Universe (computer game)

Infobox VG| title = Universe


developer = Omnitrend Software
publisher = Omnitrend Software
designer = Thomas Carbone, Bill Leslie
engine = valFORTH
released = 1983
genre = computer role-playing game
modes = single player
ratings =
platforms = Atari 8-bit, Apple II, IBM PC
media = floppy disk
requirements = Atari 8-bit computer with 48K, disk drive
input = 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.

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.

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.citation | date = June 1984 | last = Fitzsimmons | first = Nick | periodical = Computer Gaming World | title = Universe: A Dual Review | year = 1984 | pages = 14-15]

"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. [http://www.mobygames.com/game/universe/]

References

External links

*moby game|id=/universe_|name="Universe"
* [http://www3.sympatico.ca/maury/games/space/universe.html Universe] Article on "Universe".
* [http://www.atarimagazines.com/v3n5/reviews.html Antic Vol. 3 No. 5] Product review for "Universe".
* [http://www.cyberroach.com/analog/an20/universe.htm Analog Issue 20] Review - Omnitrend's "Universe".
* [http://www.atarimania.com/detail_soft.php?MENU=8&VERSION_ID=5617 atarimania.com] Docs and Info on "Universe".
* [http://www.omnitrend.com/ Omnitrend] Company Website.