I remember this game well. It was the first Star Trek game ever released, and it's still fun to play today. For the NES, the graphics were pretty good - especially the Turbolift scenes showing Kirk and Spock "talking" via on-screen text. The story? The Enterprise encounters a hole in space, gets pulled in, and ends up on the far side of Romulan territory. With low power reserves, the crew must search for Dilithium to return to Federation space. It's more fun than it sounds!
Graphics: 3
For the NES, they're solid. The Turbolift and Transporter scenes are impressive, and the Enterprise intro is nicely done. Some planets lack visual interest - grass waves, people move sporadically, and swamp water glows oddly. But considering the NES's 8-bit limitations, it's forgivable.
Music/Sound: 3
Not great, not bad. Most music is from the series, with some new but limited tracks. Sound effects - especially in the Turbolift - can be annoying. Only certain planets and the intro have memorable music.
Video: 2
The Enterprise intro is nice and detailed, but the game could've used more cinematic scenes. Still, it's a decent effort for the platform.
Challenge: 5
This game is tough. The crew could be more helpful, like in A Final Unity. Worlds are confusing and offer few hints. Controls can be clumsy but are manageable. It took me a long time to finish, which is a good thing - games should challenge and engage!
Replay Value: 2
Here's the downside. Once you beat it, there's not much left. Knowing exactly what to do removes the mystery. Replay is possible, but the magic fades.
Overall: 3
This game has its ups and downs - like most games. It makes you think, "What would Spock suggest?" I recommend it if you can find a copy. Try FuncoLand for old games at fair prices. Don't treat 25th Anniversary as a one-and-done experience. Try different crew combinations, make new choices, and use your imagination. You might discover a whole new way to enjoy it - whether it's your first, second, or third playthrough!