[ Fuzzy Memory ] Space Shuttle Computer Game
December 1st, 2010 by Benj Edwards
Every once and a while, I receive emails from people looking for a certain game, electronic toy, or computer from their distant past. I then pass it on to intrepid VC&G readers to crack the case.
The Clues
Pete writes:
Hi…
I was thinking about a game I played as a kid, probably came out around 1982-1986 or so. I think it was called Space Shuttle, but I could be wrong. I’ve searched for it online, but all I see are flight simulator type games, and the one I’m looking for was very different.
There was a roster of astronauts with different skills and personality types, and depending who you picked for your crew, they could either get along well or go crazy onboard! One of the astronauts was Fred Pfister, I think, don’t know why I remember that. There was a way to go EVA, and each shuttle mission required you to land and take off. If I recall correctly, you even had to watch how much money you had in the budget – you could make money by carrying satellites and every mission launched had a cost to it.
I think this would have been a Texas Instruments TI 99 4A game, but it could have been a Commodore 64 game too. Any help?
Thanks,
Pete
The Search Begins
It’s up to you to find the object of Pete’s fuzzy memory. Post any thoughts or suggestions in the comments section below. Pete will be monitoring the comments, so if you need to clarify something with him, ask away. Good luck!
—
Have a memory of a computer, video game, computer software, or electronic toy you need help identifying? Send me an email describing your memories in detail. Hopefully, the collective genius of the VC&G readership can help solve your mystery.
December 1st, 2010 at 11:08 am
The “official” Space Shuttle game was by Activision
Link here
However, I don’t remember that having the roster of pilots.
Earth Orbit Station had more of the financial/management side
December 1st, 2010 at 11:32 am
Accepted Answer
Could it be ‘Project: Space Station’?
http://www.gb64.com/game.php?id=5977
December 1st, 2010 at 11:37 am
I definitely remember that game — the ultimate goal was to build a space station, but you had to juggle resources and people and shuttle launches (and the astronauts could die in space if you left them up there too long!).
Can’t say I remember the title, it really was a long time ago.
December 1st, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Sounds very much like “Project Space Station” for the C64, Apple II & DOS. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Space_Station
December 1st, 2010 at 12:17 pm
Hmm, too late… :p
December 1st, 2010 at 3:20 pm
Sounds like Project; Space Station to me.
December 2nd, 2010 at 9:27 am
Hey, thanks all for the quick replies… Project Space Station it is! I checked out the Wikipedia link to confirm. Anyone know where to find it/how to play it on a current PC?
In the process of my searching, I came across another game I played a lot as a kid: Tunnels of Doom for the TI99/4A. Ahh, memories!
Pete
December 2nd, 2010 at 1:48 pm
Congrats to the_woz for getting it first. Once again, another speedy triumph for the VC&G crew!
December 2nd, 2010 at 4:40 pm
@Pete,
Looks like the DOS version is available here: http://www.abandonwaredos.com/abandonware-game.php?abandonware=Project%3A+space+station&gid=OTYz
DOSbox is your friend!
December 2nd, 2010 at 5:44 pm
I still have my copy, but I haven’t checked the disk in a while to see if it’s still readable…..I had the C64 version and played it quite a bit.
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:33 pm
Never played it, however this style of game sounds like what used to separate computer gaming from console gaming.
December 3rd, 2010 at 5:06 am
HI again,
I downloaded the DOS version from the Abandonware site, so now I have a folder full of files. But I have no idea how to start/play the game! There’s an install file, but when I click on it, nothing happens. My DOS is rusty, can someone help me get this going?
Thanks,
Pete
December 3rd, 2010 at 6:39 pm
I’m assuming you’re using Windows 7 and have the user name called “Gamer” in this example; I’m also assuming you’re using DOSBox 0.74, but that shouldn’t matter too much; although, it seems this game uses CGA graphics, and I know some additional functionality related to that was added to DOSBox recently but I leave that as an experiment to the reader.
1. Create a folder called “DOS” under the directory “C:\Users\Gamer”; FYI, it doesn’t need to be called “DOS”
2. Copy the ZIP file contents to the “DOS” directory and open the DOSBox window
3. Mount the directory using this command:
Z:\> mount C C:\Users\Gamer\DOS
4. Change to the drive using this command:
Z:\> C:
5. Run the game using this command:
C:\> station.com
December 5th, 2010 at 7:50 pm
Working now, Michael. Thanks for the help.
Pete