Description
Escort the GTSC Einstein to Sigma Jump Node so it can investigate unusual subspace phenomenon in the Betelgeuse system.

Storyline:
The GTC is leasing out pilots to civillian companies to escort coporate transports. You are assigned to escort the GTSC Einstine (as spelled through most of the mission, save one mention in the first Mission Briefing screen). <P> The somewhat original story, set six months after the destruction of the Lucifer, is augmented by a command briefing in the form of email messages. The email messages add a touch of personalization to the mission. However, the mission briefing contains several mistakes, such as the mispelling of the Einstein and showing Jump Nodes as Nav Buoys.

Balance:
The balance is what really drags down the game. You have 3 wingman who's default loadout is 3 Ulysses with Prometheus and Avenger Cannons and Hornet missiles. You can replace the Ulysses with Valks or Apollos. There is also one Hercules fighter availble. <P> The reason for the bad balance rating is because you have 3 wingmen to defend a lightly armored Faustus research vessel. If just one of the many Basilisk fighters manages to break away, the Einstein is doomed. Replace the Basilisk's Hornets with weak Hornets or MX-50's and you may have a chance.

Design:
The design of the mission is not horribly bad, but not tremendously good. There is a large amount of messages in the game, but nothing really complex. <P> Perhaps the biggest design flaw in this mission is the lack of Directives. Directives would certainly help with the Balance issue because you can see how many ships are in the area and what needs to be destroyed.

Gameplay:
This game isn't very fun to play because it's too hard. I tried playing on Medium, Easy, and Very Easy and wasn't able to save the Einstein once. It just gets frustrating very easily.

Other Thoughts:
Hey, this is my first review!