Dark Star

CONTROLS
Dark Star has a fully user defineable game control system, which is explained
by the incorporated screen instructions; please note that the program will
select keyboard control or joystick control automatically, depending on which
menu was first used. Under joystick control, the accelerate and decelerate
controls will remain on the keyboard as defined by the user.
We do not recommend use of joysticks in playing Dark Star.
All aspects of the game are open to user control, including the display
format, and can be altered by use of the highly flexible, menu driven front end.
The keys "1" and "0" cannot be defined by the user. Those that are used in
the game are as follows:

"1" - Causes the display to switch between visual and tactical displays. On
the surface of a planet, this will show the arrangement of defences as
detailed above. Whilst the Liar is in space the tactical display will
show a map of all the two hundred and fifty six sectors withing the
galaxy, though your battle computer will only mark those sectors
containing enemy planets. The type of defence employed on a given
planet is also marked occording to the displayed key.
The Liar's position within the galaxy is shown by a flashing square
surrounding the sector it is located in.

"3" & "4" - When pressed together will cause the Liar to self-destruct, aborting
the game and returning to the main menu or high score table on the
next key press.

You've got to love the instructions for this game:

Fly around the universe.
If it moves shoot it.
If it doesn’t shoot it anyway.
If it’s square fly through it!

Also, I'm a bit surprised that my high score is still holding. 1000 points is only a marker and could easily be surpassed within half an hour's play. Of course, if anyone beats me, I will be back to reclaim it. ;)

The tips I'd give would be to: Redefine the keys to something more sensible; recharge your energy as soon as possible after some is lost; dodge missiles by varying your speed; swerving also helps but isn't much use when you're trying to fly through a hole in a forcefield; and when trying to take out cities with multiple centres, get yourself on a course that takes you through them all on a straight line. It's very difficult to change course when in combat, so just keep on flying until you come out the other end of the city.