StarWraith Command

   StarWraith Command is a first-person 3D space combat focused simulation designed with a back-to-basics retro 90's style in the tradition of the original StarWraith games. While the game includes both classic design and effects elements from the original series, it also features some new additions such as manual aiming of cannon weapons alongside flight controls, line-of-sight signal masking and tracking, Newtonian style physics, expanded ship weapon and equipment configuration, a fully integrated mission editor, diverse squadron and ship specific order system, and manual shield control.

  A major goal of the game's design is expanding player involvement in both offense and defense capabilities by giving direct shield array and weapon aiming control to the player. Particle and beam cannons can be manually aimed off-boresight, independent of the ship's nose angle. And rather than a passive shield defense system that is always on and requires little interaction beyond perhaps an energy setting, StarWraith Command puts comprehensive shield control in the hands of the player to actively manage energy, direction, and duration. The goal is to bring a new level of tactical decision making into the combat formula where the player has a broader array of options to consider in more of a 'block and attack' fencing style with interactive aim-strike-fly-defend capabilities rather than just turning and shooting. In structure, the game is designed to operate as a space combat battle design simulator through customizable mission editing and scenario configuration, both in single player and multiplayer.

FEATURES:

Advanced Newtonian Style Flight Model - Complete six-axis (6DOF) rotation and direction control with optional scalable and unrestricted velocity capabilities (limited only by fuel) along with computer assisted flight management systems for a comprehensive range of available controls optimized for combat conditions in the zero gravity, zero drag environment of space. Computer systems can apply artificial drag style behavior to help keep ships within their optimal performance envelopes while bypasses can allow for high-speed planetary descents and open space travel when the need calls for it.

Three Weapon Classes - One major goal of StarWraith Command is to simplify weapon selection and configuration while providing a wider array of available loadout options, including up to four cannons mounts and four missile mounts across eight individually selectable groups that can be configured with any compatible weapon. Three weapon types are available that are split into three primary categories - short, medium, and long range. Each weapon is named after its range parameter while missiles also include a tracking system identifier. So a long-range particle cannon is simply referred to as an LR-PC while a short-range radar guided missile is referred to as an SR-RG. Exact specifications are available in the shipyard where ship selection, equipment installation, variant profiles, and weapon loading are managed.

Full Manual Aiming Control of Cannon Weapons - A dedicated aiming reticle is directly controlled by the pilot for aiming both particle cannons and beam cannons to fire at targets that are at wide angles off-boresight. A 'Lead Lock' option assists aiming particle cannons ahead of a target based on speed, direction, and velocity while beam cannons that move at the speed of light can be aimed directly at a target. Reticle control can be optionally bound to the primary flight control device so aiming matches ship flight inputs, is managed separately through different input controls on the same device, or managed independently on a separate device. The pilot can choose which method they prefer for aiming cannons.

Manual Control of Shield Arrays - Pilots have direct control over shield defenses to deflect incoming weapon fire and protect against collisions. This provides a more elaborate strike-and-defend sequence where a broader array of defensive capabilities is available to better align with attack variability for a more balanced range of overall combat options. Pilots choose the direction, activation timing, and duration of a shield array while considering elements of incoming weapon/object rates, types, angles, and remaining energy to optimize their defensive tactics and to balance those aspects with their attack strategies.

Line-of-Sight Masking and Tracking - For added tactical depth, StarWraith Command features a line-of-sight signal tracking system that interacts with the objects around the player's ship. A clear line of sight grants the player the ability to track a ship and select it as the primary target. Interrupting the line will hide a ship from such tracking. This way, players can utilize the environment around them to mask their signal and plan for more effective attacks by maneuvering to keep a target in view longer. Missile locks are also line-of-sight dependent, so they can be broken or delayed whenever the vector to a target is obstructed by an object. This requires pilots to plan ahead to keep a target in view while securing and maintaining a missile lock.

Dynamic Warfare Mode - A dedicated dynamic warfare mode is available that generates scramble, patrol, intercept, and escort battle scenarios based on player selected parameters and combat success as well as optional simulated events. The game randomly generates the entire allied and enemy fleets upon initialization, then success or failure in battle determines the direction of future missions. Battle results are persistent, both in terms of territory control as well as any ships that are destroyed. Victory is achieved whenever the enemy ships are sufficiently reduced to a level where they can no longer adequately defend their territory or when sufficient territory is conquered and the enemy can no longer effectively retake any space.

Integrated Mission Editor - A built in mission editor lets players create their own custom scenarios and construct campaigns directly from within the game. The editor is designed with simplicity in mind, so the game automatically manages certain conditions and settings to work with various objective types. For example, if a 'Locate and Destroy' objective is selected for a surface station, the game will automatically place the player close enough to a nearby planet to reach the target without requiring the mission designer to place everything themself manually. Missions are stored as plain text files by default which can be saved, modified, and shared with other players.

Command by Squadron and Ship - Lead multiple ships into battle as flight commander and issue orders globally, by squadron, or by specific ship. Monitor the conditions of the ships under your command with the tactical display showing damage status and current orders for each spacecraft. Orders include attacking any hostiles, attacking a specific enemy, defending the flight lead, joining formation, RTB for repairs/reloading, flying to a waypoint, and holding position. And for the first time in a SW3DG space-sim, two human players can each command their own group of AI ships against each other in team-vs-team multiplayer battles.

Configure Your Spacecraft - Customize the combat spacecraft you fly by selecting the ship frame, variant, armor, weapon, and equipment configuration in the shipyard. Choose the agility, performance, firepower, and durability that aligns with your preferred combat style and tactics. Save your configuration to a profile for easy access later on. A baseline of eight core ship frames are available that are highly customizable through variants, weapons, and equipment.

Extensive Multiplayer Capabilities - Join together with other players to cooperatively fly campaign missions or custom missions. Compete in team-vs-team battles or fight every other ship in open dogfights. The host functioning as the server is also a player in the game and selects the mode, environment, ship count, and other conditions for the session. Over 20 players can join together, depending on gameplay mode and network performance.