[5] Players custom designed ships for assignment in fleets which could take offensive or defensive actions.
[3] According to Wayne Mohan, "SuperNova is the Commando unit, a small, elite band of your finest" which can explore or accomplish other tasks.
[4] Gameplay in Supernova II was challenging and careful play in the first eight months was critical to success.
[8] A reviewer in the September–October 1987 issue of Paper Mayhem highly recommended Supernova II, stating it was "an improvement over the original in almost every area".
[9][a] In the November–December 1989 issue of Paper Mayhem, Supernova II took 1st place in the Best PBM Game of 1989 list.