Comment by MaulingMonkey

The final shareware version (2.6) was fairly comparable to the retail version (2.7). This says the shareware version just lacked some sound effects...? https://web.archive.org/web/20091129230733/http://wiki.gible...

However, I believe the first shareware version I had was 1.x (distributed via CD that was packed full of shareware) which was significantly different. I remember mining fuel, which tracks with the above link.

Stars! was one of my very first video game purchases. I remember mailing a money order, and recieving a copy in the mail - I didn't have internet at the time. I'm not sure I even knew the internet existed then, although I would soon after if not.