Star Control 2 Returns as Free Stars: The Ur-Quan Masters [Feb 19, 2024, 1:21 pm ET] – Share – Viewing Comments
Free Stars: The Ur-Quan Masters is now available for free
on Steam, offering the re-rerelease of the classic sci-fi action/strategy
game formerly known as Star Control 2. The launch of the game under a new
title is likely a byproduct of the protracted legal battle over rights to the
Star Control series that finally got sorted
nearly five
years ago. In a horrible bit of timing, the launch comes amid
a report of layoffs at Toys for Bob, the game's original developer. Here's a
Steam Launch Trailer showing the game's appearance is unchanged. It would
seem that there are some touchy legal aspects to this, as the description of the
relaunch refers to this as a classic space game, but avoids mentioning its
previous title at all. But the game's history is not being buried. Word is: "Be
sure to check out Pistol Shrimp's new Channel 44 podcast series, where the team
talks with various industry visionaries about The Ur-Quan Masters and game
design. The
first episode featuring Tim Cain is out now, with Ken Levine to be featured
in tomorrow's episode." Here's a bit more:
Free Stars: The Ur-Quan Masters® is a classic space game that captures the charm of retro science-fiction, space combat, and high adventure. Your story begins as the captain of the last human starship, with Earth trapped under a hostile forcefield. You are the last hope for humanity in a fight for control of the galaxy, as you explore thousands of unknown worlds and get dozens of quirky aliens to help.
The galaxy is thriving with alien species, each with unique mysteries and motives. Meet an eclectic cast of characters, brought to life with full English voiceover. Ask sharp questions, make new friends, and exchange colorful insults.
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BigVlad wrote on Feb 20, 2024, 07:20:The megamod linked in this thread has a stop cleansing option and a reverse cleansing option. As well as being a HD remaster.
The time limit killed the game for me. I was having fun exploring the universe, minding my own business, then all of a sudden all of the systems start disappearing and there is no way to stop it. Game over. It's been a while since I played but it felt like the time limit was way too short. Maybe if I can find a hack that disables the time limit, I'll give it another go.
https://uqm-mods.sourceforge.net/Features
Prez wrote on Feb 19, 2024, 14:44:OMG yes. Will anything ever surpass those 3 originals?
There's just something special about the old pixelated DOS game look that I adore. This, the Original X-COM, and Masters of Orion are still beautiful to me.
Star Control 2 is a timeless classic, amazing from start to finish. From the unique aliens (who didn't fall in love with the various aliens as you communicate (or try) with them? always loved the Orz in particular) and storyline to the fun combat dynamics -- Super Melee was a full game in itself which consumed untold hours upon hours of gameplay for me.
Super Melee
Star Control II: Super Melee (1080P)
Good times for sure.
Super Melee
Star Control II: Super Melee (1080P)
Good times for sure.
BigVlad wrote on Feb 20, 2024, 07:20:The time limit is pretty long, assuming you at make at least a token effort to follow up on leads you're given in conversations. Even if you skip the portal spawner until late game, it still gives you time to get everything done, probably twice, before the genocides begin. Just about the only things you can't do are wander around back and forth having no idea where to go, and strip mine star systems one by one. It's a story-based game with a heavy Starflight influence (where the bad guys could also wipe out the universe), and it's not a great mining/economy/upgrading game. If that's what you're looking for I recommend passing on Star Control 2 and playing an open-ended game like Endless Sky, Transcendence, NAEV or Elite. Or just watch it on YouTube.
The time limit killed the game for me. I was having fun exploring the universe, minding my own business, then all of a sudden all of the systems start disappearing and there is no way to stop it. Game over. It's been a while since I played but it felt like the time limit was way too short. Maybe if I can find a hack that disables the time limit, I'll give it another go.
https://uqm-mods.sourceforge.net/Download
If you're one of those people crying over the resolution, just get the UQM mod, and apply it to this. It's compatible.
If you're one of those people crying over the resolution, just get the UQM mod, and apply it to this. It's compatible.
--
"For every human problem,
there is a neat, simple solution;
and it is always wrong."
--H.L. Mencken
"For every human problem,
there is a neat, simple solution;
and it is always wrong."
--H.L. Mencken
The time limit killed the game for me. I was having fun exploring the universe, minding my own business, then all of a sudden all of the systems start disappearing and there is no way to stop it. Game over. It's been a while since I played but it felt like the time limit was way too short. Maybe if I can find a hack that disables the time limit, I'll give it another go.
Re: Star Control 2 Returns as Free Stars: The Ur-Quan Masters
Feb 20, 2024, 03:12
Feb 20, 2024, 03:12
There is also the almost forgotten CRT effect. I'm sure that if you played this side by side on a modern LCD and an 100Hz CRT monitor, you would have a different experience of the game's graphics.
Tom wrote on Feb 19, 2024, 23:40:
SC2's graphics were amazing for its time, 32 years ago.
I really liked the unique fonts for each alien race, and there were a lot of them. A special touch that really added to the personality.
I think it still looks amazing now, so it's probably the art and aesthetic that I find appealing more than the graphics.
"The assumption that animals are without rights, and the illusion that our treatment of them has no moral significance, is a positively outrageous example of Western crudity and barbarity. Universal compassion is the only guarantee of morality."
Re: Star Control 2 Returns as Free Stars: The Ur-Quan Masters
Feb 20, 2024, 01:08
Feb 20, 2024, 01:08
Re: Star Control 2 Returns as Free Stars: The Ur-Quan Masters
Feb 20, 2024, 01:08
Feb 20, 2024, 01:08
I'm in the minority. I do not particularly like the Mark 2 since it's obviously a nod to Close Encounters with that design. I love the skeletal, utilitarian, modular nature of the Flagship.
"Just take a look around you, what do you see? Pain, suffering, and misery." -Black Sabbath, Killing Yourself to Live.
“Man was born free, and he is everywhere in chains” -Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Purveyor of cute, fuzzy, pink bunny slippers.
“Man was born free, and he is everywhere in chains” -Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Purveyor of cute, fuzzy, pink bunny slippers.
SC2's graphics were amazing for its time, 32 years ago.
I really liked the unique fonts for each alien race, and there were a lot of them. A special touch that really added to the personality.
I really liked the unique fonts for each alien race, and there were a lot of them. A special touch that really added to the personality.
Re: Star Control 2 Returns as Free Stars: The Ur-Quan Masters
Feb 19, 2024, 20:20
Feb 19, 2024, 20:20
Re: Star Control 2 Returns as Free Stars: The Ur-Quan Masters
Feb 19, 2024, 20:20
Feb 19, 2024, 20:20
If you say so BoP, I'm sure you are right.
Sadly, I'm a handicapped gamer, needing a certain graphics level, ugly graphics hurt me.
My loss, I know: I've never played nor will, the original Baldur's Gate or Fallout original sagas, etc.
Shameful
Sadly, I'm a handicapped gamer, needing a certain graphics level, ugly graphics hurt me.
My loss, I know: I've never played nor will, the original Baldur's Gate or Fallout original sagas, etc.
Shameful
Re: Star Control 2 Returns as Free Stars: The Ur-Quan Masters
Feb 19, 2024, 19:57
Feb 19, 2024, 19:57
Re: Star Control 2 Returns as Free Stars: The Ur-Quan Masters
Feb 19, 2024, 19:57
Feb 19, 2024, 19:57
WannaLogAlready wrote on Feb 19, 2024, 19:30:
Added to account.
Watched the trailer with extremely half screen archaic graphics.
Removed from account.
You are seriously missing out. SC2 is easily one of the most seminal, legendary influences on almost all games of all time.
"Just take a look around you, what do you see? Pain, suffering, and misery." -Black Sabbath, Killing Yourself to Live.
“Man was born free, and he is everywhere in chains” -Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Purveyor of cute, fuzzy, pink bunny slippers.
“Man was born free, and he is everywhere in chains” -Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Purveyor of cute, fuzzy, pink bunny slippers.
Re: Star Control 2 Returns as Free Stars: The Ur-Quan Masters
Feb 19, 2024, 19:30
Feb 19, 2024, 19:30
Re: Star Control 2 Returns as Free Stars: The Ur-Quan Masters
Feb 19, 2024, 19:30
Feb 19, 2024, 19:30
Added to account.
Watched the trailer with extremely half screen archaic graphics.
Removed from account.
Watched the trailer with extremely half screen archaic graphics.
Removed from account.
Re: Star Control 2 Returns as Free Stars: The Ur-Quan Masters
Feb 19, 2024, 19:04
Feb 19, 2024, 19:04
they must have the Mark II and allow for flagship customization!
Re: Star Control 2 Returns as Free Stars: The Ur-Quan Masters
Feb 19, 2024, 19:03
Feb 19, 2024, 19:03
Still the greatest game ever made!
My roommates and I played the hell out of that game back in college. Yes, we were dorks who were gaming while everyone else partied and had fun.
Quirky and still fun. I'm really excited that they original creators are going to try and do a true sequel. Will be interesting to see if they go with the Mark II from the final credits. I'm excited to see.
free = gud
-=Threadcrappeur Extraordinaire=-
There's just something special about the old pixelated DOS game look that I adore. This, the Original X-COM, and Masters of Orion are still beautiful to me.
"The assumption that animals are without rights, and the illusion that our treatment of them has no moral significance, is a positively outrageous example of Western crudity and barbarity. Universal compassion is the only guarantee of morality."
Re: Star Control 2 Returns as Free Stars: The Ur-Quan Masters
Feb 19, 2024, 13:24
Feb 19, 2024, 13:24
Re: Star Control 2 Returns as Free Stars: The Ur-Quan Masters
Feb 19, 2024, 13:24
Feb 19, 2024, 13:24
Shame we never got a good sequel to SC2. I own, and have played, the most recent game from Stardock with "Star Control" in the name but it's just that, the name. It has no connection at all to the previous story because they do not have the rights to the actual lore and meat of the Star Control universe. It was mediocre at best.
"Just take a look around you, what do you see? Pain, suffering, and misery." -Black Sabbath, Killing Yourself to Live.
“Man was born free, and he is everywhere in chains” -Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Purveyor of cute, fuzzy, pink bunny slippers.
“Man was born free, and he is everywhere in chains” -Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Purveyor of cute, fuzzy, pink bunny slippers.
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