Ben-DutkaFor the record, I’ve never been a “Trekkie,” although I certainly understand that “Star Trek” has quite the loyal following. A worldwide phenomenon, the sci-fi classic is returning early this spring in the form of Star Trek: The Video Game , in development at Digital Extremes and to be produced by Namco Bandai and Paramount Pictures. It will be available in physical disc form on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and in digital format on the PS3 and PC. Featuring an original script by BAFTA Award winner Marianne Krawczyk, this one should satisfy the ardent fans looking for a decent game adaptation.
First and foremost, this project is being designed around one concept: Cooperative gameplay. Players will assume the roles of Kirk and Spock, who must work together to halt a familiar and deadly enemy from conquering the entire galaxy. “Star Trek” fans know all about the Gorn, and now they’re utilizing some sort of infectious venom that plants the seeds to cause immense destruction in the near future. Kirk and Spock grow closer as both work partners and friends, which should provide us with an interesting – and perhaps emotional – storyline. The plot itself basically focuses on the events between “Star Trek” (2009) and “Star Trek: Into Darkness.”
We will travel all across the universe and explore alien planets, all the while sporting 23rd-century weaponry and equipment. The Gorn won’t go down easily, so victory will require teamwork, strategy and tenacious diligence. For the sake of a more authentic presentation, the film cast from the aforementioned 2009 film will be contributing their talented voices to the game; Chris Pine is playing Kirk and Zachary Quinto is Spock. The gameplay will be set around “asymmetrical co-op” action, which has been built from the ground up to deliver a one-of-a-kind “Star Trek” experience. They claim to have packed “two vastly different gameplay styles and unique character abilities” into this one game.
Part of our quest will involve hijacking enemy battleships, leaping through zero-G environments, swimming through subterranean waterways, and trying to navigate the Enterprise through Gorn-infested space. It’s also apparent that Kirk and Spock will each have a very distinct set of abilities, which will undoubtedly affect how you approach certain situations. Technically, this is a third-person shooter but there will be plenty of different gameplay elements included in the adventure. We’ve spotted some platforming aspects, for instance, and there might be some futuristic puzzles as well. Provided the basic control is solid and the technical elements are decent, this could be great for the fans.
Also, don’t forget that this game is acting as a precursor to the new movie from director J.J. Abrams, “Star Trek II,” which is slated to hit theaters on May 17. Star Trek: The Video Game is set for April 23, and it will also support 3D. As for longevity, if you’d like to enjoy the game solo, you can play as Spock first and Kirk second (or vice versa) and you’ll see get two very different adventures. Plus, bringing in a friend so the two of you can play co-op is essentially a third unique experience, as you’ll work together to stop the Gorn and save the universe. …there’s really nothing quite so enticing as being intergalactic heroes.
