As with "", the pilot's flying ability is the only measure by which success and failure are defined, though "Starlancer" does not feature as many branching mission paths. As in "Wing Commander I" the pilot may be promoted throughout the course of the campaign; unlike "WCI", their rank determines which fighters and missiles they may choose to employ during each mission. The game provides a "virtual carrier" through which to navigate, including nearby crewmembers whose reaction to you depends on your current rank and standing. The game uses textual and video news broadcasts to keep the player informed as to the status of the rest of the war. Players frequently find themselves flying alongside squadrons and pilots they have heard about on the news just recently, providing a dose of "celebrity exposure" and this gives the sense that the player is just one part of a much larger war effort.