J. Michael Straczynski's

I was bought this CD as a present ... that's why I'm reviewing it now! I hope you enjoy the review. The CD also contains spoilers for those new to Babylon 5.

Reviewing this CD is tricky to when comparing it to other references. This is the first B5 reference I've seen so I'll use it to set the expectations of other programs (there are currently none). I'll start with the free CD.

A reason in itself, the free CD offers interviews with some of those involved in Babylon 5 game (game staff as well as Peter Jurasik). The interviews are OK if not a little short. The trailer for the B5 game looks completely stunning, It makes the game look like it's going to be the game to beat all other games, I hope that my premonitions are correct. The other feature on the CD is a selection of well-chosen music playable on a conventional stereo.

The actual program is harder to describe. It's nowhere near as detailed as the Star Trek Encyclopedia and I believe that it should be ... the history of the Babylon 5 universe is interesting if nothing else.

The next 'problem' to crop up is the selection of guides. They say very little and are arguably there as an excuse to fill the screen. The interface for the ships is 'dodgy' (it isn't exactly laid out brilliantly) and the fact that they haven't included a biography of Alfred Bester is a disgrace. On the subject of biography's it's a pity that they're so short and that some of the regulars who were killed off aren't mentioned.

There are plus points though. It does look good and, aside from that annoying distortion in the comms room, the appearance is immaculate. I especially liked the videos, there are quite a number to watch through (although nowhere near the 400 trailers that The Star Trek Encyclopedia pulled off, they're probably of a superior quality). Once again I must point out that there was a lack of material. It would have been nice to have included a selection of photos or sound files but obviously this was decided against (the emergency klaxons are the only sound files that you'll hear apart from those terrible guides).

The area that really shines however is the race area. Although not featuring some of the more interesting races, this section is generally well-detailed. However, to completely cancel out the effect of this section, there is an abysmal weapons section. It would have been nice to display some information on the subject given and perhaps have a 3D model to rotate (I always love this feature - it makes it feel more realistic).

The places section is a mixture, the ships section is above average, the emergency section is cool but ultimately pointless, the guided tours are pathetic and personnel as I said before, is a mixture.

Hard to say this but firstly I can't recommend this as a reference. Although good fun for a while there isn't much variety and it feels bland, something which no reference should feel. With a little bit of thought and with better planning this could have been the best TV-show spin off encyclopedia ever. Instead you would be buying this for the races area and the second 'free' CD. On a positive note this CD is good fun to listen to...