Quote from Wing Commander News-Bot

We've got another vintage magazine review of Wing Commander III today... but this time, with a twist! This 'technical review' was printed in the June/July 1995 issue of Game Developer magazine, an industry publication which ran from the dawn of the multimedia age in 1994 all the way until 2013! This review doesn't just tell you how good the game is, it tells you how it works under the hood. And as an added bonus, it's actually written by Wayne Sikes, the man responsible for the beloved PREDIT Privateer editing tool.

The article also mentions an earlier feature on Pacific Strike's related file structure that had been printed in the December 1994 issue. This information is also likely of use to Wing Commander III modders and so we've reproduced it below:

Quote from Star Citizen News-Bot

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Piracy Is On The Rise

Across the UEE, piracy is on the rise. Interstellar larceny and shipjacking have become increasingly regular occurrences, and not just in fringe systems. More and more civilians are feeling the tightening grip of the spreading pirate threat as outlaws become more brazen and expand their operations into sectors once considered safe.

Due to this disturbing trend, the UEE is issuing a full crackdown. Until the pirate threat is neutralized, we’re rallying all would-be bushwhackers and DIY defenders of justice to lend a hand in taking down these freebooters, corsairs, and raiders across the ‘verse.

Call to Arrrms!

http:// http:// http://

With interstellar crime at an all-time high, freebooters and scallywags everywhere have taken the ancient pseudo-holiday #TalkLikeAPirateDay as a sort of rallying point. That means the UEE has their hands full and they need you. Take to

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

*Pilots' Federation ALERT*
Traces of a distress call from the Dedicant megaship have been detected in the LP 714-58 system.
Vice Admiral Amir Rafiq, a spokesperson for the Imperial Navy, broadcast an announcement on all public channels:
"An Imperial scout ship travelling through LP 714-58 has intercepted several fragmentary signals. Their identifying markers confirmed that they originated from the Dedicant. We believe there has been an encryption error in the system's communication beacons, which prevented the distress call from being rerouted to its intended destination in the Federation."
"Officially, the Imperial Navy no longer performs joint operations with our Federal counterparts. Nor do we involve ourselves in the activities of the illegal Far God cult. Nevertheless, we are sharing this information as a humanitarian gesture. Our hope is that this may aid a rescue mission for those

Quote from Wing Commander News-Bot

Here's a third smoking wallpaper by OliverInk. This time he's based the scene on Howard Day's fantastic Bengal model and set it in space over a nice blue planet. The piece is titled "Vega Sector" for obvious reasons, which means the planet could be the habitable world in Venice.

Quote from Wing Commander News-Bot

The Guardian has posted an interesting article on the

strangest start cameos in video games

. It's an interesting lot. Even the bad cameos are fascinating in their own way. Mark Hamill is included on the list for Wing Commander 3, and both John Rhys-Davies and Malcolm McDowell are mentioned too. Wing Commander actors indirectly dominate the list as both John Hurt and Tim Curry are mentioned for their roles in Tender Loving Care and Command & Conquer 3. Hurt played Joe (Kane) the Bartender in Privateer 2 and Curry was the voice of Melek in Wing Commander 3. I'm very surprised Clive Owen didn't make this list! Check out the full article

here

.

Mark Hamill – Wing Commander III: Heart of the Tiger

Ten years after Return of the Jedi, “Luke Skywalker” Hamill made his onscreen video game debut in this science fiction epic from Origin Systems. Mixing interactive space battles with quaintly low-res

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

The Alliance Festival of Culture enters its third week with a massive music festival in the Phekda system drawing thousands of attendees. Organisers are calling the event 'the greatest gig in the galaxy'.

Corinne Macintyre, cultural correspondent for The Alliance Tribune, reported:

"The programme is certainly diverse, encompassing everything from megastars like Spectacular Nemesis and Jade Graceland to up-and-comers such as The Lasting Hold."

"Meanwhile, for those whose knowledge of contemporary music stops with Mahler, the Topaz Philharmonic is one of several orchestras performing this week."

"But the big news is that legendary singer-songwriter Xiona is coming out of retirement for a special one-off performance."

The Alliance Festival of Culture will continue for a further four weeks.

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Quote from Wing Commander News-Bot

We've got some exciting news for this week! For years, LOAF has been talking about what it would take to live tweet the Wing Commander Movie exactly as it happens from March 15 to 17. Based on events in the film, we know exactly when most everything takes place over a fast-paced 48 hour period. But it wouldn't be enough just to tweet out 140/280 character snippets over that time. To truly do it justice, LOAF has carefully choreographed all of the events, quotes, script notes, notes from the novelization, diagrams, photos, concept art, video clips and much more to string together a magical two days in the life of Wing Commander. As an early preview, check out the introduction page for a sampling of what you get from the movie's beginning montage. Even this is a work in progress and more will be added as we go. So be sure to follow @WCCIC on Twitter and buckle in for an action-packed thrill ride!

Quote from Wing Commander News-Bot

"Either you're an earthworm or an eagle."

Launch Deck, BWS Intrepid.

Paladin: So here you are, an instructor. Not a general, or a senator. And you could have had everything.
Maverick: “Everything” means I keep flying. So if you ask me, I’ve got everything.
Paladin: I envy you, laddie. At times I wish I’d made the same choice myself. So, how’s that farm?
Maverick: <laughs> I’m not a farmer.
Maniac: I’m talking about rolling a bomber, not a fighter.
Newbie: You’re kidding!
Maverick: You know, of all people…
Maniac: I’m not enrolled in training!
Maverick: …Maniac taught me one thing.
Maniac: Wha– hey, pal. Uh, Senator. I– What? What?
Maverick: Well you said, “either you’re an earthworm or an eagle”.
Maniac: I said that?
Panther: Hey, Colonel! We’ve got a fresh batch of newbies to shake down.
Maverick: They can wait a bit. I think I’ll log some flyin’ time.
Maniac: Er, Senator, about…
Paladin: Maniac… shut up.

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

With the generation ship Golconda being repaired by the Artificers Clan, its former population are considering resuming their journey.
Commander Javi Alvarado, a local trader who befriended the Golcondans, offered this insight for Vox Galactica:
"Following a prompt from the Artificers Clan, I transported Captain Forester and other community leaders from Forester's Choice to the Golconda. They were visibly awed at the changes made to their ancient home, with modern interface panels and machinery expertly entwined with thousand-year-old technology."
"The newly installed frame shift drive was powered up, which brought Forester close to tears. We also visited the habitation rings, now sustained by updated environmental systems but otherwise unchanged."
"There were Artificers Clan members bustling back and forth. Each wore grime-stained overalls, criss-crossed with belts and bandoliers dangling

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

The culture of the generation ship Golconda has been examined by Professor Elizabeth Perez, head of anthropology at Orion Independent University.
"Little is known about the Golconda's origins. There are no intact records of its launch, and the lack of archived blueprints suggests a privately funded colonisation attempt. But there's no doubt this microcosm of 22nd Century society will have diverged over the past thousand years."
"The inhabitants' language is entirely comprehensible, however, and their social structure is recognisable. Rigid security measures are in evidence, as one would expect from an isolationist culture."
"We also know there is a custodian tasked with ensuring the community's wellbeing, and a chaplain who provides spiritual guidance. All signs point to contentment with – maybe even an addiction to – their spacefaring existence."
While audio messages recorded by the Golconda

Quote from Wing Commander News-Bot

GOG has lots of discounts tied to certain holidays, such as the Lunar New Year or summer, but this week GOG is kicking off a new event just dubbed The GOG Sale. To celebrate it being the end of August, 3500 games are marked down up to 90% off. Wing Commander is a part of this too, and fans benefit with 75% off. That means all DOS and Windows games are less than $12! Complete your collection via the links below!

Quote from Star Trek Online News-Bot

The Gamma Vanguard Pack and the Gamma Starter Pack are two of the most exciting parts of jumping on board Victory is Life. And while tons of you have already preordered the pack (and picked it up today) from the official Arc website, a lot of you have been asking when these packs will be available on the in-game C-store. The answer is, of course, right this minute. If you head to the C-store right now you can get a jump on Victory is Life with the Gamma Starter Pack for 2000 Zen, and the Gamma Vanguard Pack for the introductory price of 13,000 Zen. That price won’t last forever, so if Zen is the way you want to get the pack, jump on it now and get eight Tier 6 Starships, new uniforms, items, and the Vanguard Jem’Hadar race, all unlocking immediately. We hope you’re enjoying Victory is Life, and we hope you enjoy these packs, Captains! .share-footer a { margin: 20px 10px 10px 0;

Quote from Star Trek Online News-Bot

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DEEP SPACE NINE, BAJORAN SYSTEM It’s that time of the year, sports fans! Everyone’s favorite season – the start of the biggest sport in the galaxy! No, not baseball season. We’re talking about the best reason to come down to Quarks and throw back a brew – Tribble Darts! That’s right, folks, citizens of the galaxy can now step up to the plate and try their luck at throwing a full sized tribble at our dart board. Look at the satisfying way these lovable, furry creatures just bounce right off the board. Truly, a sight to behold! How do you play Tribble Darts, you ask? Why, it’s quite simple. First, approach the dart board, and pull our your favorite furry pet. Once it’s out, immediately click on “play darts,” and watch the little fluff ball fly! Scoring is easy, too. Quark has put together an ingenious scoring system for you as well. It’s very

Quote from Star Trek Online News-Bot

The entire Galaxy is going to Red Alert! Next week, we’re launching a new week-long event, called the Galactic Red Alert. From 9/3 @ 8am PT (17:00 CEST) – 9/10 @ 10am PT (19:00 CEST), all of our Red Alert events will be returning at once on PC, as the Final Frontier is caught in a massive invasion on all sides. During this event, you’ll be able to play the following content: Borg Red Alert Elachi Red Alert Tholian Red Alert Tzenkethi Red Alert* Nakuhl Red Alert *Please note: As the only Red Alert with a fail condition, the Tzenkethi Red Alert will not grant daily bonus progress if you fail the TFO. The fail condition will likely be removed in future runs of this event. In addition to their usual rewards, these Task Force Operations will also grant daily bonus progress. You’ll receive one Daily Progress each day for completing one Red Alert – doesn’t matter which one – on

Quote from Star Trek Online News-Bot

The entire Galaxy is going to Red Alert! Next week, we’re launching a new week-long event, called the Galactic Red Alert. From 5/28 @ 8am PT – 6/4 @ 10am PT, all of our Red Alert events will be returning at once on PC, as the Final Frontier is caught in a massive invasion on all sides. During this event, you’ll be able to play the following content: Borg Red Alert Elachi Red Alert Tholian Red Alert Tzenkethi Red Alert Nakuhl Red Alert In addition to their usual rewards, these Task Force Operations will also grant daily bonus progress. You’ll receive one Daily Progress each day for completing one Red Alert – doesn’t matter which one – on any character on your account. After you receive five daily progress, you’ll be rewarded with a package containing the following, once per account: An Ultimate Tech Upgrade A Specialization Point You can also purchase this Grand

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

The Imperial Senate has formally raised the issue that Emperor Arissa Lavigny-Duval has not yet produced any direct heirs.
The debate was instigated by Senator Lysandra Courcelle :
"The continuation of the Duval bloodline has formed the linchpin of our society for over a thousand years. But it has been eight years since Arissa Lavigny-Duval became our ruler. In that time there has been no spouse or consort, no indications of marriage, and no biological heir to the throne. We politely remind the Emperor of her duty to ensure the line of succession."
Following a highly spirited exchange among senators, Chancellor Anders Blaine proclaimed:
"Her Majesty has sacrificed much for the Empire. It is not our place to question her personal choices, but rather to support her vision for our prosperity and security."
Gudrun Vestergaard, royal correspondent for The Imperial Herald, analysed the situation:

Quote from Wing Commander News-Bot

Privateer 2 is great and you can't tell me it's not. I love the weird aesthetic and the novels worth of bizarre world building in all the booth and mission text.

Quote from Wing Commander News-Bot

The Wing Commander Confederation Handbook is a book that's presented as a fake web browser... and since it's from 1999 it's full of absolutely garish banner ads. And here they are, collected from the book's layout files! I could sure go for a warsop egg.

Quote from Star Trek Online News

It’s time to round out the cast, and reveal the final Star Trek Actors who will be joining us for our newest expansion, Victory is Life! First, let’s run down the ones you already know: Alexander Siddig as Doctor Julian Bashir, former Chief Medical Officer of Deep Space Nine. Andrew Robinson as Councilor Elim Garak, formerly “just a simple tailor” and covert operative for Cardassia. Armin Shimerman as Quark, DS9’s resident Ferengi entrepreneur and bartender. Aron Eisenberg as Captain Nog, the first Ferengi to join Starfleet, who grew up on DS9. Jeffrey Combs as Weyoun (a cunning Vorta diplomat) and Brunt (a Liquidator of the Ferengi Commerce Authority). J.G. Hertzler as General Martok, hero of the Klingon Empire. Nana Visitor as Kira Nerys, Kai of the Bajoran People. René Auberjonois as Odo, former Chief of Security at DS9, who is now a Dominion Ambassador. Who else has joined

Quote from Elite Dangerous Galnet News-Bot

*Pilots' Federation ALERT*
The lost megaship Dedicant has been located in HIP 19600, with signs of Thargoid attack and all inhabitants missing.
The Dedicant was being prepared by Federal authorities to deport imprisoned members of the Order of the Far God when it unexpectedly jumped into hyperspace. Pilots who helped decipher its fragmented distress call were informed of the recent discovery by the Imperial Navy.
Executive Agent Jalen Locke of the Federal Intelligence Agency issued a statement:
"We can confirm that the Dedicant has been discovered adrift in the HIP 19600 system. There is evidence that the Thargoids penetrated the hull in multiple locations, and thousands of escape pods were launched. Unusually, there are no bodies onboard and we have not been able to locate any of the escape pods. The whereabouts of all three FIA security teams and over 8,000 Far God cultists cannot be