Gameplay
Players do combat in numerous space missions using one of seven pre-selected League of Free Worlds starfighters (although in one mission, the player gets to use one captured Navy fighter). The selection is due to the League High Command's decisions for efficiency in every given mission. Each starfighter carries a certain combination of energy weapons, missiles or torpedoes, while a number of units are equipped with nonlethal EMP cannons. The player can also use countermeasures to shake off inbound enemy missiles or use a grapple gun to capture targets of importance.
The stages are divided into several "Acts" with three missions each. Multiple paths and outcomes are available throughout the game, depending on the player's performance. Completing or failing missions does not always define the ultimate success or failure of the campaign, and certain missions are vital turning points which can dramatically affect the game's plot.
The player's combat record is visible in the "Pilot Statistics" menu. The rank insignia consists of a single column of vertically stacked parallel bars for lower ranks and dual columns of vertically stacked parallel bars for higher ranks.
The game has a database of planets and ships with full voiceovers.
Read more about this topic: Colony Wars