Designed by Distributed by Interplay Minimum System Requirements Windows 95/98/2000/ME Pentium III 500 (without 3D acceleration) Paentium II 350 (with 3D acceleration) 64 MB RAM Quadspeed (4x) CD-ROM drive 100% Microsoft-compatible Mouse and keyboard 4MB SVGA Video Card (D3D compatible) 550 MB for installation Da Introduction: Welcome to the Star Trek world Interplay style. Interplay has a very good reputation when it comes to creating games that people want and enjoy. Over the past few years they have delivered the goods through several different game types. Interplay has bombarded the gaming market with another stellar title that will stretch the limits and send your mind spinning into far-outreached places of the universe. Another thing that Interplay is known for is the novels they send with their games, and Star Trek StarFleet Command: Vol II is no different. The gaming detail is overwhelming and will keep you busy for as long as you let it. This game will easily take up a year of your time to get through; Interplay has built an amazingly detailed and intricate space adventure. Da Graphics: From the moment I looked at the box I knew this was going to be either graphically amazing, or completely lame. Good space adventure games are always more difficult to get right. The way the stars move and interact with their surroundings and the bright, colorful nebulas should always more spectacular than any earthly sight. Ships and other objects should also interact on a complete 3d x, y, z plane. Interplay has hit the nail on the head with StarFleet Command II. All of these areas are seemingly perfect. The opening sequence sets up the game, putting you in the driver's seat of a Federation Starship. The graphical movies are intense, they suck you right in and you seldom walk away unscathed. In the gameplay, some really cool things have been done to bring everything to life. There are several camera views that reveal some great maneuvering, mind-blowing sights and spectacular architectural design. The interface that Interplay uses to aid you in your adventure is very crisp and clean. There is a lot to know and a lot to become familiar with but the simplistic layout helps guide you into expertise quickly. I did experience a few coding bugs that reared their ugly heads once in a while. The game is brand-spanking new and I am confident that Interplay will be on top of their game to get the updates, patches and bug fixes out to their audiences as soon as they possibly can. Just remember to save often! Da Sound: Star Trek has a reputation for being filled with orchestral music. The tradition continues as new scores have been thrown in with familiar ones to really bring this game into "Star Trek" territory. There is not a great amount of audible conversation, most of the interaction with crew members or enemies is done through text in the lower right-hand corner of the screen. I was a little bit disappointed that there was not more vocal interaction. I feel this would have brought the game to an even higher level of fun and realism. The sound department is actually fairly standard, there is nothing that is overly exciting or worthy of extra mention. You'll hear typical sound effects that correspond to certain actions such as explosions and the ships have their own numerous noises. As for background sounds, space is a much quieter environment than what you would find anywhere else, hence the stillness and the peace. Da Gameplay: Star Trek StarFleet Command is a very big game. This is putting it lightly. You have the option of assuming the role as one of eight races, each competing for a significant role in the future of space command. There are the familiar Trekie characters and some new races have been added. Some of the races include: Klingon, Romulan, Federation, Hydran, Lyran, Gorn and the Interstellar Consortium(ISC). At the start of the game you may choose which race you will be apart of. Once chosen you will then begin your ascension through the ranks of your race's hierarchical structure. Each race is involved in fulfilling their own goals regardless of what the others may be doing. All eight races control sectors of known space. Something is always happening in the game. The main screen depicts a honeycomb grid of space. You travel through each sector looking for missions that may need fulfilling (escorts, patrolling, etc). Once in a sector you may not leave until you have either accepted or declined the awaiting missions. When you accept the action picks up. You are taken to where your ship is located and you assume control. The control layout and setup is very interesting, but works really well. Interplay has tried to simulate the difficulties of flying large ships in space to the best of their ability. There are many limitations, such as turning radius' and speeds. Many of the flight functions are simple and easy to learn, but learning the strategy, more complex moves and tactics will take significantly more time and energy. After either completing or failing the mission you are once again taken back to the map screen. This is where a lot of awareness, attention to detail and strategy comes into play. During each entry to this screen, there is an update as to what has happened recently. For example, you'll be updated on who is attacking who, the economic change of any sectors and any significant activities that are taking place. You may also do some research with the onboard library that will help you decipher the map as well as some of the other functions available to you. Star Trek StarFleet Command II is about diplomacy, development and quick thinking. You will be tested in all of these areas. There is so much to keep you busy. At first you'll take on the small missions to build up some cash for bigger ships, better weapons etc, then it's onto more lengthy and dangerous missions where you venture into unprotected enemy space. There is seldom any backup when you venture into the uncharted regions, you must be able to stand on your own, but expect your people to trust you with that kind of responsibility right off. Da Multiplayer Action: Up to six people can play over a LAN, TCP/IP, or the Internet. Go head to head, work in teams, or alone, the decision is up to you. Who will arise as the victor? Which will be the superior race when all is said and done? The multiplayer setup comes with a wide variety of options. Games can be completely customized to your own specifications, race types, starting point values, whether the game is password protected or not, number of players, and the list goes on. The interface again is very clean and simplistic making it an easy tool to learn and eventually master. Da Conclusion: Star Trek StarFleet Command II will amaze you with its representation of space life and interaction. In its entirety there are few that equal its involvement and intricate detail. The learning curve is great, and the game prep even greater. It is like Diplomacy, Privateer, and Space Combat merged into one. The thrill will linger for a long time as the options seem endless. There are eight different angles in which to approach the game and each will entertain and keep you wrapped up within. The call goes out to both Star Trek fans and non-fans alike, everyone can enjoy this space adventure. Each will find their own little niche that appeals to them the most, there are so many. Great job Interplay and Co. I am sold. Da Ratings: Graphics: 9 Sound: 8 Gameplay: 9 Tilt: 8.5 Total: 8.6 Star Trek StarFleet Command: Vol II was reviewed by Da Gameboyz contributor Christopher Dawes on his: Celeron 400 128MB RAM Windows ME 20 GIG hard drive Diamond Monster 3D sound card Voodoo3 2000 16MB video card w/ Direct x 8.0 16x CD-ROM 100% Microsoft compatible mouse