Star Fire (set 1)

Pilots take to the stars in Exidy’s 1979 space combat simulator, Star Fire. As a lone fighter pilot, you maneuver across a starfield backdrop using a steering yoke and thrust control, engaging enemy fighters with laser fire. The game employs a unique perspective; while your ship is centered on screen, enemies approach from all directions, indicated by a long-range scan indicator at the bottom of the display. Successfully locking onto an enemy—achieved by aligning it within crosshairs—provides a brief window for easy destruction and point accumulation. Points are earned by destroying blue, green, and gold fighters, as well as bonus pirate ships that move steadily across the screen. A thrust indicator displays your speed and direction, while messages on the panel alert you to hits, laser readiness, and other critical information. Fuel management is key; earning bonus fuel through high scores allows for extended playtime and additional opportunities to top the leaderboard. Star Fire tracks player initials for the twenty highest scores based on coin investment, displaying them during attract mode. A unique feature at the time of its release, this allowed players to leave their mark on the arcade experience—though entering secret codes reveals hidden messages from the development team.