Star Ship was among the nine initial games available when the Atari VCS debuted on September 11, 1977. Utilizing the joystick controller, players aim to accomplish one of these goals:
- Eliminate the maximum number of spacecraft and robots within a specified time, all while evading asteroids.
- Alternate between dodging enemy shots from spacecraft and targeting opponent-controlled craft, which can be either human or computer-controlled.
- Navigate through asteroids and various space objects to travel the furthest distance possible.
- Safely land the space module on a lunar landing pad, with the option for the moon to remain stationary or be controlled by a computer or human opponent.
(Sears title was Outer Space.)