Reviews

1985 Addictive Games (UK)
by Kevin Toms

After the brilliant 'Football Manager', Kevin Toms experienced the nightmare of any artist: How to create another masterpiece such as the first?
Very few make it, and Kevin didn't (he came close with Football Manager II).

Your goal in Software Star is to became a ...software star (like Kev is!). Programming, producing and selling your software and trying to top the charts.
Despite simple in some areas the game has its obvious appeal and can became addictive if you love this type of games.
It's not a masterpiece but it sure was another good idea from the FM creator.

Kevin Toms - master of the simple computer strategy game - unfortunately for this game - he made it way too simple .

The object is to run your software house and reach for the stars , creating a profitable business and maintaining chart position to attain the status of software star !

Its based on decisions made during the month , such as how much advertising , how long to leave a game in production , were to aim your support (NSEW) and basically thats it , the chart comes in , your games position is shown , the profit and loss sheets shown for the month , then its back to the launch / develop game screen again .

Its a pity as this would be a brilliant game , if there was just a bit more to do !

Where's the game?
For a game all about managing a software house it's almost ironic that Kevin Toms has forgotten to put any gameplay into this!
There really is nothing to do other than to choose which region to concentrate sales on and how much hype to give your titles.
It's a great idea though and one that's been done alot better elsewhere.