The gameplay involves obtaining power ups and slowing down opponents, in order to reach the finish line first, similar to that of the Wipeout series.

117 million years ago, the Rails, which are narrow tracks thousands of miles long, were constructed by unknown life forms, with their purpose unclear.

The Rails are half open, winding tubes with a red power strip along one side that boosts a ship's speed the closer it flies to it.

The prize at the end of championship is the Star Sphere, assembled from 43 stones found at each track, forming a near-perfect globe, still incomplete, as it has one piece missing.

Starwinder received mediocre reviews, with critics generally commenting that the tracks are too short and differ in little more than the background graphics, leading to gameplay which is overly easy and repetitive.

[3] Scary Larry of GamePro called Starwinder "a mediocre, barely enjoyable race",[5] and Next Generation concluded that "the control of the ships and play mechanics simply aren't varied or engaging enough to hold one's attention for very long.