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Star
Trek is evidently one of biggest
Science Fiction franchises in the world. The series has been
converted from television to film and, as is the norm, to game on
more than one occasion. Similar to Star Wars, developers
making Star Trek games already have a huge universe of
inspiration to work with and as such, are usually guaranteed not
only to have a predetermined premise and plotline, but also a huge
number of fans willing to purchase a game based entirely on the
strength of the original licence.
Next in the long line of console Star Trek
games is Star Trek: Tactical Assault from the illustrious
Bethesda Softworks, makers of the ever popular
Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Star Trek: Tactical Assault
is coming to NintendoDS and PSP, although in this article we’ll be
looking and the NintendoDS version. The game is set in the original
Star Trek universe, around the time of Captain Kirk. Star
Trek: Tactical Assault is, according to Bethesda Softworks,
heavily story-driven and based entirely on the choices of the player
allowing multiple story arcs. It is also said to have a lengthy
twenty-hour Campaign that takes place firstly as the United
Federation Of Planets and secondly as the Klingon Empire. Star
Trek: Tactical Assault also features Skimish and Local
Multi-Player Modes in which the player can use ships from five of
the Star Trek races, each of which are unlocked through
completion of the main story.
Although lacking the slightly shiner graphics of
the PSP adaptation, the NintendoDS version extensively uses the
Touch Screen, in fact, all control can done by a combination the
Touch Screen and the L Button to Lock-On to targets, or, as we are
reliably informed, the R Button for lefties come the final code. The
Touch Screen is set-out to be very similar to the computer screens
shown in the series, a real plus for Trekkies. For example, the
Level Of Alert is set by the player; with green t he
standard, yellow for Charging Shields and Red for Charging Weapons.
Each ship has a main and auxiliary energy, with auxiliary energy
useful for overcharging weapons, shields and engines while the main
power source is charged. Hailing, Scanning and weapons are all also
controlled on the Touch Screen, as is movement, however, at the
moment, Touch Screen movement controls are very sluggish, an element
that will need to be sorted for release. The game is also set at a
decidedly slow-paced for a console title with an emphasis on play
closely mimicking the action of the Television series. Weapons are
fired by the user, but aimed automatically as opposed to the
mad-firing style of most handheld console titles, something that may
prove detrimental to its sales.
Although presented nicely, Star Trek: Tactical
Assault is no graphical tour-de-force. The game features a 3D
environment although it seems movement is only on the
vertical-plane. It is, however, clear enough to figure-out what is
happening and will feature dozens of accurately modelled ships from
the Star Trek universe. As it stands Star Trek: Tactical
Assault could prove an engaging experience on lengthened play
and is likely to attract much attention from Trekkies, but is
unlikely to garner much interest from the common gamer. |
