A quite good book by Terry Jones (of Monty Python). The book gives an explanation of the events which caused the ship's disaster to happen and has a story that's similar but not really the same as the computer game. Similar style of humor as the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series, but involving a bit more sex than expected.
Terry was cast to play the voice of the semi-deranged workman's parrot in the computer game. After seeing the work that was being done on the game, Terry got a bit excited and asked if there was anything else that needed to be done. Douglas Adams suggested he write the novel. Thus, Terry earned himself an altogether unique credit; "Parrot and Novel by Terry Jones."
Overall A very entertaining book, well worth a read.