Installation Guide
System Requirements:
- DOS 5.0 or higher
- 386 processor or better
- 4MB RAM minimum
- VGA graphics card
- Sound Blaster compatible sound card
- 20MB free hard disk space
Step-by-Step Installation
- Insert Installation Disk: Place Disk 1 into your floppy drive (A: or B:).
- Run Installer: At the DOS prompt, type A:\INSTALL (or B:\INSTALL) and press Enter.
- Select Installation Directory: Choose destination directory (default is C:\STARCON).
- Configure Hardware: Set up sound card, joystick, and graphics settings as prompted.
- Copy Game Files: Follow prompts to insert additional disks when requested.
- Create Batch File: The installer will create a STARCON.BAT file to launch the game.
- Test Installation: Run the game to verify proper installation and configuration.
Specifications
| Game Title | Star Control 1 |
| Type | Space Combat Strategy Game |
| Developer | Toys for Bob / Accolade |
| Release Year | 1990 |
| Game Modes | Single Player, Two Player Combat |
| Control Type | Keyboard, Joystick, Mouse |
| Graphics Mode | VGA 320x200 (256 colors) |
| Sound Support | AdLib, Sound Blaster, PC Speaker |
| Storage Media | 5.25" or 3.5" Floppy Disks |
| Installation Size | 15 MB (full installation) |
| Memory Requirements | 580KB Conventional Memory |
| Multiplayer Support | Serial Cable, Modem (up to 14.4k) |
Warranty Information
- Original Warranty: 90 days media replacement
- Technical Support: Available via phone during business hours
- Registration: Mail-in registration card for updates
For technical support, contact Accolade Customer Service at 1-408-296-8400
Key Features
Strategic Space Combat
Command a fleet of 14 unique alien spacecraft, each with distinct weapons and flight characteristics, in tactical one-on-one space battles.
Campaign Mode
Lead the Alliance of Free Stars against the oppressive Ur-Quan Hierarchy in a strategic campaign spanning multiple star systems.
Two Player Duel
Challenge a friend in head-to-head combat using serial cable or modem connection, with customizable match settings and ship selections.
Alien Technology
Utilize advanced alien technologies including plasma cannons, gravity whips, and biological weapons unique to each alien race.
Resource Management
Manage limited resources, allocate ships to different battlefronts, and make strategic decisions that affect the galactic war's outcome.
Classic VGA Graphics
Experience vibrant 256-color VGA graphics with detailed ship designs, animated explosions, and colorful space backgrounds.
Alien Races & Ships
Human
Flagship: Cruiser - Balanced ship with forward lasers and rear missiles
Ur-Quan
Flagship: Dreadnought - Powerful but slow with devastating fusion blasts
Spathi
Flagship: Eluder - Fast, cowardly ship with rear-mounted plasma cannon
Ilwrath
Flagship: Avenger - Stealth-capable ship with web-spinning ability
Androsynth
Flagship: Guardian - Defensive ship with protective force field
Chenjesu
Flagship: Broodhome - Crystalline ship with photon missiles
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Game won't start | Insufficient memory, wrong DOS version | Free up conventional memory, ensure DOS 5.0 or higher |
| No sound effects | Sound card not configured, IRQ conflict | Run setup utility, check sound card settings |
| Graphics corruption | VGA compatibility issue, bad installation | Try different VGA mode, reinstall game |
| Joystick not working | Joystick not calibrated, wrong port | Calibrate in setup, ensure connected to game port |
| Game runs too fast | Fast CPU, no speed limiter | Use slowdown utility, enable turbo button |
| Multiplayer connection fails | Wrong serial settings, cable issue | Check baud rate settings, verify null-modem cable |
Common Error Messages
- Error: Not enough memory: Free up conventional memory using MEMMAKER
- Error: Sound card not found: Run SETUP.EXE to configure sound settings
- Error: Cannot find game data: Ensure all files are in correct directory
- Error: VGA initialization failed: Try running in standard VGA mode
- Error: Joystick not detected: Calibrate joystick in Windows/DOS first
- Error: Save game corrupted: Delete corrupted save files and restart
Manual Downloads
Current Version Manuals
Star Control 1
Original Release (1990)
Star Control 1
VGA Enhanced Edition
Star Control 1
Sound Blaster Edition
Star Control 1
CD-ROM Collection
Related Game Manuals
Star Control 2
The Ur-Quan Masters
Star Control 3
Third installment
Star Control 1+2
Compilation Edition
Strategy Guide
Complete Campaign Guide