1. Star Trek: 25th Anniversary & Judgment Rites (1992/1993)
For any self-respecting Star Trek fan, our number one Star Trek game should come as no surprise. Although technically two separate games, we feel that players should experience the entirety of 25th Anniversary and Judgment Rites together. A combination of point-and-click adventure with space exploration and combat, these two games made players feel like a part of Star Trek for the first time. Far more advanced than the console games that shared its name, Star Trek: 25th Anniversary and its sequel each featured missions broken up into “episodes” that gave players a glimpse of the final two years of the Enterprise’s five-year mission.
With plots provided by some of the original series’ writers, beautifully detailed graphics, and fantastic voice acting from the full cast (on the CD-ROM editions), fans immediately felt right at home with the games’ atmosphere. The banter between characters is spot-on and there are multiple ways to complete each mission, some via the use of force that will earn Kirk and crew a reprimand from Starfleet following the mission’s completion. There’s even a redshirt who, if you’re not careful with your choices, will meet his end during each away mission.
The games also featured a unique and memorable copy protection system that relied on a star map, found only in the authentic games’ manuals, to successfully navigate to the next mission. Failure to warp to the correct planet would result in increasingly difficult space combat engagements with Klingon and Romulan vessels, until the player was eventually outmatched and destroyed.
If forced to choose, Judgement Rites is the better of the two games, featuring slightly improved graphics and more complex storylines. It’s also notable as the last appearance of DeForest Kelley as Dr. McCoy before his death, giving it a special place in the hearts of Star Trek fans. But, as mentioned, both games are best played together in order to fully appreciate this masterpiece of storytelling and game design.
Do you hate a game on this list like the Ferengi hate charity? Or did we miss a classic that deserves a spot here? Let us know in the comments!
When you’re done, check out our other Top 10 game lists:
- May the Force Be With You: The Best Star Wars Games of All Time
- The Dark Side: The 10 Worst Star Wars Games Ever
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