Star Rangers is an intergalactic action and strategy game on CD-ROM. If you're looking for a good space combat action game you can jump right into without having to wade through live-acting segments, this may be just the game for you.

Star Rangers is MS-DOS based, and I recommend restarting in DOS mode (under Windows 95) before installation so that your sound card is configured properly. The Installation Guide recommends using the "NOEMS" switch when loading EMM386.EXE on machines with 8MB RAM so that the game will run faster; on my 486-DX2/66, Star Rangers occasionally will "stutter" (i.e., motion stops for a brief period of time) when pressing joystick buttons in quick succession. This is a minor inconvenience, and will probably not be a problem for those with Pentiums.

Documentation includes a Handbook w/Addenda (60 p.), Installation Guide (16 p.), and Quick Reference Control Card. All of these are clear and easy to follow; the reference card is particularly helpful and is really all you need once you get into the game.

In Star Rangers, you and your wingman (you can choose from several) are to protect your bases and ships against Taureg bandits who are threatening the frontiers of human civilization. The game starts in Practice mode, where you hone your combat skills; you'll soon want to start a Campaign, where you fly a number of sequential missions, earning medals and points as each mission is completed. Progress is automatically tallied, and you can advance from Ensign up to Commander (seven ranks). Difficulty level can be varied, so the game can be enjoyed from rank amateurs up to experts. For your ship, you can choose between two guns (plasma or autocannon) and six different torpedoes (sharp stick, heat seeker, inferno, bug-eye, bludgeon, and tac nuke).

When flying your ship, you can choose from several different viewpoints both inside and outside the ship. The cockpit view (the most useful) allows you to monitor status of your ships equipment at all times. The most important instrument is the Heads Up Display, which helps you find and shoot targets. Star Rangers has a combat autopilot to help keep track of your target; this makes it a lot easier to shoot enemy ships. Although not particularly noteworthy, the sound effects are adequate. Graphics are nice, particularly the explosions when you destroy enemy ships (although not always timed with the sound effect).

Although comparison with other space combat games (e.g., Wing Commander III) is inevitable, the strategic elements of Star Rangers set it apart from the others. Also, each campaign is unique; even if missions are replayed, the positions, movements, and actions of both friendly and unfriendly units will change, resulting in substantial replay value. Each mission gives you flexibility to decide where your assistance is most needed, so you control the flow of battle. The acid-test of any game is the fun factor, and Star Rangers really shines here; I had a lot of fun with this game.

Interactive Magic has a toll number for technical support. Although not required, Star Rangers supports numerous flightsticks (i.e., Thrustmaster, Gravis, etc.).

Bottom Line:  If you like space combat games, you should check out Star Rangers. The strategic aspects help separate this game from other space combat simulations. Star Rangers is fun to play, and the variable difficulty settings make this a game that can be enjoyed at all skill levels.

System Tested On:  IBM compatible PC (Gateway 2000) with a 80486-DX2 at 66 Mhz; Windows 95; Sound Blaster-compatible soundcard; 8 MB of RAM & 420 Mb hard drive; 2x CD-ROM drive; mouse; Suncom (SFX) gamepad

Minimum System:  IBM 486DX/33 or higher processor, 8 MB RAM, 34 MB hard disk space, double-speed CD-ROM drive, VESA-compatible video driver, 256-color SVGA (640x480) monitor, MS-DOS 5.0 or higher or Windows 95 installed (preferably maintaining the previous DOS configuration), MS-compatible mouse and driver, 100% Sound-Blaster-compatible sound card (digital and FM/MIDI audio), joystick

Interactive Magic, P.O. Box 13491, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina  27709; phone (919) 461-0948