(continued from previous page) ...but cannot directly control any ships. Finally, players may choose the instant battle option to have a battle resolve automatically with no player input. This is, by far, the least wise option, and will often result in a loss unless the player has many more ships or is heavily armed.

Battles also occur when an enemy fleet moves into a node you control. Players may take control of a fleet they have in the sector to repel the attack. If no fleet is present, but a spacestation has been built, players may instead take control of the stations defenses to fight the invading armada.

Admirals also play a key part in the game. Each faction has 3 different admirals, based on one of three archetypes. Movement admirals can eventually traverse the galactic map much more quickly than their counterparts, allowing a fleet that is out of position to reach the frontlines in the nick of time. Attack admirals convey an attack bonus to all ships in their fleet. Defense admirals grant a similar bonus to defense. Admirals gain experience and promotions as they fight each battle, which in turn heightens the bonuses they give. An admiral is reset to the lowest rank, with zero experience, if their fleet is completely destroyed.

Campaign mode ends when a player controls all of the board, or wipes out all enemies. A full game of campaign mode can often span many hours. Players do have the option of saving their game progress between turns, allowing one campaign to be played over several sessions, days, or weeks. For those who are more interested in the action-oriented space battles, there is also a skirmish mode. This places players directly into a node battle under the circumstances they choose, and allows them to jump directly into the action.

While the strategic gameplay and action of Star Trek: Conquest is somewhat engaging, the game is far from flawless. The learning curve is somewhat steep, with no tutorials available in game. Reading the manual is a must. The action may be too slow for traditional action gamers. Space combat is somewhat difficult as well, and failing to use formations will most often result in a jarring loss. The targeting for ships also somewhat wonky, and you may find that many of your shots fly wide. There are also some graphical issues, where ships will often appear to fly through each other or occupy the same space, particularly in large fleets. Overall, however, this is one of the better Star Trek games out there.

In closing Star Trek: Conquest is a unique experience. Combining turn-based strategy and empire building with real-time battles is an interesting concept, and is fairly well done. While some of the controls need work, they are not unplayable. This game does not, however, do anything to reach gamers outside its somewhat fragmented niche market. Star Trek fans will most likely enjoy it, and those who like strategy games akin to Civilization or Risk may enjoy it. Outside this relatively small bubble, however, there is not much available to entice new gamers to enter.