Quick update, maybe you guys can help me with a couple issues.
I am running windows 7 with the latest updates and or SPs. My rig is pretty kick ass, I play Mass Effect 2 on full settings, Crysis 2 pretty near full settings, Shogun 2 maxed out, Test Drive Unlimited 2 maxed and so forth.
I have the Starshatter Demo, it loads up fine, all menus work great, setting video options work and take effect as they should. But as soon as I start a new game, it pops up the loading pop-up and bam, it sort of CTD, but doesn't actually crash. I know, weird explanation. I lose all mouse button functionality, though I can move the pointer fine, though it now has pointer trails. Esc brings up the in game options menu and I can scroll using the keypad, but none of the options work. I have to alt+tab to desktop, the end the process. Oh, I have tried running in XP SP 3 compatibility mode, nothing changed.
Battlecruiser Millennium is now freeware, but I am getting the same results more less as Starshatter. All options work fine before starting a new game, when I get in game I get some slight random texture tearing lines and have some sort of vocalization (assuming NPC) repeating on top of each other, sort of sounds like maybe 4 or 5 voices saying the same thing, but like they are in an arena or large warehouse. Again, had to alt+tab and kill the process. Also tried XP SP 3 compatibility, same results as above.
As far as if either of those might fit the bill, no way to tell with Starshatter, but Battlecruiser Millennium's commander mode/career might be pretty close.
Also, the Nexus demo is more of an RTS where you command from a distance selecting a ship then giving it orders, which is not what I was looking for. This is sad as the game looks awesome and has the sort of feel I was hoping for. If there were a mod that put you in a captains chair of one ship and with crew commands, well, that would be sweet.
Take care,