetta]]'') listed ''Star Cruiser'' among his [[List of video games considered the best|favorite games of all time]], citing it as one of the games that influenced his work.<ref>{{cite web|author=[[Hideki Kamiya]]|title=Hideki Kamiya's Blog: A Self-Introduction|website=[[Facebook]]|url=https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=9380283311|accessdate=2015-01-13}}</ref> ==See also== *[[History of Eastern role-playing video games]] *''[[Wibarm]]'' (1986) *''[[Phantasy Star]]'' (1987) *''[[The Super Spy]]'' (1990) *''[[Gun Buster (arcade game)|Gun Buster]]'' (1992) *''[[Ultima Underworld: The Stygian Abyss]]'' (1992) *''[[Wolfenstein 3D]]'' (1992) *''[[Jumping Flash!#Development and release|Geograph Seal]]'' (1994) *''[[System Shock]]'' (1994) ==References== {{reflist}} [[Category:1988 video games]] [[Category:1989 video games]] [[Category:1990 video games]] [[Category:Action role-playing video games]] [[Category:First-person shooters]]
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