Does anyone remember the original Star Control? Before they added a storyline? It was mostly a space tactical combat game, but if you recall, the single player game showed a rotating '3D' map. You could click on the system and move ships from there to a connecting point on the system map. I think it was a nice compromise between 2D and real 3D, especially considering this was at a time waaaaaay before 3D accelerators came around. Or am I just geezin'?
I also really like the way the starmaps are done in Imperium Galactica II.
zen