You play as the Federation, the Klingons, the Romulans, and the Borg. Each race gets five main vessels, and you research a variety of special weapons for most of the ships. The Romulan Shadow Class ship can use a Phase Cloak, for example, as one of its specials. The infamous Borg Cube has a Holding Beam as its special. Besides the campaign, you can also play in skirmish mode against the computer or online with up to eight in a game.
Resources add a small new twist to the game.
Each ship needs a minimum number of each to function effectively, and as a ship takes damage it loses some of each. As the ship loses crew and officers, it becomes less effective, finally spinning out of control if it isn t destroyed outright. The game allows you to transport crew from one ship to another, including from friendly to hostile ships. You can actually take over ships this way. The Borg can also assimilate your crew.