Traveller-like computer games?
- Thread starter Loki
- Start date
Skylinkdave
SOC-8
Looks like it'll be fun. Seems like it'll have a strong Traveller flavor, but you can't really tell from the weak official game site:
Freelancer web site
Good thing I'm upgrading my computer soon...
Dave
Freelancer web site
Good thing I'm upgrading my computer soon...
Dave
Taken from the web site: Play missions randomly or follow the storyline. The universe is open for exploration, and the game evolves based on the decisions you make. Or, join with friends and conquer the universe together. Play cooperatively or competitively on player-hosted server worlds. 
orion_blastar
SOC-5
There is a FarScape game coming out, I always thought that the FarScape show was a bit like Traveller. Starburst instead of a jump drive. The Peacekeepers being like the Imperium, being like the human beings but not exactly like them. http://www.farscapegame.com/
For more info on FarScape:
http://www.farscape.com/
http://www.scifi.com/farscape/
John Crichton is a lot like my characters, wisecracking space explorer trying to learn how to be a warrior and using his head instead of his gun when he can. One of the other players I play the game with is like D'Argo, the warrior type, needs John to get out of trouble sometimes.
Anyway they don't act as one unit, but as individuals who help each other, which is like a bunch of our Traveller games.
For more info on FarScape:
http://www.farscape.com/
http://www.scifi.com/farscape/
John Crichton is a lot like my characters, wisecracking space explorer trying to learn how to be a warrior and using his head instead of his gun when he can. One of the other players I play the game with is like D'Argo, the warrior type, needs John to get out of trouble sometimes.
Anyway they don't act as one unit, but as individuals who help each other, which is like a bunch of our Traveller games.
Orion_Blaster - Yes the game is out now but it was seriously panned by the reviewers. Not sure what all the negatives were but it is available if you are interested.
The interplay between the actors was what really kept your interest in the TV series and I can see where it would make some interesting material for a Traveller game.
The interplay between the actors was what really kept your interest in the TV series and I can see where it would make some interesting material for a Traveller game.
bromdenlong
SOC-12
I remember seeing two Traveller computer games for sale in late 1992 or early 1993. Anybody know anything about them? Wish I'd picked them up. (Come to think of it, I think they were MegaTraveller.)
Also, anyone know if the Trader software program is available anywhere?
Also, anyone know if the Trader software program is available anywhere?
My favorite Traveller like game is Escape Velocity Nova.
In the game, you start out with a little ship (a shuttle craft in the game) and travel between different systems to buy/sell speculative cargos as well as run missions to make money. With money, you can buy bigger ships and equipment (defensive, offensive, maneuver related) for your ship. There are different factions including staid corporate types and plundering pirates.
The main view is a top-down/isometric view of the ships in space. There is very little downside/portside action (really conducted in a dialog).
Current downside is that the game is Mac only, but there is a Windows version coming out soon (the Windows version is currently in beta).
Escape Velocity (the original) and Escape Velocity Nova are both great games. The link to Ambrosia Software and the game's website is:
http://www.ambrosiasw.com/games/evn/
Ron
In the game, you start out with a little ship (a shuttle craft in the game) and travel between different systems to buy/sell speculative cargos as well as run missions to make money. With money, you can buy bigger ships and equipment (defensive, offensive, maneuver related) for your ship. There are different factions including staid corporate types and plundering pirates.
The main view is a top-down/isometric view of the ships in space. There is very little downside/portside action (really conducted in a dialog).
Current downside is that the game is Mac only, but there is a Windows version coming out soon (the Windows version is currently in beta).
Escape Velocity (the original) and Escape Velocity Nova are both great games. The link to Ambrosia Software and the game's website is:
http://www.ambrosiasw.com/games/evn/
Ron
flyingsquid
SOC-6
I tried the Freelancer demo (160 mb, yikes!).
I was really impressed by the way the game handled space combat - both the effects and the interface are nicely done.
But it appears there's no freedom to roleplay or adventure planetside -- all interaction and dialogue at the various popts is pre-scripted, and while the player is allowed to choose his own path and missions, the game still feels linear.
And "Trent" is a really lame attempt at a Han-solo anti-hero -- if there's no way to shut him up, I don't think I could handle an entire game...
I think Microsoft is aiming this one at the younger crowd... but why they chose to target 10-year-olds is beyond me.
I was really impressed by the way the game handled space combat - both the effects and the interface are nicely done.
But it appears there's no freedom to roleplay or adventure planetside -- all interaction and dialogue at the various popts is pre-scripted, and while the player is allowed to choose his own path and missions, the game still feels linear.
And "Trent" is a really lame attempt at a Han-solo anti-hero -- if there's no way to shut him up, I don't think I could handle an entire game...
I think Microsoft is aiming this one at the younger crowd... but why they chose to target 10-year-olds is beyond me.
To Isaac_1963: Yes, Paragon Software published 2 PC computer games for MegaTraveller. MegaTraveller 1: The Zhodani Conspiracy and MegaTraveller 2: Quest for the Ancients.
I, like many others here, played one or both years ago when they first came out. I had such fond memories for both games (and didn't want to go digging through my game storeroom) I purchased both just a few weeks ago from The Traveller Trader. Obviously the graphics are dated but they still have that Traveller feel. I can spend hours in #2 just creating character after character using the built-in game character generator.
I was rummaging through my local game store yesterday and came across a couple of sets of GDW's metal miniatures for Traveller, The New Era. They were all set #5853, listed as TECHNOS. I now have a human scientist-type figure and a Hiver figure from each package (cost was $5.50 for each pair). Now I've got to break out the Hiver Sourcebook and find out what color to paint these creatures. Sometimes digging through those bubblepacks hanging on the wall of your local game shop can be a rewarding experience!
I, like many others here, played one or both years ago when they first came out. I had such fond memories for both games (and didn't want to go digging through my game storeroom) I purchased both just a few weeks ago from The Traveller Trader. Obviously the graphics are dated but they still have that Traveller feel. I can spend hours in #2 just creating character after character using the built-in game character generator.
I was rummaging through my local game store yesterday and came across a couple of sets of GDW's metal miniatures for Traveller, The New Era. They were all set #5853, listed as TECHNOS. I now have a human scientist-type figure and a Hiver figure from each package (cost was $5.50 for each pair). Now I've got to break out the Hiver Sourcebook and find out what color to paint these creatures. Sometimes digging through those bubblepacks hanging on the wall of your local game shop can be a rewarding experience!
To check out something really ancient, see if you can find a copy of Space Rogue. At the time, 15 years ago..., I thought it was the greatest thing ever. Probably the first of the "fly around the galaxy, trade stuff, oh wait you also have a secret mission" sort of games. Interestingly enough it had an arcade style flight mode and a Newtonian style flight mode (allowing you to try interesting maneuvers with thrust and vectors.)
I also like the first Privateer (based in the Wing Commander universe), though the second one seemed way too lock step on following a plot.
I also like the first Privateer (based in the Wing Commander universe), though the second one seemed way too lock step on following a plot.
Keklas Rekobah
SOC-14 1K
I just snatched up MegaTraveller 1: The Zhodani Conspiracy and MegaTraveller 2: Quest for the Ancients at a local swap meet (flea market) for 5US$ each! In the ORIGINAL boxes!
As soon as my CD/DVD burner arrives, I'll put these and any other useful Traveller utilities on a more permanent medium.
Unless The-Powers-That-Be (Hello, Marc?) decide to do it themselves first...
As soon as my CD/DVD burner arrives, I'll put these and any other useful Traveller utilities on a more permanent medium.
Unless The-Powers-That-Be (Hello, Marc?) decide to do it themselves first...
Both MegaTraveller games are available for download here: http://jtas.org/Software/download.html
They are now 'abandonware' and in the public domain, apparently.
I'm playing through the first one and finding out just how tough the MT ruleset was (max skills allowed = INT + EDU!). It's a reasonable game (excellent considering when it was published!) but definitely d/load the manual too
The only really annoying things about it are it's hard to navigate in-system, and you really do need to check the UWP to see if an atmosphere is breathable before you leave the spaceport
Anton
They are now 'abandonware' and in the public domain, apparently.
I'm playing through the first one and finding out just how tough the MT ruleset was (max skills allowed = INT + EDU!). It's a reasonable game (excellent considering when it was published!) but definitely d/load the manual too
The only really annoying things about it are it's hard to navigate in-system, and you really do need to check the UWP to see if an atmosphere is breathable before you leave the spaceport Anton
This reply is for Issac concerning the Megatraveller game for the computer.These games were sold in the early 90's and there were 2 of them. The first was the Zhodinian Conspiricy and the second was the Secrets of the Ancient's. I have not played the first, but have completed the second. The second contains a character generator that will allow you to develop either a human or Vargr character for the game. You then must collect 36 Coyns by visiting the various Ancient's sites, then you must visit the ancient's Grandfather learn the secret to save Rhylanor from destruction. A secondary quest is to find the culprit that caused the Ancient's Site to activate and destroy Rhylanor. The game formed the basis for my character development into an on-going Traveller campaign. Both of these games are available for download on the internet at www.freelancetraveller.com/infocenter/swlist/winprogs.html. The site also contains the manuals and a hint book for the games. You will need the manuals as the copyright protection keys off the manuals. The games are very interesting and are a good basis for understanding of the Traveller system. There is a lot of trading and interaction with npc's and some combat. Hopefully, you will be able to enjoy these games.
S
Sophiathegreen
Guest
I play MOO1, MOO2, and MOO3 which while not realy traveller are great 4X space empire games. I am sorrey for been abite off topic here.
bromdenlong
SOC-12
Loki, Ellros, Anton, Glee...thanks! I just downloaded both games and I'm going to give them a spin.
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