There seems to be a dearth of space exploration vehicles (pun intended) in the video-game world. And those that are released are battling against titles that have taken graphics to a new level – like X-3.

3000 AD is behind Universal Combat: A World Apart, a title that sounds like it could be a very action-oriented game – and if you hit the Action tab on the somewhat confusing main menu page, it initially looks like the title has shooter elements – but is rather far from it. This is a simulation, a combat command simulation that takes place in outer space.

And if you think that the main menu page is confusing, just try to jump into the game without reading the manual – which is 96 pages long, including credits and such.

The preface to the game’s title is “A Derek Smart Simulation” and it takes the word simulation very seriously – in that this is a sim of combat command aboard a battlecruiser in space. You are the commander and in charge of giving the orders, utilizing the HUD and a somewhat easy-to-navigate point-and-click mouse system. But that is just part of it. The game also has a three-page quick reference insert that will outline the multiplayer aspects, how to exit the craft and go into first-person mode (for some of that shooter stuff). The game is also configured to work with a joystick.

So, what is the point of the game? There are three main modes of play – Roam, ACM (Advanced Campaign Mode) and Instant Action. In campaign mode, you are given orders and essentially you get the job done using all the tools at your beck and call. Now, the big distinction between this game and, say,  X-3 is that with Universal Combat, you are the commander of a battlecruiser that has fighter attachments. You don’t actually pilot like you are in a solo fighter craft, but rather issue orders. You start off with the standard patrol and escort missions and the difficulty ramps up from there. Ok, so you are thinking, what is the joy of that – patrolling? Just fly from one sector to the other. Well, the game has more depth than that. You don’t just fly (rather, command the ship to fly) from point A to point B. You actually have to scan traffic for smugglers and intercept illegal cargoes.

What the game lacks in ease of play it compensates for in an attempt at realism. You have to manage your crew and your supplies (like fuel) and make decisions each step of the way that take those elements into consideration. You can’t just engage the hyperdrive everywhere you go; otherwise you will be out of fuel and floating in space.

There are a number of different vessels available and this title offers up a couple of new campaigns to the previous incarnation of the series.

The controls are, like everything else initially, confusing. You have to take time to learn the game’s scheme. Both the audio and visual elements are solid but when compared to other recent space-based games, they are not quite up to that standard. Still, they are well done.

And just when you think you have a handful to learn on the ship, exit and go into first-person shooter mode, of sorts. The game continues the realistic feel even there. You can mis-target and shoot your own squad members. The graphics in this aspect of the game are, again, solid, but not quite on par with other, higher profile games.

Players who leap into this game with the idea that they will be flying through the early missions or even multiplayer will be sorely disappointed. This is definitely a game that requires time to get comfortable at, and once you begin to wear the mantle of command with confidence, you will see the depth of the game. Looking for a jump in and play quickly experience? Look elsewhere. Looking for a game that is intellectually challenging and requires a little multi-tasking? Well, then this may fit that bill.

Gameplay: 6.8
The load times are fairly insignificant, but the game did have a few crashes, and there is a hefty learning curve. The controls are not exactly intuitive.

Graphics: 7.0
The game received was Version 1.0 and this had some graphical glitches, including crashes wherein the game was running but the screen was black. And yes, all graphical and audio drivers were up to date and the current versions of DirectX were installed. Aside from that, the graphics were fairly good, though they cannot compare to other PC-based space titles.

Sound: 6.8
Solid, but what one would expect. 

Difficulty: Hard
This is not a game to be entered into lightly. It has a steep learning curve and while the challenges get increasing more difficult, you are prepared for them IF you play through the scenarios and learn the lessons they teach.

Concept: 7.2
Hats off on this one for the depth of play, even at the most rudimentary levels.

Multiplayer: 7.0
Co-op play and Internet play is featured here. You had better know what you are doing before you get into a multiplayer game, though. Fumbling with controls only leads to quick deaths and frustration.

Overall: 6.8
This is a game built for a niche crowd. You are not piloting that fighter, making it a personal one-on-one battle, but rather controlling a massive ship that has a crew that follows the orders you give from the command center. With a steep learning curve, a manual that is not only necessary but assumes players have some sort of prior experience and so does not talk down to them, this is a game that is deep. Solid graphics and audio support the concept. Gamers considering this title should know they are in for an experience that will take in-game time before that command chair begins to feel comfortable.