Summary
- Release Year: 1987
- Genres: Shooter, Simulator, Strategy, Tactical
- Platforms: Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS
- Publishers: Simon & Schuster
Star Trek: The Rebel Universe (1987)
A Bridge Simulator with a Twist
Star Trek: The Rebel Universe is a unique game in the Star Trek franchise. Released in 1987 for the Commodore 64 and MS-DOS, it puts the player in control of the bridge crew of the Enterprise, rather than a single character. Each member of the bridge crew is responsible for a different aspect of ship operations, such as navigation, engineering, and weapons. The player must work together with the crew to explore a mysterious region of space known as the Quarantine Zone, and uncover the reason why all previous Federation ships that have entered the zone have mutinied.
Gameplay
The game is played from a first-person perspective, with the player seated in the captain’s chair. The bridge of the Enterprise is recreated in detail, with each station having its own unique controls and displays. The player can interact with the crew by giving them orders, or by taking control of their station directly.
The game’s missions are open-ended, allowing the player to explore the Quarantine Zone at their own pace. The player can choose to orbit planets, beam down to the surface, or engage in combat with enemy ships. The game’s difficulty is adjustable, so players of all skill levels can enjoy it.
Bridge Crew
Each member of the bridge crew has their own unique skills and abilities. The captain is responsible for giving orders to the crew and making strategic decisions. The first officer assists the captain and takes over in their absence. The navigator plots the ship’s course and keeps track of the ship’s position. The engineer is responsible for maintaining the ship’s systems and repairing any damage. The science officer scans planets and analyzes data. The communications officer handles all communication with other ships and starbases. The tactical officer controls the ship’s weapons and shields.
The Quarantine Zone
The Quarantine Zone is a mysterious region of space that is closed off to all Federation ships. The player must explore the Quarantine Zone to uncover the reason why previous Federation ships have mutinied. The Quarantine Zone is home to a variety of planets, moons, and asteroids. The player can explore these celestial bodies in search of clues and resources.
Reception
Star Trek: The Rebel Universe was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, detailed graphics, and faithful recreation of the Star Trek universe. The game was nominated for several awards, including the Golden Joystick Award for Game of the Year.
Legacy
Star Trek: The Rebel Universe is considered to be one of the best Star Trek games ever made. It was one of the first games to put the player in control of the entire bridge crew, and it set a new standard for Star Trek games. The game’s success led to the development of several sequels, including Star Trek: 25th Anniversary (1992) and Star Trek: Bridge Commander (2002).
Conclusion
Star Trek: The Rebel Universe is a classic Star Trek game that is still enjoyed by fans today. Its innovative gameplay, detailed graphics, and faithful recreation of the Star Trek universe make it a must-play for any fan of the franchise.
Review Score
8.5/10
