Once again, join the crew of the Enterprise D on an all-new adventure by Spectrum Holobyte. This time, two new races cause a noticeable disturbance that catches the interest of both the Romulan Star Empire and the Federation. The Chodak make their first of three appearances, and space combat takes a step up in depth. The story starts off simple enough, but later, the actual threat is revealed. The game unfolds slowly, revealing details in pieces. As Captain Picard once said, "To humans, a mystery is irresistible."
Graphics: 3
The Enterprise itself feels frozen in time. Characters don't move, and worlds are only lightly animated. Phaser and Disrupter fire glow nicely, and ship combat is visually engaging. Minor explosions appear when shields are penetrated. Overall, it could've used more polish.
Music/Sound: 3
Most of the music is forgettable, with only a few standout tracks. Action scenes would benefit from more dynamic audio. It's hard to believe this was the best they could do.
Video: 3
The cut scenes are enjoyable, though limited in number. Orbit shots and Turbolift scenes like those in 25th Anniversary (NES) would have added depth.
Challenge: 4
Expect maze-like worlds that will leave you scratching your head - especially the ice/mining world. A map would've helped. Space combat is manageable unless your impulse engines are damaged. Engineering allows you to assign repairs to over 15 systems, adding strategic depth.
Replay Value: 3
Romulan vessels frequently appear in Federation space, giving you plenty of combat. The Library computer is fully accessible and packed with information, but beyond that, there's little new to discover.
Overall: 3
This game had potential but ultimately lands as average. The space combat and plot are above average, but the rest falls short. Trek fans may enjoy it, but it's not the immersive experience it could've been. Spectrum Holobyte didn't quite deliver this time.