Captain’s Log: VG-R Enterprise – Oh dear…
Star Trek®: D-A-C is a fast-paced, top-down space shooter inspired by the new motion picture. This pick-up and play game allows you and your friends to choose starships ( from a list including the all-new U.S.S. Enterprise ) and battle it out online! Enlist in Starfleet or join the Romulan Empire as you battle with up to 11 friends in game play modes including: Solo Play, Online Versus, and Online Co-op. Command the powerful Flagship, the nimble Fighter or the devastating Bomber, each with their own unique capabilities.
I can’t admit to being a Trekkie, infact I’ve never even seen an episode of Star Trek. Having said that, I do appreciate just how big it is thanks to references from my favourite TV shows like Frasier and Family Guy. With all the hype surrounding the new film, can a game actually live upto what fans deserve?
Well not quite. Instead of being a game that follows a main story, Star Trek D-A-C is a space shooter with little purpose other than to delve into matches against AI and Human opponents. There are a few game types like Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and Territory type battles.
These modes can be played a number of maps, but there aren’t that many of them to be found. I also found it pretty hard to find matches online, but I’m unsure if that was because of my connection or if the game is in need of a patch.
You do get to choose from 3 ships to command in D-A-C and they handle well, but they aren’t anything special. The game annoys me because it needs more to do besides playing the same old modes over and over. It becomes old really quick and it’s not long before it seems not enough for the 800 Microsoft Points price tag. Maybe if it was 400 points, then it wouldn’t get the score that it does in this review.
Maybe the game might have benefited more from just one more mode, or god forbid…an actual single player experience. The game is marketed as one that is inspired by the new film, so why not have a campaign based on it? Instead it’s just a bunch of multiplayer modes that can be played with AI and friends. It’s fun for a while, but it’s far too simple and repetitive to be a worthy buy. Visually, Star Trek D-A-C is a good looking game. It doesn’t push the system far, but overall it’s fairly good. Sound quality is passable, but not memorable.
The Verdict
Star Trek D-A-C is a disappointment for Trekkies everywhere. They were probably expecting a great game to tie in with the new film, but it just fails to deliver. For the amount it costs, it’s just not enough and a real shame. Go see the film and stay away from this if you are a fan. If not, wait till the price comes down in a Deal of the Week sale and then pick it up.
