Space Trek!

SPACE TREK - A Retro Space Combat Strategy Game

About

This is my homage to the first game I ever played on an IBM PC in the 80's, a strategy classic, EGA Trek by Nels Anderson.  Presenting, SPACE TREK (what an original title...) In the spirit of the original game, keeping this as free so anyone can enjoy what we in the late 80's/early 90's considered to be an amazing game that augmented ones' own imagination.

Gameplay

Command your starship across an 8x8 galactic grid filled with hostile enemies, alien planets, mysterious nebulas, and vital starbases. Your mission: survive, upgrade, and clear the galaxy of hostiles through tactical combat and careful resource management.

Core Loop:

• Navigate through procedurally-generated sectors
• Engage in tactical turn-based combat
• Manage energy, shields, and hull integrity
• Dock at starbases to repair and upgrade

Key Features

Combat Systems:

• Phaser & Torpedo Weapons: Distance-based accuracy with devastating firepower at close range
• Shield Frequency Modulation: Match enemy frequencies for +30% damage or face -20% penalties
• Overload Mode: Double phaser damage at the risk of system damage
• Tactical Positioning: Every square matters in life-or-death encounters

Strategic Depth:

• Three Ship Classes: Scout (fast & maneuverable), Cruiser (balanced), Battleship (heavy firepower)
• System Damage: Weapons, shields, warp drive, and transporters can go OFFLINE or CRITICAL
• Resource Management: Balance energy between shields, weapons, and movement
• Dynamic Threats: Standard enemies, Boss encounters, and devastating MEGABOSS fights

Exploration & Progression:

• Starbases: Safe havens for repairs, upgrades, and intelligence gathering
• Away Missions: Beam down to planets for supplies and discoveries
• Mining Operations: Extract energium from resource-rich worlds
• Ship Upgrades: Enhanced shields, weapon systems, warp capabilities, and more

Special Features:

• Allied Ships: Call for reinforcements with the MAYDAY system
• Nebula Hazards: Environmental challenges that affect combat
• Neutral Traders: Opportunity for commerce in the void
• Multiple Difficulty Modes: Cadet, Captain, and Admiral ranks
• Permadeath: Every decision matters in this roguelike experience

Retro Authenticity

• Full Color or Amber Terminal Aesthetic: Classic monochrome display with warm phosphor glow or modernized full color.
• CRT Scanlines: Authentic screen effects for that vintage monitor feel
• Ubuntu Mono Font: Period-appropriate typeface
• Pixel Art Ships: Hand-crafted sprites reminiscent of 8-bit era
• Chiptune Audio: Lo-fi retro soundscapes and weapon effects

Advanced Tactics

Master shield frequency cycling, optimal firing distances, energy transfer between systems, warp jump positioning, and overload timing to overcome the galaxy's deadliest threats. Every encounter demands strategic thinking—rushing in with guns blazing is a quick path to the scrap heap.

Accessibility

• Keyboard & Mouse Controls: Full command-line text input or button interface
• Resizable Window: Scales perfectly to any screen size while maintaining aspect ratio
• Tutorial System: Comprehensive help for new captains