🚀 go-pugleaf

"Shingen" <shingen@aolsuks.sbcglobal.net> wrote in message 
news:k9coa29b1r83q9u47f2anf42cei8ifeksm@4ax.com...
> On Wed, 05 Jul 2006 21:09:32 GMT, "DocScorpio"
> <DocScorpio@strupra-spammeros.com> wrote:
>
[snip]
>
> So what, is it a game on rails or is there any freeform mode? What's
> the trade model like? I'm also wondering if it's a 900 meg download,
> what's the install amount it takes?
>
> I read somewhere about the 2 hour limit, I think it was the official
> site, but I might be wrong. If there is no time limit, I might try to
> grab it, but if there is, it would take longer to download it then the
> 2 hour game limit.

AFAICT, it has a story-line, which I assume is on rails, but from which you 
can step out of when you want to go freeform.  I don't know if you can avoid 
the story-line at start-up and just go pure freeform.  It has all the usual 
stuff, trading, buy new equip and weapons, bulletin-board missions (cargo, 
escort, bounty, etc.  Looks like more variety than FL....which had none).

The demo limits you to two regions of space, each containing several solar 
systems.  There's no actual time-limit.  The readme says it'll take you 1 
1/2 hours to explore the demo, but I don't think it shuts down after that. 
I suspect that's how long it takes to play the story-line missions in the 
demo.  The relevant info from the readme is quoted at the end of  the post.

As a rough analogy, I'd say that DS1 is to FL what Darkstone was to Diablo. 
Even the name conjurs up Darkstone. :)  Could be wrong, however.  This is 
just my first take on it.

Can't say anything about the trade model, tho' I think I saw a note in 
Octopus Overlords that it was "somewhat dynamic" (or words to that 
effect).....whatever that means.

I dled the demo from Filefront and it took me an hour and change (at c. 
190).  Installed, the game folder shows 980 megs.  Here's the readme info:

"Welcome to the Darkstar One Universe!

This demo offers you the opportunity to enjoy an extensive introduction to 
Darkstar One.

Assume the role of Kayron Jarvis, a young pilot, explore the universe and 
attempt to unravel a mysterious conspiracy.

In this demo you will have access to two clusters (groups of solar systems). 
You may explore the solar systems within these clusters with relative 
freedom. It is your choice how you act, whether as a pirate, a bounty 
hunter, a trader, or your own combination of the careers on offer. However, 
bear in mind that your actions will have consequences...

Exploring the entire demo content provides approximately one and a half 
hours of gameplay. There is no time limit, allowing you more scope for 
discovering additional features and hunting down ships."