Summary
In addition to dominating film and television for nearly sixty years,Star Trekhas also become a permanent fixture in the world of video games. Ranging from simple arcade games to intense ship-to-ship combat titles,Star Trek’scommitment to the worldof gaming has been consistent for decades. But while manyStar Trekvideo games attempt to emulate the franchise’s philosophy and hopeful vision of the future, a few have made an effort to feel more directly like the television shows.
These games capture the tone and spirit ofStar Trek’sgreatest TV shows, whether that’s with an episodic format or with their writing.Star Trekshows have a distinct voice and soul, relying on earnest heroism that clashes with more cynical science fiction franchises. Certain video games managed to capture all the philosophy and compelling scientific musings ofStar Trekin an interactive experience. They are some of the best ways to enjoy this historic franchise in video game form.
Despite being the genesis of this massive space franchise,Star Trek: The Original Seriesmakes only a few video game appearances. However, it does serve as the basis for one of the most incredible titles based on the series.Star Trek: 25th Anniversarycelebrates the franchise’s twenty-fifth birthday, and remains one of the most celebrated, compelling games based on the Paramount property.
Star Trek: 25th Anniversarymanages to feel like the classic show in many ways, not the least of which is its episodic format. Its bombastic episode titles are evocative of the dramatic chapter names of the show. It also features the original cast in voiceover roles, including William Shatner as Captain Kirk and Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock. The result is a rich, authentic atmosphere that feels like long-lost episodes of the revolutionary 60s series, transportingStar Trekfans back in time. Its combination of adventure gameplay and engaging writing is a slam dunk.
WHERE TO PLAY
The Borg first appeared in an episode ofThe Next Generationcalled “Q-Who?,” which saw the crew of the Enterprise-D thrown intothe depths of uncharted space. From there, the Borg went on to become one of theStar Trekfranchise’s most fearsome enemies. These nefarious cyborgs also became major players in anotherStar Trekseries, solidifying themselves as the big bad ofVoyager.That carried over into the video games withStar Trek: Voyager - Elite Force.
Elite Forceis a frantic, entertaining first-person shooter that takes place duringVoyager’ssixth season, between the events of the episodes “Muse” and “Live Fast and Prosper.” The game captures all the rebellious spirit that the cult-favorite show was known for. It also features the main cast from the series, with Kate Mulgrew reprising her role as Kathryn Janeway, while Jeri Ryan lends her voice to Seven of Nine.Elite Forceisn’t just an excellent first-person shooter set in theStar Trekuniverse, but a fabulous way to experience the intriguing world ofVoyagerin the form of a video game.
Star Trekhas had a love for philosophy and discussions about humanity’s true purpose ever since it debuted in the late 1960s.Deep Space Nine, which premiered in 1993, took that concept to its peak.DS9was deep with metaphysical themes and concepts of religion, which not only shaped the show, but also influenced what is still one of the most spectacularStar Trekgames of all time.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - The Fallenwas developed by The Collective, who would use their experience on this project to create even moregames based on 90s TV showslikeBuffyandThe X-Files. Featuring three playable characters,The Fallentaps into what madeDeep Space Ninesuch a fantastic television series. It captures the show’s fascinating observations of philosophy, the consequences of war, and what happens when one’s mortal journey is over.
TheStar Trekfranchise was cited as one of the key influences forthe creation ofMass Effect, a fact that came full circle in 2023, when developer Dramatic Labs crafted a terrific experience that combined the two. InStar Trek: Resurgence, the intricacies and details of the franchise’s reliance on diplomacy and practical discussions takes center stage. The game presents the player with a host of difficult choices and moral dillemas to overcome.
Star Trek: Resurgencefeels like the most fascinating chapters of the franchise come to life, where communication and the power of words are more important than blasting someone with a phaser. It evokes the heart and camaraderie of the franchise brilliantly, as bonding with the crew and seeing their relationships strengthen makes for an outstanding journey.Star Trek: Resurgenceisn’t as action-focused as other games in the IP, but that’s to its benefit, as it feels like an honest extension of the iconic franchise.
1Star Trek: The Next Generation - A Final Unity
To Boldly Go Where No One Has Gone Before
There is no game in this historic space franchise that feels as authentic asStar Trek: The Next Generation - A Final Unity.This title thrusts players directly into an interactive episode of the series, complete with narration, a teaser, and the iconic opening credits. It brings back the entire cast ofStar Trek: The Next Generationto reprise their roles as players take part in a story set between the events of “Descent” and “Liaisons,” during the show’s seventh and final season.
A Final Unityoffers compelling adventure gameplay that mixes diplomacy with investigation, alongside outstanding ship combat. Its sense of authenticity to the series remains unmatched by anyStar Trekgame. The game truly feels like a lost episode of the TV show, complete with the same high production value and terrific writing.Star Trek: The Next Generation - A Final Unityremains without a release on modern hardware, but it is worth checking out today. Any fan of the series will be delighted by its faithful adaptation of the classic.
