Starr Mazer PC

Starr Mazer for PC is an independent retro science fiction production that uniquely combines elements of a classical point ‘n’ click adventure game with a sidescroll arcade shoot’em up. It was developed by Imagos Softworks, a studio established by experienced designers of games and movies. To a large extent, the production came to life thanks to crowdfunding.

Plot

The action starts 130 years after the Great War, in a galaxy that plunged into chaos. The protagonist is a mercenary pilot Brick M. Stonewood — a relic of a past era, found in state of hibernation by miners. Brought back to life in a scientific station in the city of Holloway-Exeter, he decides he must try to recall the key facts and events of his past. To do so, the protagonist has to travel onboard the Starr Wolf ship to many dangerous places and uncover secrets hidden in uncharted corners of the galaxy.

Mechanics

The gameplay mechanics combine elements of classical point ‘n’ click adventure games with shooting sequences and cutscenes that enrich the story. The adventure part is characterized by an old-school interface that features an equipment bar and a list of possible actions, such as go, take, give, open, talk, and so on. While playing, we gather information that lead us to new regions of the galaxy. Travelling between them bears a resemblance to classical arcade machine shooters. The title is divided into episodes that are somewhat non-linear. The key events do not depend on us but the game can be played in various ways, and the actions we take may be reflected in the further course of the story.

Technical aspects

Starr Mazer for PC was done in the characteristic retro style that brings the productions of the 90s to mind. The soundtrack was composed in a similar style by the legend of the chiptune genre, Alex Mauer, in cooperation with composers that previously worked on classics such as Mega Man as well as newer productions like Shovel Knight.

Last updated on 11 March 2015