Planet's Edge
| Company type | Video game |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Founder | Eric Hyman |
| Parent | New World Computing |
Planet's Edge is a 1992 science fiction role-playing game set in space, developed by New World Computing under the leadership of designer Eric Hyman. The narrative centers on the mysterious disappearance of Earth, prompting missions launched from a lunar base to investigate. Gameplay integrates real-time space exploration and combat with turn-based planetary exploration, problem-solving, and battles across numerous planets. While the game features a wide array of objects, weaponry, and mission types, it does not include an in-depth experience or statistics system for the four characters controlled by the player.
Plot
Shortly before the game's events unfold, an alien experiment causes Earth to be swallowed by a wormhole. Scientists stationed on the Moonbase conclude that replicating this experiment is essential to recovering Earth; however, the crucial Centauri Drive device was destroyed. Utilizing recovered alien technology, they construct a rudimentary spacecraft and assemble a team of four scientists under the player's leadership to search for parts required to reconstruct the Centauri Drive and rescue Earth.
The storyline begins within the Solar System but extends across more than one hundred stars and planets divided into eight sectors. Each sector is governed by distinct alien civilizations possessing different levels of technology. Every sector presents its own subplot that must be resolved to obtain one of the eight components necessary for rebuilding the Centauri Drive.
Gameplay
Players start from Moonbase, commanding a spacecraft staffed by four scientists. They manage resources to develop ships, armaments, or clone crew members. Cloning modifies crew attributes and skills without changing their identities; statistics remain constant unless recloned.
Once a ship is equipped, players navigate it in real-time from an overhead third-person perspective, issuing orders through a menu interface. Ships travel between star systems and orbit planets. Certain planets provide resources for mining or serve as landing sites for ground missions. Encounters with alien vessels may result in trading opportunities or combat, which plays out in action sequences similar to those found in Starflight or Star Control.
When conditions allow, the team can beam down onto planets to explore environments presented in an isometric view reminiscent of Ultima VI. Movement, interaction with objects and NPCs, as well as combat are conducted in a turn-based manner using clickable icons or hotkeys.
A core element involves mining resources and acquiring alien technology to construct advanced ships, weapons, and armor. This advancement grants access to sectors with higher technological sophistication and is essential for gathering components needed to complete the Centauri Device.
Development
The project began as a computer adaptation of Star Fleet Battles. After Neal Hallford contributed to Tunnels & Trolls: Crusaders of Khazan, New World Computing's founder Jon Van Caneghem appointed him as designer for both Planet's Edge and Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra. Subsequently, Ron Bolinger assumed design responsibilities for Might and Magic III, enabling Hallford to concentrate on crafting Planet's Edge's narrative, dialogues, and maps.
Reception
In July 1992, Computer Gaming World commended Planet's Edge for its engaging story, well-balanced gameplay mechanics, and substantial playtime but pointed out bugs along with limitations in graphics and user interface design. PC Magazine identified issues with ground movement during planetary exploration as the game's primary drawback. Scott A. May from Compute! described it as a "minor masterpiece" despite noting an awkward character interface on planetary surfaces. The title earned 4 out of 5 stars in Dragon magazine and received strong recommendations from Jim Trunzo in White Wolf, who also awarded it 4 out of 5 stars for play value.
In November 1992, it was shortlisted for Computer Gaming World's role-playing game of the year award due to its innovative approach to world exploration and puzzle implementation.