Additional modes in the game include the map mode and the cinematic mode, which removes the interface from being displayed and also switches to an external view of the ship. A variety of shortcut keys work in the same manner in both modes. While the bridge view has the player control the movements of the ship by interacting with members of the bridge crew, the tactical view changes to an external view allows the player to have direct control over the starship.
There are several game play modes in Bridge Commander, with the main two means of control being the bridge view and the tactical view.
