You remember the old text-based Star Trek game, where you hunted Klingons across a grid of quadrants, and you wish it had more to do. Star Trek for Windows 9x keeps that strategy core and adds ship upgrades, a Klingon starbase and solar systems you can enter.
Quick facts
- Developer: Andy3ware
- Type: Shareware strategy game based on the original Star Trek game
- Registration: $19.99 for the download
- CD-ROM edition: $29.99, with Solar System Designer, solar systems and language packs included
Key features
Four mission types to pick from
You choose between standard, clear galaxy, explore and practice missions. Practice lets you learn the controls before you take a real mission.
Solar systems you can enter and explore
You can talk with alien races inside solar systems and test your diplomacy. On certain planets you can beam down for short mini-adventures.
Ship upgrades and retrofits
The game has multiple ship upgrades and a Klingon starbase. The retrofits are modeled on the kind of requests a starship engineer might hand you.
Extra solar systems and language packs
You can download and install individual solar systems with custom alien messages, star types and planet names. The Solar System Designer, sold separately, is the tool for making your own. Language packs are free, including Spanish and German, and switch the game to your language.
Hall of Fame and BadGuys
The game includes BadGuys, and an International Hall of Fame is posted to the vendor's web site so you can compare your results.
Who it's for
This suits you if you like turn-based strategy with a classic Star Trek feel and enjoy older, small-scale PC games. It also suits you if you like adding community-style content such as extra solar systems.
Pros and cons
- Pro: Free language packs and downloadable solar systems.
- Pro: Four mission types, plus diplomacy and planet mini-adventures.
- Pro: A CD-ROM edition is available if you dislike downloading.
- Con: It is a shareware game from the Windows 9x era, so expect an older style of presentation.
- Con: The Solar System Designer is a separate purchase unless you buy the CD-ROM.
FAQs
Is there a physical version?
Yes. The CD-ROM includes the registered game, the registered Solar System Designer, all available solar systems and the language packs.
Can I play it in another language?
Yes. Language packs are free to download and convert the game to the language you want.
Can I add my own content?
You can install extra solar systems with custom alien messages, star types and planet names. The Solar System Designer is the tool for building them.
Does the CD get upgrades?
CD owners can get their CD upgraded to the latest version whenever a downloadable upgrade is released.