DESCRIPTION

Although the main storyline of the space combat series Wing Commander remains intact, Wing Commander: Prophecy presents you with a change in role, as you take on a new character in a war against a newly introduced alien race. After many years of interstellar war against the hostile catlike Kilrathi, followed by yet another war against the rebel border worlds, the Confederation settles into a peaceful rebuilding existence. But, a new and unknown threat looms on the horizon, a destroyer foretold in Kilrathi prophecies.

Prophecy offers 3D first-person missions (both solo and with wingmen) of varying objectives. Spacecraft range from fast and nimble fighters to slow but heavily armored bombers, both with a variety of energy guns and missile weapons available. The combination of spacecraft and mission types, coupled with a simple but very responsive control system, augers well for enjoyable gameplay.

Unfortunately, other than graphical improvements, the series has not seen significant changes since Wing Commander II: Vengeance of the Kilrathi introduced the targeting lead cursor and the concept of torpedoing capital ships. While Prophecy introduces a new alien race to shoot at, their sense of superiority and obsession with honor is too similar to the Kilrathi from previous games, and some of their evasive maneuvers appear to be lifted straight out of the Kilrathi flight manual. In fact, remove the new alien race's graphics and storyline elements, and you're left with Wing Commander II with updated graphics.

Wing Commander: Prophecy is fundamentally a solid and fulfilling space combat simulation with much to offer newcomers and veterans, but the latter will be disappointed by the lack of innovation. ~ Kyle Knight, All Game Guide