Brief, pre-rendered graphic sequences show, for example, an enemy carrier drop out of warp drive and launch a squadron of fliers. There's also a quick-action mode that sends waves of fighters at the player. The story itself is pedestrian, although full of science fiction atmosphere. It's in the graphics that Starlancer really shines. The ships have superb textures, perhaps the best yet in a game of this type.
Damaged fighters look especially cool as they trail black smoke and flames.
Starlancer feels like a gritty WW II carrier movie, with an atmosphere similar to that of the Wing Commander film. And there's a good reason for the similarity. Digital Anvil's founders include Chris and Erin Roberts, the creators of the Wing Commander games. Apparently unable to strike a deal with Origin, owners of the WC license, to make new WC games, they did the next best thing and recreated the look and feel with Starlancer . But while they achieve the feel of a WW II movie, the drama is lacking.