ORIGIN Systems' 1991 classic — its history, how the press received it, how it plays today, and what a copy costs.
- Released
- 1991 · PC (DOS / Windows)
- Developer
- ORIGIN Systems
- Publisher
- ORIGIN Systems
- MobyScore
- ★ 8.09
The history
Developed and published by ORIGIN Systems, Inc., Wing Commander II: Vengeance of the Kilrathi arrived in 1991 as a bold expansion of the series' cinematic ambitions. It tells a dramatic tale of redemption, beginning with the destruction of the carrier Tiger's Claw by Kilrathi stealth fighters, an event for which the player is blamed and subsequently demoted to a remote space station for ten years.
The game mattered by significantly expanding the trademark cinematic storytelling of the series, utilizing animated cutscenes to bridge the gap between missions. It pushed the boundaries of the era's technology, notably contributing to the Sound Blaster becoming the de facto standard for sound cards.
How it plays
The core loop remains similar to its predecessor, featuring a campaign of escort runs, strike missions, and capital-ship duels where the story branches based on whether the player wins or loses engagements. While the Rapier returns in an upgraded form, the game introduces all-new ships for both the Confederation and the Kilrathi.
New tactical layers include the introduction of phase shielding on capital ships, which makes them immune to standard weapons. To defeat them, players must use heavy fighters or bombers to perform torpedo runs, which require a long, stationary locking phase to analyze shields. Players can also deploy chaff pods to divert enemy missiles.
How it was received
Wing Commander II was met with critical acclaim upon release. Computer Gaming World called the story "mesmerizing" and the game "clearly excellent," later awarding it five of five stars in a 1992 science fiction game survey and naming it one of the top four action games of the year. Dragon also awarded the game 5 out of 5 stars in 1992, and it won the 1991 Origins Award for Best Fantasy or Science Fiction Computer Game. In 2012, G4 TV ranked it as the 71st top video game of all time.
In the magazines
The period press.
Computer Gaming World described it as a "sequel worthy of the name" and noted it "flies right and plays not only on one's computer, but also on one's emotions." In White Wolf #30, Jim Trunzo rated it 5 out of 5, stating it offered "breath-taking 3D graphics and animation" and a "terrific challenge." Dragon gave the title 5 out of 5 stars in 1992.
The box & the art
Cover art, and real copies photographed in the wild.
Legacy
ORIGIN Systems continued to build this universe with expansion packs Special Operations 1 and 2, as well as the 1993 spin-off Wing Commander Academy. The game remains worth seeking out today for those who appreciate the intersection of space flight simulation and branching, cinematic narrative.
What it's worth
Copies surface on the second-hand market from time to time, but listings are sparse enough that there's no reliable price band to quote — check the live search for what's available right now.
See current copies on eBay →Copies in the wild
Real listing photos — the range of condition you'll meet.
Photographed examples from past listings — illustrative of condition, not a live inventory.
How to play it in 2026
Easiest today: GOG or the original disc under DOSBox. Either way the core game is intact.
Verdict
For those who enjoy the feeling of being a disgraced pilot fighting to prove their innocence, Wing Commander II holds up as a masterclass in early 90s atmosphere. The addition of complex torpedo runs and phase shielding adds a necessary layer of strategy to the dogfighting.
While the combat engine is a refinement of the first game, the emotional weight of the story and the cinematic presentation ensure it remains a compelling experience for retro enthusiasts.
Sources: MobyGames, Steam, and period/web coverage. Prices reflect the second-hand market and change over time.