Starglider
Filled polygons on 8-bit
Argonaut's 1986 3D combat flight game that brought filled polygon graphics to home computers, establishing the studio's reputation for technical wizardry.
Overview
Starglider (1986) was Argonaut Software’s breakthrough 3D combat game that demonstrated filled polygon graphics were possible on home computers. Players piloted an AGAV (Airborne Ground Attack Vehicle) defending the planet Doyon from the Ergon Empire.
Fast Facts
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Developer | Argonaut Software |
| Publisher | Rainbird Software |
| Lead programmer | Jez San |
| Innovation | Real-time filled 3D on 8-bit |
| Sequel | Starglider 2 (1988) |
Technical Achievement
| Platform | Frame Rate | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Atari ST | 25 fps | 68000 optimised |
| Amiga | 25 fps | Blitter-assisted |
| C64 | 10-15 fps | Hand-tuned 6502 |
Most 8-bit 3D games used wireframe graphics. Starglider’s filled polygons—with hidden surface removal—seemed impossible on limited hardware.
Gameplay
| Element | Implementation |
|---|---|
| Flight model | Simplified physics, accessible |
| Enemies | Walkers, stompers, missiles |
| Refuelling | Land on pads to recharge |
| Objective | Destroy Ergon war machine |
The Novella
Starglider shipped with a novella by James Follett that expanded the game’s universe—a common practice for 1980s games that enhanced immersion beyond what graphics could convey.
Jez San and Argonaut
Jez San founded Argonaut at age 16. Starglider’s success led to:
- Starglider 2 (1988)
- Collaboration with Nintendo
- The Super FX chip
- Star Fox on SNES
Legacy
Starglider proved British developers could compete technically with anyone. Its success established Argonaut as 3D specialists, ultimately leading to hardware design work that shaped console gaming.