Star Control II is an action-adventure science fiction game that was originally developed by Toys for Bob and published by Accolade in 1992 for MS-DOS.
Star Control II is a landmark action-adventure sci-fi game blending space exploration, melee combat, and deep storytelling, it expands on its predecessor’s ship-to-ship melee combat in an open galaxy, ditching strategic fleet battles for a narrative-driven adventure akin to classic RPGs.
Players captain the Vindicator, scavenging resources (like fuel and crew hires), recruiting allies from diverse alien fleets, and engaging in real-time dogfights to liberate Earth from the tyrannical Ur-Quan Hierarchy. Core loops—hyperspace travel, planetary landings for resource hunts, fleet-building, and branching dialogues—create emergent depth, with over 25 playable ships each boasting unique physics and weapons.
In a grim post-war galaxy, humanity cowers under Ur-Quan enslavement after their Alliance crumbles; you, a lone captain backed by the Chenjesu, unravel a sprawling epic of betrayal, ancient artifacts, and cosmic threats. Exploration unfolds non-linearly across 5 galaxies, with player choices forging alliances or rivalries among quirky, fully voiced alien species—from pacifist Syreen to treacherous Ilwrath—driving diplomacy and plot twists.
Themes of interstellar intrigue, precursor mysteries, and moral ambiguity culminate in multiple endings, cementing its status as a sci-fi masterpiece rivaling literary epics.
The 3DO port’s source code was GPL-licensed in 2002, spawning the acclaimed open-source remake The Ur-Quan Masters (2002), preserving it legally amid IP disputes.
Originally envisioned as a full sci-fi RPG beyond combat, it pioneered adventure elements in space sims, influencing Mass Effect and No Man’s Sky.
Its retro pixel art, pseudo-3D ship battles, and eerie synth soundtrack evoke pure nostalgia, earning spots on “best games ever” lists from outlets like IGN and PC Gamer.
The Remake
Ur-Quan Masters HD
Ur-Quan Masters HD Mod. An HD remake of Star Control 2. It’s the full Ur-Quan Masters game but also featuring a high resolution mode, new features, & new artwork.
Features
Play in the original graphics, OR in Hi-Res mode
Internet Multi-Player
Hundreds of worlds to explore.
Ship vs. Ship Melee combat: 26 Unique ships. Easy to play, difficult to master.
