The Halley Project
| Industry | Video games |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | The Halley Project: A Mission In Our Solar System |
The Halley Project: A Mission In Our Solar System is a space flight simulation game created by Omar Khudari and Tom Snyder for the Apple II, Commodore 64, and Atari 8-bit computers. It was released by Mindscape in 1985. A version with upgraded graphics was subsequently launched for the Amiga platform in 1986.
Plot
In this game, players take on the role of a spacecraft pilot assigned to navigate various celestial bodies within the Solar System. The adventure begins with a message from "P.L.A.N.E.T.," inviting the player to qualify for participation in The Halley Project, described as a landmark scientific expedition:
Greetings,
Among all pilots across the Solar System, you have been selected to attempt qualification for The Halley Project team. Success will grant you entry into history’s greatest scientific journey: The Halley Project ... the Final Challenge.
Good luck; you will certainly need it.
Neal "Buzz" Collins
Starbird 1st Class
P.L.A.N.E.T. out
Gameplay
Starting from a base located on Halley's Comet, players initially travel to Earth and return. Progression through increasingly complex missions elevates the player's rank, beginning at Raven and advancing through ranks like Shrike, Vulture, culminating at Starbird.
A hidden mission becomes accessible by inputting a password provided upon completion of the final registered mission. Players receive a numeric code which they send to "Project Halley" (the game's publisher) and are then given instructions to unlock the secret mission by entering MINDSCAPE at the Starbird rank while on Earth.
The Halley Project is distinguished by its authentic simulation of space travel, featuring accurate planetary sizes and distances, alongside demanding landing windows that require precise timing. Movement throughout the solar system is expedited via a fictional hyperdrive that activates at light speed (300,000 km/s). Navigation occurs on a two-dimensional plane with separate controls managing ship orientation and facing direction. A radar display shows planets and the 12 Zodiac constellations, with zoom levels ranging from 50 million up to 10 billion kilometers.
Reception
Computer Gaming World commended the title for its seamless integration of educational information about the solar system and praised its scoring system that avoids penalties, encouraging strategic planning. The publication also highlighted strong visual and audio elements but noted frustration caused by a five-week wait before accessing the final mission.
The Australian Commodore and Amiga Review remarked that the Amiga edition presents a steep learning curve for newcomers but rewards persistence. The review also emphasized the gratification derived from successful landings and lauded the soothing base-approach music that helps reduce flight-related stress.