Battlestar Galactica

Battlestar Galactica is a space-combat game set 40 years before the 2004 science-fiction miniseries. Players take control of Captain William Adama across 15 tightly scripted missions leading to the end of the First Cylon War.

Missions feature clear objectives, time limits, and voiced radio communications between wingmen and the Galactica's war room. Players can pilot three types of Colonial Vipers, operate captured Cylon raiders, or man the Galactica's stationary defense turrets. Combat is presented from either a first-person or third-person view.

Combat and Progression

Weapons, missiles, and afterburners draw from a fighter's energy supply. Damage is repaired automatically when the energy reserve is full, making energy management important during critical moments. Missile properties can also be adjusted from the pause menu, trading power, speed, maneuverability, and blast radius to suit different targets.

After each mission, pilots are graded in areas such as accuracy and wingman survival. Strong performances unlock upgrades and bonus material.

Visual Design

Although the game serves as a prequel to the 2004 series, its art direction draws from the original 1978 Battlestar Galactica. It includes the original designs for the Cylons, Colonial Vipers, and Galactica, along with the original intro and appearances by the reptilian race associated with the Cylons in that series.

• Developer: Warthog Games
• Publisher: Universal Interactive
• Release date: November 18, 2003
• Platforms: Microsoft Xbox, PlayStation 2
• Genres: Flight Simulator, Shooter, Simulator