For Star Trek fans, few things evoke more excitement than a new adventure set in the vast and beloved universe. Star Trek: Resurgence, developed by Dramatic Labs and published by Bruner House, aims to deliver that very experience. Stepping away from the action-heavy bombast of recent Star Trek films, Resurgence embraces a narrative-driven, Telltale-style format. But does it boldly live long and prosper, or succumb to the perils of the unknown? Let’s set phasers to stun and engage this review.

A Familiar Yet Fresh Frontier

Resurgence takes place a few years after the events of Star Trek: Nemesis, the final film featuring the Next Generation crew.  You take control of two bridge officers: Jara Rydeck, a talented but untested Academy graduate thrust into the role of First Officer, and Carter Diaz, a charming and resourceful engineer yearning for adventure. This dual-protagonist approach offers a fascinating perspective, allowing you to experience the weight of command through Jara’s eyes while reveling in Carter’s lighthearted enthusiasm.

The narrative throws the crew of the U.S.S. Resolute into a complex interstellar conspiracy.  While the overarching plot unfolds gradually, the episodic structure keeps things engaging.  You’ll encounter familiar alien species like the Andorians and the Tellarites, navigate political intrigue, and face moral dilemmas that lie at the heart of Star Trek’s enduring appeal.

Choices and Consequences: The Heart of the Experience

Resurgence’s core gameplay revolves around dialogue choices that influence the story’s direction and character relationships.  These aren’t always clear-cut decisions between good and evil.  Often, you’ll grapple with nuanced situations that force you to consider the potential ramifications of your actions.  Do you prioritize diplomacy or take a more assertive approach? Will you prioritize the needs of your crew or uphold Starfleet regulations?  These choices directly impact the narrative, shaping the relationships between characters and potentially altering the fate of the crew.

Beyond the Bridge: Exploration and Problem-solving

While dialogue is king, Resurgence offers more than just conversation trees.  You’ll explore various environments aboard the Resolute and on different planets, solving environmental puzzles and engaging in light action sequences.  These segments, while not the game’s strongest aspect, provide a welcome break from the dialogue-heavy sections and add a touch of variety to the gameplay.

A Universe Realized: Visuals and Audio

Visually, Resurgence adopts a distinct style.  While not boasting cutting-edge graphics, the game captures the essence of the Star Trek universe with detailed environments and character models that closely resemble their live-action counterparts.  The voice acting is excellent, with the  performers delivering believable interpretations of both established and original characters.  The iconic Star Trek music and sound effects further immerse you in the world.

A Love Letter to Star Trek

Perhaps Resurgence’s greatest strength lies in its genuine love for the Star Trek universe.  The narrative is peppered with references to past events and characters, offering a sense of continuity for longtime fans.  The game tackles classic Star Trek themes – exploration, diplomacy, and the importance of diversity –  with respect and a modern sensibility.

Not Without Its Flaws

While Resurgence offers a compelling Star Trek experience, it’s not without flaws.  The Telltale-style gameplay, while well-executed, might feel repetitive for some players accustomed to more action-oriented adventures.  The episodic structure, while keeping the story engaging, can lead to cliffhangers that leave you wanting more content immediately.  Additionally, some technical hiccups and occasional animation stiffness can disrupt the immersion.

The Final Verdict: A Worthy Trek Through the Stars

Star Trek: Resurgence is a love letter to the franchise, offering a compelling narrative, well-developed characters, and a return to the core values that Star Trek has always championed.  While the Telltale-style gameplay might not be for everyone, the meaningful choices, exploration elements, and overall attention to detail create a satisfying Star Trek experience.  If you yearn for a narrative-driven adventure that captures the spirit of classic Trek, then boldly set course for Star Trek: Resurgence.  Just be prepared for the occasional bumpy ride along the way.

FAQs

Set phasers to “informative” and engage warp drive, because we’re diving deep into Star Trek: Resurgence! This FAQ will answer all your burning questions about the latest Trek adventure game.

Is Star Trek: Resurgence a good game for Trekkies?

Engage! If you’re a Star Trek devotee, Resurgence offers a delightful experience. It captures the spirit of the franchise with:

Original Story: Explore a new narrative set after Star Trek: Nemesis, following a fresh crew on the U.S.S. Resolute.

Iconic Choices: Make impactful decisions that influence the story and crew relationships, just like a true captain.

Familiar Feel: The game features excellent voice acting and a soundtrack that perfectly evokes the Trek universe.

Is it enjoyable for those new to Star Trek?

Live long and prosper, even if you’re new to the franchise! Resurgence is accessible to newcomers with:

Engaging Narrative: The story is well-written and doesn’t require prior Trek knowledge.

Compelling Characters: You’ll quickly connect with the relatable crew of the Resolute.

Exploration of Starfleet Ideals: The game explores core Trek themes like diplomacy, exploration, and the value of diverse cultures.

What are the core gameplay elements?

Prepare for a mission that blends genres:

Interactive Story: The focus is on dialogue choices and branching narratives, similar to Telltale games.

Exploration: You’ll navigate the U.S.S. Resolute, interact with crew members, and uncover hidden secrets.

Light Problem-Solving: Expect environmental puzzles and logic challenges to test your wit.

What are some criticisms of the game?

While generally well-received, some reviewers noted:

Limited Gameplay Variety: The focus on dialogue choices might feel repetitive for some players who crave more action.

Technical Quirks: Minor bugs or glitches have been reported, though patches are addressing these.

Where can I find reviews and gameplay footage?

Reviews: Check out IGN (https://www.ign.com/games/star-trek-resurgence), PC Gamer (https://www.pcgamer.com/pc-gamer-uk-may-issue-on-sale-now-star-trek-resurgence/), and Metacritic (https://www.metacritic.com/game/star-trek-resurgence/critic-reviews/) for in-depth critiques.

Gameplay: Search “Star Trek: Resurgence Gameplay” on YouTube for a taste of the story, characters, and dialogue choices.

Should I get it?

If you crave a narrative-driven Star Trek experience, or enjoy games like Telltale’s adventures, then boldly go forth and beam yourself up a copy of Star Trek: Resurgence.

To read more, Click Here.