Additional Info
Alcohol Reference
Drug Reference
Fantasy Violence
Language
Hard drive space
Full download: 4.54 GB
Initial download: 2.03 GB
Download time
| Kb/s | 20 MB | 8 MB | 512 KB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | 12mn | 32mn | 8h 21mn |
System Requirements
- Operating System: 2000/XP,Vista
- Direct X version: 4.09
- Processor: 1600MHz
- OS: Windows
- RAM: 512MB
- Video RAM: 128MB
Copyright
Copyright © 2006 Ascaron Entertainment GmbH, and/or Ascaron Entertainment (UK) Ltd.
-
Overview
-
Instructions & Tips
-
Screenshots & Video
Basics
Darkstar One is a space trading and combat simulator that brings back memories of such classics as Elite, X, Wing Commander: Privateer, and Freelancer. As Kayron Jarvis, at the helm of the unique Darkstar One, you're on your own: do you ferret out the secrets of your father's death? Explore the unknown capabilities of this mighty starship? Enrich yourself as a merchant, trader...or pirate? The whole of the galaxy is yours, and the path you choose to take is entirely up to you.
Controls
The majority of Darkstar One is spent in the cockpit of your fighter, which you can control using a joystick, gamepad or mouse/keyboard combo. Flight mechanics and combat are generally pretty simple in this game, and the included tutorial, which also encompasses the early parts of the storyline, will introduce you to the Darkstar One's controls and capabilities. Aside from space flight, you visit many planets and starbases, using your mouse to manage a menu-driven system for purchases and jobs.
The Darkstar One
Kayron Jarvis may be the hero, but the star of this game is the mysterious legacy from his father. Darkstar One is a unique ship: partly organic, capable of growing and evolving -- even changing its shape. You'll need to locate special alien artifacts, many of which are quite cleverly hidden, in order to upgrade the Darkstar. Keep an ear to the ground for rumors of unusual asteroids, strange finds at archaeological digs and the like. The payoff for these upgrades is worth the time and effort.
Economy
There are two basic ways to make money: by trading cargo bought in one system for cash in another, and by taking various paid missions throughout the galaxy. Straight piracy is a third alternative, and most players will probably find themselves doing a little of each. Simple buy low, sell high trade mechanics and easily accessible job boards allow for a good living, and if you prefer to ignore the storyline altogether in favor of simply making it big on your own, feel free.
Combat
One thing you'll see a lot of in Darkstar One is combat: with pirates, with villains, with police, with aliens. The galaxy is a dangerous place, and mighty as the Darkstar One is, you'll often find yourself outmatched or outgunned. Spend some of your profits on upgrades to weapons and shields, and start slow, in local systems with few hazards. Overall, combat control works like a flight simulator; pay attention during the tutorial and you'll learn about maneuvers and HUD controls.
Ship Upgrades
In addition to the special artifacts that improve the Darkstar One itself, you will have access to many more pedestrian upgrades for your ship, available for sale at various starports or can be found after combat. Improved jump drives allow you to warp farther; weapon upgrades improve damage, shield upgrades allow you to take more punishment in a fight and so on. You should seek out jobs with an eye toward your next upgrade, and take work that will help offset those costs.
Tip: Asteroid Mining
Artifacts used to upgrade the Darkstar One are often -- not always, but usually -- found inside hollowed-out asteroids. You'll find the first during the tutorial section; remember to check out any asteroids you happen upon in your travels.
Tip: The Dark Side
Remember, the universe of Darkstar One is open for you to explore as you want. There's no reason you couldn't follow the path of the black-hearted space pirate, plundering innocent convoys and cruise liners. Of course, don't expect a warm welcome from police destroyers in the more civilized areas of space.
Tip: Like Your Ship, but Evil
The galaxy has recently come under threat from a strange new species. The Thul appear to be part organic, part machine...much like the Darkstar One itself. And it would seem that they have some connection to the human race. They are dangerous combatants, so avoid them until you're confident in your abilities and those of your ship.
Tip: Repairs
As the Darkstar One takes damage in combat, you'll want to retire to a nearby friendly spaceport for repairs. In some systems, you'll find freelance repair ships tooling around, performing in-space fixes for a fee.
People who played this also played
Most Downloaded Action Games
See all Action games >
