Now, Interplay is bringing Starfleet Battles into the 90s with a PC game called Starfleet Command (SFC). With SFC, the strategy board game has been transformed into an exciting real-time starship combat simulation that is based on the skill and nerves of the "captain," not his hand to eye skill or his blind luck.

Interplay has faithfully incorporated all of the Star Trek ship designs, which include 50 models with over 300 variants. Weapon systems range from multiple phaser types, to disrupters, photon torpedoes, missiles, and mines. Transporters also play a large role in Starfleet combat, as SFC includes marines that can be beamed in and instructed to attack specific systems as well as transporter bombs that can be set off in space.

SFC is much more complicated than the average shoot-em-up space battle game. For example, the player-captain must pay close attention to the ship's energy supply, since all systems, including weapons, shields, transporters, the tractor beam, and engines, are powered from a central energy pool.

The full release, due out in August, will include six player races--Federation, Klingon, Romulan, Hydran, Lyran, and Gorn. Additional races may be available as future expansion sets. In addition to fighting the computer, SFC supports multiplayer gaming for up to 6 players across a network or the Internet.

Beyond the superb game play, this game's graphics are stunning. The ship controls that occupy the left panel are not only straight from the Star Trek movies, but also are extremely easy to use. The multiview port lets the player-captain switch between many 3d views as well as an overhead view.

But ultimately, the game is so compelling for the same reason as the board game--because it is based on talent, not hand-eye coordination. Nevertheless, the game's action sequences are gripping. This game will please a wide audience, including fans of the show, fans of Starfleet Battles, and fans of strategy based space games.