Star Trek: Invasion

"Fire at will...."

Star Trek has spawned movies, action figures, television shows and video games. Among the smoke and rubble of all Star Trek games, we've seen some good ones, bad ones, and then a hybrid of good and bad like this. In Star Trek: Invasion, you'll find that the straight-forward flying action is worth blazing through in the 20 missions that it has to offer.

Set in the Next Generation time-period, you play as a warship pilot for the Federation in some 20 missions that range from the exciting to the rather easy and boring. Be prepared to warp to the next sector with Invasion.

-Visuals 8/10-

While the visuals aren't spectacular, you do have some killer detail in the intense fire fights that you come across with this game. Everything from phaser fire to explosions, and the lighting effect as phaser fire lances off of enemy shields {or your own depending} you'll see that much time and effort was taken in giving you the special effects that the television show had to offer.

-Audio 8/10-

Adventurous type music that keeps the pace of the intense space battles. Sound effects include voice clips of Worf barking commands at you, and the whine and sizzle of phaser fire shot out from your ship.

-Control 8/10-

Straight-forward and to the point, the learning curve is rather steep at first, just learning to control your ship, and then keep up in the fire-fights that ensue. You're ship is controlled with the directional pad, and then you can switch between weapons with the different action buttons on the right of your PSX control. Beginners may have a little trouble learning what to use in what situations, and being able to avoid any heavy damage, but with some practice, you'll find that it's easy enough to get in and get out without too much trouble.

-Game Play 8/10-

MAssive space battles and several missions to choose from, you'll find that you're fighting Klingons and other out-worldly enemies to keep the Federation in good standing and keep the universe at peace. Outside of that, the missions range from escorts to strafing runs. Replay value in this game is relatively low and there is no two player option, so be prepared to run through this game once or twice and that be the end of it.

-Overall 8/10-

While Star Trek Invasion has a great set of visuals and audio with a learning type control system, you'll find that this is a one time journey through the Star Trek Universe. With the replay value so low, only die hard fans will find this a purchasing choice. For everyone else, this game is on a rental basis only, unless you're a fanatic of the Star Trek world and what it has to offer.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 05/06/01, Updated 05/06/01