Universe (1983 video game)

Omnitrend's Universe is a science fiction space trading and combat game by Omnitrend Software. It was created by William G M Leslie and Thomas R Carbone. The first version was programmed in valFORTH on an Atari 800, based on a board game created by William G M Leslie. It was Omnitrend's first game.

Gameplay

The game 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 begins 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 piracy.

Universe is a very 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.

Release

The game came on four 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. Computer Gaming World praised this dedication to customer service.^[1]

Reception

St.Game in 1984 criticized Universe for the Atari's slow performance, stating that "a lethargic running speed and endless disk swaps make it very, very slow going ... slow graphics routines tediously draw pictures that have no bearing on the game". The magazine concluded that "The concept, imagination, and detail behind Universe are superb. Were it not for the slow speed, it would be a perfect game", but the slow speed made it unplayable.^[2] Computer Gaming World in 1984 published two reviews of Universe. One reviewer found it to be "an absorbing game, at least for another six months" given how easy it was to be lose sight of the original objective by either trading or piracy. He also praised the detailed documentation and backstory, and concluded that "this is a 'must have' game for those of you who are interested in complex simulations and role playing. The graphics are excellent, the game play is realistic, and the basic premise makes sense". The other reviewer similarly praised the game, concluding that it was "an excellent interactive space adventure with 3D graphics that will give you months of enjoyment and headaches".^[1] In a 1992 survey of science fiction games the magazine gave the title three of five stars, writing that it was "Still one of the early classics".^[3] Jerry Pournelle in BYTE called Universe "the most complicated game I ever did see ... a lot of good planning in this game, and I'm impressed", but criticized the incomplete documentation and user interface.^[4]

Sequels

• Universe 2 was published in 1986.
• Universe 3 was published in 1989, retailed for US$49.95.^[5]

References

External links

• Omnitrend's Universe at MobyGames
• Antic Vol. 3 No. 5 Product review for Omnitrend's Universe.
• Analog Issue 20 Review - Omnitrend's Universe.
• atarimania.com Docs and Info on Universe.
• Omnitrend Company Website.