DOS Games Discussion

[mjr]

Hi

I've recently recalled a fun game from my youth, and am desperately trying to find it, as I can't remember the name properly. I'm hoping somebody here can point me the right way:

The game was free- or shareware for DOS. It contained textmode "graphics" (eg. a scanner screen at the top right). It was most likely turn-based. At the beginning, one could set up opposing fleets (probably Starfleet and Klingons, but not sure on this point). The ships could be of different classes, so you could eg. match up a large number of light destroyers against a couple of dreadnoughts. One of the ships might've been designated as flagship, where the player character resides.

The game itself would consist of giving orders to the ships about steering, speed, locking weapons on targets and firing. Weapons included phasers, photon torpedoes and slow-moving probes. Especially the probes, I think, should be a dead giveaway to someone familiar with the game.

The name of the game probably (but not certainly) consisted of a three-word phrase with the initials as the name of the executable. The name probably contained one or more of the words "fleet", "starship", "starfleet", "command", "tactical", "simulation", and stuff like that. I've tried searching with them, but they're too generic; I get tons and tons of games that don't match.

So please, if you think recognize the game I'd be grateful for any pointers to downloads or even just the actual name of the game. I will try to follow this forum for answers but I'd really appreciate also mails to mjr@iki.fi

Thanks!

[mjr]

Oops, forgot a few details: The ships obeyed some simple physical laws in that steering and speed change commands didn't take effect instantly, but gradually. Also, the ships contained separate fore, aft, left and right shields. Damage to ship systems would gradually decrease ship performance.

[Dogbreath]

Starfleet Battles.

Originally a tabletop game in the 1970's, this game has had literally *dozens* of computer games made of it. The latest in the series is Starfleet Command which you can buy here. (Also try Starfleet Command 2, which is truer to spirit) (Pretty much identical to what you described, but with more detailed missions/campaigns and graphics. The combat is the same) You also might want to look around http://www.the-underdogs.org/ as they have several of the older SFB games.

(And, ah, yes, the probes.... one of the best features of SFC )

[Dogbreath]

Oh, almost forgot. You mentioned "Tactical Simulation." One of the SFB games was "Begin 1/2: A Tactical Starship Simulation." It can also be found on the aforementioned Underdogs, though for some reason it's not loading so no direct link. Hope that helps.

Edit: http://www.the-underdogs.org/game.php?id=2948

[barok]

this probably isn't what your looking for, but it sounds fairly close.

Trek. A great turn based tactical simulation game. you control one ship in a whole fleet, and you have to fight klingons. you could fire phasers, fire torpedo's (you have limited amounts!) ram enemy ships, dock at starbases, self destruct (!!!) and such.

[Guest]

[Ro@m]

maybe Battlecruise 3000AD?

[Broadcast]

Begin 2 God that brings back memories...

Load pho torps

Kiss My Ass

"Sorry sir, I don't seem to understand that"

Load Mr. Spock

[kv1at3485]

If you're interested in Begin 1/2, you might be interested in an 'upgraded' version found here:
http://www.cen.uiuc.edu/~drock/sfb/games.html

It's basically a Begin 2 with mouse support, but with ships based off Star Fleet Battles. There is a ship editor, but I find it's not as user friendly as it could be. But a great game none the less.