Gameplay was limited to 50 players roleplaying as Starlords with the goal of becoming emperor by conquering the Throne Star.
[1] Starlord was based on a 1977 board game of the same name invented by Gary Bedrosian and Lee Elmendorf.
[5] However, "sadly, the last Emperor has died, and the Empyr is run by imperial computers", proving an opportunity for players to seize the throne.
[5] A player that took the Throne Star received various benefits, including control of the Empyr's forces and free turns, but also acquired "up to 49 enemies".
[1] Armintrout commented that "Starlord continues to receive my highest recommendation – a masterpiece of game design, ridiculously easy to play yet moderately challenging.