STARFLEET ACADEMY

Reviewed By: David Jarrell
VOLUNTEER GUEST REVIEWER

GAME TECH INFO

Computer Platform: PC
Produced by: Interplay
Price Range: $15
Learning curve time: Extensive
Age level: 10+
ESRB Rating: Kids to Adults
Patches / Upgrades: 1.15 patch
System Requirements: Pentium-class CPU

Genre: Simulation
Christian Rating: 4 of 5
   (slightly offensive)
Gameplay: 2 of 5
   (poor)
Violence: 4 of 5
   (barely present)
Adult Content: 4 of 5
   (barely present)

Box Art for 'Starfleet Academy'. Illustration copyrighted.

"Starfleet Academy" was Interplay's answer to thousands of fans who cried out for an accurate Star Trek battle simulation. Unfortunately, their pleas for a good game went unanswered.

In the game you play a cadet in charge of a crew of other cadets at, you guessed it, Starfleet Academy. You lead your crew in combat simulations at the Academy, with numerous full-motion video cutscenes sprinkled throughout. You make choices, such as what to say to a particular crewman, in some of the cutscenes. These choices can affect future interactions with your crew, as well as your own academic status.

While the game's intentions were good enough, the gameplay lacked in nearly every area possible. Tremendous capital ships, which should logically lumber about and take time to respond to their helm, dart about like fighters. On the plus side, the graphics are outstanding for a game made that long ago (1997). Direct3D support helps a great deal. Sounds are not diverse enough, and the music grates on one's nerves quickly.

In conclusion, this game falls short of what gamers really wanted, but it is Star Trek, and that in itself was enough to convince a diehard fan like myself to wade through such a lacking rendition of starship combat.

Year of Release—1997

I bought this game a while ago and I enjoyed it a lot. I am a 14 year old guy who really likes the Star Trek galaxy. “Star Fleet Academy” was a fun game to play because it puts you in the seat of the big starships but it is like a starfighter game the way they fly. After every mission, you get to watch a movie in which your character has to make decisions about what he should do. Some decisions ever effect your next mission. I got thrown out of the Academy when I cheated in one of the cutseens. I recommend getting this game if you are a fan of Star Trek and if you like Starfighter simulations. My Ratings: [4/4] —Anonymous

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this Christian Spotlight review are those of the reviewer (both ratings and recommendations), and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Films for Christ or the Christian Answers Network.