The most "action" you'll ever find in VGA Planets is right here. Though you do not need to have an actual BATTLE to use the VCR. It is also a very useful tool for predicting and planning out battles by using the SIMulation mode. There you can setup almost any one on one attack scenario and view the outcome. Realistically, you'll find different outcomes each time you run the same simulation, which adds to the realism of the game... photons didn't fire? A laser beam got stuck? Where is Scotty when you need him?

I usually de-select the Chatter, Hit Sounds, and Silly boxes to speed up performance, but the charge box is a MUST! Now you can see the advantages and disadvantages of the ships you have built as they go in combat.