Starfleet Command III announced

Activision has announced Star Trek Starfleet Command III, the next game in its tactical starship combat simulation series. Unlike its predecessors, the new game will be set in the universe of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

"The Starfleet Command series captures the spirit and style of Star Trek by offering large-scale, ship-to-ship tactical combat," stated Larry Goldberg, executive vice president of Activision Worldwide Studios. "Star Trek Starfleet Command III reinvents the legendary series by bringing it into the Star Trek: The Next Generation universe and introducing powerful new ship customization, more in-depth story missions, and a streamlined interface."

In the game, players will be able to optimize their ship and distribute power to their ship's various systems by using a streamlined system management interface that minimizes micromanagement and lets players focus on combat. The new game will also let players customize their ship with different weapons, engines, shields, and other systems. As players progress through the game, they will gain access to better phasers, disruptors, shields, and special weapons. In addition, the game incorporates an RPG-style character development system that lets the officers under the player's command gain experience and skills.

Starfleet Command III's single-player mode features three separate campaigns in which players will command ships for the Klingon, Romulan, and Federation factions. The game will give players the opportunity to control more than 25 ships from Star Trek: The Next Generation, including the Romulan Warbird, the Borg Cube, and the Klingon Neghvar-class battleship, as well as several ships designed specifically for the game. In addition, the game will include free-for-all and team-based multiplayer skirmish modes in which players can assume control of one of the three playable factions from the campaign or the Borg.

We've posted some new screenshots from the game in the gallery above. Star Trek Starfleet Command III is in development at Taldren and scheduled for release this holiday season.