Star Trek: The Video Game, unfortunately, did not meet my expectations, especially as a fan of the Star Trek universe. One of the main reasons for this is the significant changes to the storyline, which make the game almost unrecognizable compared to the original source. As a fan, it was difficult for me to accept the game as a legitimate part of the Star Trek universe since its plot seemed entirely different and lacked the depth that is typical of the films and series.
Although the developers likely intended to create a unique plot twist, the game failed to capture the atmosphere and spirit of space exploration that makes Star Trek so special. For the most part, the player is faced with combat scenes and action, which, of course, might appeal to fans of dynamic gameplay, but it doesn't match the essence that Star Trek enthusiasts are accustomed to. Star Trek has always been about more than just fighting: it's about moral choices, interstellar exploration, and philosophical questions, none of which the game fully managed to convey.
Besides the storyline issues, there are other aspects of the game that left me disappointed. The graphics, while not the worst, still leave much to be desired. In certain places, textures appear outdated, and the character animations sometimes look unnatural. Compared to other modern games that create incredibly detailed and visually stunning worlds, Star Trek: The Video Game feels somewhat obsolete. This is unfortunate because the Star Trek universe, with its diverse planets, spaceships, and civilizations, could have served as the perfect foundation for creating a truly impressive game world.
As for the gameplay, things are also mixed. At first glance, the idea of combining shooter elements with teamwork between characters seems intriguing. However, the execution turned out to be clumsy. The AI of the companions in the game isn't always logical, and they often fail to perform necessary actions or simply get in the way during missions. This added frustration and reduced the overall enjoyment of the game.
Moreover, while combat is the central part of the gameplay, it becomes monotonous over time. There are plenty of enemies, but the fights with them follow a repetitive pattern and don't require much strategy or tactics. Because of this, the game quickly becomes boring as there is no sense of progression or variety in the levels.
Additionally, the game suffers from several technical issues. Throughout different stages, I encountered bugs where textures disappeared, characters got stuck in walls, or were unable to perform certain actions. This created additional inconveniences and further spoiled the overall experience.
In conclusion, Star Trek: The Video Game turned out to be different from what I had hoped for. As a fan of the universe, I expected deeper immersion in the events, more focus on the storyline, and moral dilemmas, but instead, I got a game that focused more on action and combat. If you are not a fan of Star Trek and are simply looking for a basic game with shooter elements, you might enjoy it. However, if you are searching for a game that captures the atmosphere of the Star Trek universe and lets you feel like part of the crew on a starship, this game may not meet your expectations.
