The plot and setting of the game are perfect for a gritty sci-fi tale. Tachyon jump gates connect distant planets, enabling interstellar trade. Megacorporations hire contract pilots to protect space convoys and valuable cargo from pirates. Jake Logan, a veteran pilot battle tested from age 14, has built a reputation of skilled combat and quick decision making. Advance Ganymede Technologies, a starship design firm, takes notice and hires Jake for contract work.

For the most part, Tachyon: The Fringe eschews standard space combat simulation conventions by eliminating linear mission structure. Tachyon typically provides several missions, called "jobs" in the game, which the player can select in any order. Rewards for completing jobs include gaining the use of new technology, obtaining cash for purchasing new ships, weapons, and equipment, and advancing the main story line. Players decide how to equip their ships and spend their mission bounty. This freedom gives each new mission a fresh feel.

Bruce Campbell's infectious sarcasm and undeniable cool factor fit the grizzled space cowboy perfectly; often you'll want to complete missions or destroy enemy ships just to hear which one-liners Bruce says next. Missions jam packed with dialogue create short, exciting stories; soon, though, Jake finds himself embroiled in a larger plot involving a renegade colony fortifying its territory in an area of space known as the Fringe.

Tachyon's graphics look sharp, though inconsistent in areas. Star bases and fighters exude size and detail; however, bland hanger bays and the multicolored ship interface strike a contrast against the beauty of deep space and immense capital ships. Sound effects fare better with stellar voice acting, crisp weapon effects, and menacing deep bass as ships rush through space.

A solid entry into the space combat genre, NovaLogic's Tachyon: The Fringe dares to be different and succeeds. Free multiplayer action over NovaLogic's online gaming service NovaWorld extends enjoyment; compete with dozens of players online in deathmatch-style Arena Match or the team-based Base Wars. --Doug Radcliffe

Pros:

• Two words--Bruce Campbell
• Nonlinear mission style gives the player numerous choices on how to shape the story line
• Highly customizable ships permit weapon and equipment combinations to suit a player's specific combat style
• Free multiplayer component provides hours of additional gameplay

• The graphics, though good, aren't quite as impressive as in FreeSpace 2 or StarLancer