Starship & Empire is a strategic space conflict game with a tactical combat resolution system. The strategic map consists of 1-4 sectors, each of which is a 10x10 grid with each space having 10 height indicators, thus making each sector a 10x10x10 cube. Star systems are located in various spots on these maps and serve various functions depending on the scenario chosen. Players write down movement orders for their fleets and execute them simultaneously. When fleets encounter each other, combat is resolved on a large hex map, with players again writing orders, which now include weapons fire as well as movement. Ships are rated for energy (usage of which must be tracked), rest mass, crew and computer ability, and cargo capacity. A number of different scenarios are provided, some of which require conquering the other player's systems and some of which have other objectives, such as a pirate vs. merchant scenario.