An interview with Ed Gwynn, Producer of Janes Fleet Command.

The interface is basically four windows, with the largest window being the 3d view on top. Can we swap windows?

Ed: The tactical screen at lower left as well as the info screen at lower right are fixed. The other two windows are interchangeable.

The interface screens run at 640x480, and the main window runs at 1024x768.

Multiple monitor support was mentioned at E3. Has this been pursued?

Ed: Not really. We toyed with the idea for a while, but we're wondering how many gamers have two monitors and we're also strapped for time.

Tell us about other aspects of modeling. What is the goal for realism in flight model, ballistics etc?

Ed: This is a Janes product so our goals are high. You'll see an E3 behaving like an E3 and an F18 like an F18. An aircraft carrier can't turn like a destroyer can. Weapons performance characteristics are also realistic.

Click to continue . . .

I understand that there will be a very powerful mission builder. Tell us about the options we have for scenario construction.

Ed: Our database logs the entire world and the mission builder is very powerful. You can choose any 600 x 600 mile area in which to construct a campaign scenario. You can then add civilian assets, military assets, and even neutrals. You can set sides, and create scenarios and share them via the internet. A good sized scenario may be only 200K, though some users will probably build larger ones.

The graphics engine at E3 was the same as the one in use for WWII Fighters. I understand that this has changed?

Ed: The graphics engine is a different one, although we've borrowed some of the effects from WWII Fighters. Our aircraft aren't as detailed, but this is a different game.

How does the multiplayer aspect work in the initial release? What are the elements in player control? Are both coop and head to head missions possible? In coop multiplayer, who controls what?

Ed: We plan on having some specific multi-player missions in the initial release. Player control elements are the same as in the single player game - point and click and give commands to assets. Multi-player missions can be setup as either coop or head to head - it's up to the person who creates the mission.

As an example, a coop mission could be created where one player gives commands to the carrier while another player gives commands to the destroyers and cruisers that are escorting the carrier while yet another player gives commands to a ground airbase and its planes. I wouldn't say the options are endless, but they are many!

Thanks Ed, best wishes on Fleet Command!