I just wanted to Reiterate for all those contemplating buying the game, there have been numerous previews and reviews stating that Rick Hunter is not in the game.
Either the issue was addressed, or those sites reviewing the game didn't complete the game. It seemed apparant to me that some of the poorer reviews tended to follow this non truth. Well anyway, he is there, and you do co-op on missions with him.
I was kinda bummed reading reviews, stating this. Now I am glad that I bought it anyway. At least it gives you a better feeling about the game, to me anyway. You no longer seem like a poor wisecracker, mock up to the man, but gives you more the feeling of being another identity role in the series of events, that was just not touched upon in the show.

Hey i did not know people were spreading such lies but he is in the game. Its quite cool actually because he is such a better pilot than you are.

he's not that much better the first time, he's getting slaughtered by all those fighter pods until you come along