In addition to these five main races there are numerous lesser races to ally with or sweep aside in your quest for domination. The strategic movement and deployment of your empire takes place upon a 2D galactic map. All your planets and their respective resources and structures can be monitored and various units can be ordered about to your heart's content. Treaties can be put forward and the more insidious can plan intelligence or sabotage operations.

Fighting is inevitable and everything from minor skirmishes to major pitched battles are fought out in a 3D viewer. Weight of numbers, pilot skill and the correct choice of orders all affect the outcome of the battle. The different choices could obliterate your fleet or send you to a glorious victory. The final victory conditions depend on what type of game you choose to play, from destruction of your mortal enemies to a special team victory in multiplayer mode.

Just like the other greats of the genre, ST: BotF has great depth. The random nature of the map allows for infinitely different games, the opponents are suitably challenging and all the action is fronted by stylish presentation. ST: BotF is a welcome addition to the strategy halls of fame.