Buzz Aldrin’s Race into Space is a game that was published by Interplay in 1992. It is a turn-based simulation game based on the space exploration era. The game is actually an adaptation of a board game named “Liftoff!”. The main goal of the game is to work on a space program that will become strong enough to become the first space program to successfully land a man on the moon.
The game is a good simulation even if it is not entirely realistic.
Some adjustments have been made in the game to give equal parties a fair chance at winning the game. The game has also been simplified and does not feature all of the elements in a real space program. It is really a simplified concept of the race into space. But despite the minor adjustments and the simplifications that were done in the game many of the concepts were historically accurate. The game features historically-correct information regarding the technologies that were used and considered for space travel during that time. Each space program has its own accurate representation of the hardware during that time. Even how the developments in your program are perceived is varied.
At the start of the game, you can choose between the American
and the Russian space programs. After you choose which country you want to develop the space program for you can already hire astronauts and train them. One of the most important aspects of the game is the research as the advancement of Space Programs is highly dependent on research and development. You need to make sure that you are always ahead in terms of the vehicles/ space crafts.
As head of your particular country of choice’s Space program you will manage everything from research and development to the actual space craft launches. You must make sure that you make the right decisions regarding who to send on space missions. Aside from the success of the program, the career of the astronauts is also in your hands.
The game is very difficult to play as there are many things that you need to manage but those who enjoy challenges in their games will most likely enjoy Buzz Aldrin’s Race into Space.
The game still holds significant educational value even if it is not entirely realistic. It is also a very fun game to play so it wouldn’t be a waste of your time at all.
