Xenocracy is a space combat action sim with political strategy elements. In the far future, four planetary superpowers are vying for control of the solar system on the brink of war. As commander of the United Planet Nations peacekeeping fighter squadron, your role is to maintain balance and prevent conflicts from escalating.
The game presents you with choices on which superpower to aid via a strategic solar system map showing hotspots. Your decisions may upset the balance and cause conflict. You receive news broadcasts and complaints from other superpowers after each decision.
In addition to keeping the peace, you manage research and development of newer technologies. Several fighter and weapon types are available, and scenery varies from asteroid belts to planetary surfaces. You can choose wingmen with personal descriptions and must keep them alive during missions such as defending or attacking mine complexes or protecting convoys.
The game features Arcade Mode, where you fly missions without strategic considerations, and multiplayer games for up to 8 players over TCP/IP or serial connections.