The team expects the newest version of the game to build on the interest created by Babylon 5's award winning premiere at 1998's show in Atlanta.

According to lead programmer Dan Foy, the E3 demo will include many of the features slated for the final release version, including a true 3D cockpit, detailed lighting effects, and complex fighter AI, although much is left to do before the game's release late this year.

"I'm loosing it" said art director Marc Hudgins of the current build. "This game has really turned a corner and it's put an ear to ear grin on my face!"

The B5 SCS will be shown at resolutions of 1600x1200 on off-the-shelf machines to demonstrate the ability of the game's Direct3D engine to deliver unparalleled clarity, color depth, and frame-rate.

E3 visitors will have the opportunity to fly the Centauri Sentri Fighter, Narn Frazi Heavy Fighter, Earth Alliance Stafury, or Earth Alliance Thunderbolt head-to-head against other attendees. Each ship features full 3D cockpits, unique weapons, and independent flight characteristics that mimic the vacuum of space.

Each melee will occur in space regions occupied with larger capital ships including the Centauri Primus, Earth Alliance Omega Destroyer, and the Minbari Cruiser. A hostile attack against a capital ship will trigger the defense system that activates the craft's independently tracking turrets.

Fans of the television series will notice the addition of never before seen ships designed by Babylon 5 ship designer Luc Mayrand (including the Minbari Orbital Defense Platform).