Reader Review

Many people criticize this game for its video scenes and challenge level, but I think it's one of the best Star Trek games ever released. I actually enjoy the video scenes - they're not poor like some reviews claim. The plot is solid, and the main cast returns to voice their characters. Picard and Data get the most lines, while Troi, Crusher, and Geordi are a bit underused.

The Story

The Enterprise heads toward the Neutral Zone to intercept a vessel. Picard, Riker, Worf, and Data discuss a distress call from a small Gauridian ship. Riker suspects a trap due to Gauridian-Romulan tech sharing. Suddenly, a massive Gauridian Warbird decloaks and demands withdrawal. Picard orders Red Alert - and from there, your decisions shape the mission.

Graphics

The away missions look great. Ships are well-designed, though occasionally blurry. Characters are decent, but Romulans and Klingons are better rendered. In battle mode, damage appears where torpedoes hit - like the saucer section - adding realism.

Music/Sound

Music and sounds from the TV series are included. The music is generally strong, though some in-game sounds are weaker.

Video

There are plenty of video scenes, and most are excellent - one even runs about 10 minutes. The quality easily surpasses Starfleet Academy.

Challenge

This is the game's weak spot. It's long, but most puzzles are easy. A few are extremely difficult. Romulan ships aren't much of a threat after a weapons downgrade.

Replay Value

The game is fun and replayable, though it lacks multiplayer. Still, it's enjoyable enough to revisit multiple times.

Overall

I highly recommend this game. It beats ST: Generations and Starfleet Academy easily. You'll enjoy solving mysteries, watching video scenes, exploring the Library Computer, battling Romulans, and going on away missions. I paid $49.99 when it launched, and now it's available for under $10. I've owned it for years and still haven't tired of it. If you want a quality Star Trek game, A Final Unity is your best bet!