--------------------
Reach for the Stars
Comparisons
--------------------
Technology has made a huge difference to the art of making computer games.
This is a comparison between the original Reach For The Stars,
released in 1983 and the new version, due Fall 1999.
Graphics Resolution :
Old: 320 x 200 (8 colors)
New: 800 x 600 (65,536 colors)
Minimum Processor :
Old: 1 MHz 6502 8 bit CPU
New: 200 Mhz Pentium 32 bit CPU
Minimum RAM :
Old: 64 Kilobytes of RAM
New: 64 Megabytes of RAM
Graphics Created By :
Old: Computer Programmer
New: 4 x 2D and 4 x 3D professional artists
Diplomacy :
Old: None. All sides perpetually at war.
New: Three different treaty types, trade, embargoes, bribes.
Multiplayer Capability :
Old: None
New: 4 players Internet, 6 players LAN, simultaneous turns.
Number of Species :
Old: One
New: Sixteen pre-defined, unlimited through Scenario Editor.
Tech Trees :
Old: One
New: Unlimited number, each species has own Tech Tree.
Spacecraft Design :
Old: None
New: Unlimited.
Tactical Space Combat :
Old: None
New: Choice of formations, attack orders, withdrawals.
Weapon Types :
Old: One
New: Unlimited
Scenario Editor :
Old: None
New: Included
Maximum Map Size :
Old: 32 x 23
New: 100 x 60
Number of Star Systems :
Old: 54
New: 200
