Players of Activision and Taldren's popular tactical starship simulator Star Trek: Starfleet Command series can take a jump into the future as "Starfleet Command III" has gone gold, and is on its way to the manufacturer before heading to stores and then ultimately to the fans.

Up until now, all of the Starfleet Command games have taken place in the Original Series (and Original Series movies) universe, but "Starfleet Command III" is literally the next generation, taking place in the 24th Century of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

"Starfleet Command III" gives players the chance to take total command of their own ship and crew, utilizing all of the ship's systems, such as navigation, tactical, engineering and science stations.

While engaging in conflicts with many familiar Star Trek foes, players must balance energy between their ship's systems as they exchange volleys of phasers, disrupters and torpedoes with the opposition.

As enemies fall and victories stack up, players also get "prestige points" which can then be used to purchase new vessels, upgrade their weapons, shields, engines and other combat systems, and to recruit better officers.

The single player portion of "Starfleet Command III" features Klingon, Romulan and Federation campaigns. There are several modes of play, including Instant Action mode and Conquest Mode, which is a simulated multiplayer mode where players vie for control of the known universe in an ongoing sector-by-sector battle.

Another multiplayer mode in "Starfleet Command III" is the Skirmish Mode, where players can fight as the Federation, Klingons, Borg or Romulans in free-for-all and team-based games.

"Starfleet Command III" includes an enhanced version of the Dynaverse 3 multiplayer environment, featuring improved AI and a new system that allows players to join the same fleet, travel together across the galaxy and battle alongside one another.

More information on "Starfleet Command III" can be found at the game's new official Web site via the link below. The site will be the online hub for all things related to the game, including news, screenshots, ship profiles and a download section complete with custom wallpaper.

"Starfleet Command III" is rated "E" for everyone by the ESRB and will carry the suggested retail price of $49.99.