Star Wraith (computer game series)

"StarWraith" is a series of space combat simulators by StarWraith 3D Games.

The "Star Wraith" universe and games

During the first two parts and also in "" the player fights as Alliance pilot in the brutal civil war of the Alliance against the Federation. In "Shadows of Orion" a new threat emerges: the alien Vonari. In most of the following games in the series there have been skirmishes or major conflicts with the Vonari. In "StarWraith IV: Reviction" the Vonari assault Earth. In "RiftSpace" the Vonari guard a powerful secret from humanity. In "Evochron Alliance" the Vonari assault the newly discovered EvoChron sector. "Arvoch Conflict" is the first game in which humanity counters the Vonari into their own territories.

Although "Arvoch Conflict" is already the fourth game featuring the Vonari there is not much known about this race. Their technology is superior to human technology. The Vonari are an intelligent, martial race of canine bipeds. What is known is that they are a powerful, galactic force that has little mercy on its prey. Underestimating humanity at first, they have now realized the strength of the Terran race and are increasing the power of their attacks.

In "Evochron Renegades", taking place one year after "Arvoch Conflict", we learn of an enigmatic mercenary group called the Renegades. They are determined to unravel the secret of Riftspace at all costs, leading to their disappearance. All that's left are beacons sending out encoded information or clues.

Every series of games has a different approach to space simulation. Where "Evochron" and "RiftSpace" are space trading and combat simulators, "StarWraith" and "Arvoch" games are mostly military-focused space combat simulators.

In "Star Wraith" and "Arvoch", the player takes the role of an ensign pilot of the Alliance. In "StarWraith II" one can decide between Alliance and mercenary life. "Star Wraith III" features a dynamic campaign with two different endings. "Star Wraith IV" has a set campaign, but further expanded concepts. "Arvoch" features strategic aspects and a wide range of objectives. Differently than for example in "Wing Commander" the missions must be successfully completed, before you can move on to the next.

Name-giving for the series is the "F-144 StarWraith" , the most powerful starfighter of the Alliance during the "StarWraith" series. During the about 100 years between "Reviction" and "Arvoch Conflict" the "F-228 Evoch" was developed and is now the top-starfighter of the Alliance. Thus "Arvoch Conflict" does not run any longer under the title "StarWraith".

"Evochron" and "RiftSpace" have a freeform approach. In both games the player takes on the role of a mercenary pilot who is starting out in the universe and searching for wealth. The difference is in the way to gain wealth. In "RiftSpace", one will gather a wing to assist him, hopping from mission to mission with minor trading aspects. In "Evochron Alliance", the player is a lone wolf. The game is far more free in its approach and leaves the player fully free to explore, mine, trade, pirate etc.

The "Star Wraith" series

"Star Wraith" (2000)

This was the first game made by SW3DG with the title Star Wraith. It was written entirely in DarkBasic. This game featured animated explosions for the first time, as well as 3D textured models, the 3D spherical radar display, and a random campaign. It also supported a variety of joysticks.

"Star Wraith II" (2002)

Star Wraith II improved considerably on Star Wraith. This game featured planetary assault missions for the first time. Turrets could also be added (replacing some fighters) for the first time. This game also included a simple mercenary mode and a linear campaign. Star Wraith II finally brought back the cockpit which was missing in Star Wraith and Star Wolf. In contrast, however, Bomb missions in which the player would destroy a carrier were removed.

"Star Wraith III: Shadows of Orion" (2003)

After the destruction of the "Richton", the flagship of the Federation, they accuse the Alliance of being responsible, and the civil war rages again. When the Alliance carrier "ABC Becker" is destroyed, the speed and the precision of the attack shows the Alliance that the Federation is not responsible for this incident: The Vonari, an aggressive hostile race, destroyed both ships and that it is only the first step in a plan that includes an attack against earth, which the Alliance manages to prevent.

"Star Wraith IV: Reviction" (2004)

The Vonari prepare the final attack on the Alliance. An enormous Vonari fleet meets in the Sol-system. Using an energy network, all ships of the fleet transfer their energy to the leading ship, carrying the weapon, that can destroy Earth. The Alliance has only one chance: If the energy network is saturated it will still take some time, until the weapon is ready to fire. If the leading ship is destroyed, while the energy network is saturated, a feedback impulse will destroy all ships in the network. The plan succeeds and the Vonari withdraw.

"Arvoch Conflict" (2006)

When more and more Alliance forces defect to the Federation, the Alliance High-Command sends the carrier ship "ABC Phantom" into the Sapphire-system to search for an explanation. The crew learns that the Federation allied itself with the Vonari, in order to destroy the Alliance. A weapon of the Vonari is found, which have obviously the power to destroy an entire planet. The Alliance decides to use the weapon against its designers and to destroy the the Vonari system of Arvoch.

Other games in the "StarWraith" universe

"RiftSpace" (2004)

An ancient artifact with a prophecy is found. It is about the planet "RiftSpace", which would provide its discoverer with great wealth. Many mercenaries begin the search for "RiftSpace", but many further artifacts are needed to finally get the key to "RiftSpace".

"Evochron" (2005) - Discontinued

"Evochron Alliance" (2005)

"Evochron Renegades" (2007)

"Evochron Renegades" is the latest "Evochron" title. It features a seamless universe, improved graphics (though a step behind today's general game standard), the ability to modify ships both in performance and visually in-game and many more improvements over the last "Evochron" game.

External links

* [http://starwraith3dgames.home.att.net/go.htm Official StarWraith Website] - The demo versions of the games can be downloaded here and the licenses for full versions can be acquired.
* [http://www.spacecombat.org History of StarWraith 3D Games] - Past, present, and future projects of SW3DG.