6. Star Trek: Klingon Academy (2000)
1997’s Starfleet Academy made a lot of big promises about finally letting players take a seat in “the center chair,” but ultimately disappointed fans when the game was finally released. Although promising, Starfleet Academy missed the mark with subpar graphics, limited ship options, and buggy controls. Luckily, Klingon Academy arrived a few years later to fix the majority of Starfleet Academy‘s mistakes, although instead of sitting in the polished chair of a Federation cruiser, players now found themselves in command of a fearsome Bird of Prey as a Klingon warrior.
Klingon Academy sported significantly improved graphics — including fully destructible ship models that let players blow Federation dogs apart piece by piece — and much more varied ship types and weapons. Incredible performances from Christopher Plummer and David Warner, who reprised their roles as General Chang and Chancellor Gorkon from Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, and a great soundtrack were icing on the gagh. While the Klingons are a fascinating race and provide a great backdrop for Klingon Academy’s story, the only regret we have is that Starfleet Academy wasn’t this good. I mean, just check out this trailer, which looks incredible even today.
Looking for more of that Klingon Academy feel? Check out the Klingon Academy II mod for Star Trek Armada II.
