Star Trek: Tactical Assault (DS, PSP)

[Jobydrone]

This game was supposed to be released yesterday, but was delayed until Friday the 27th of October.  I'll post my impressions of the DS version here on Friday when I pick it up.

[Rico]

Ohhh.....yes let me know what you think.  If it's any good I'll be grabbing the DS version too.  Is this thing WiFi/Net playable?  If so, maybe we could hook up and play sometime!

[Jobydrone]

That would be awesome if it was WIFI enabled.  I'll let you know tomorrow.

[Jobydrone]

From Bethesda Softworks official site:

STAR TREK: Tactical Assaultâ,,¢
for Nintendo DSâ,,¢ Ships to Retail Stores

Real-Time Strategy Game Set in the
Original STAR TREK® Series Universe

Rockville, Maryland - Oct. 26, 2006 - Bethesda Softworks® today announced that STAR TREK: Tactical Assaultâ,,¢ for the Nintendo DSâ,,¢ is now shipping to North American retail stores. STAR TREK: Tactical Assault for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system will follow closely behind, beginning to appear on store shelves the week of November 13th. Both versions feature exciting, real-time spaceship combat set in the universe of the original STAR TREK® series.

STAR TREK: Tactical Assault features two full-length campaigns for the Federation and the Klingon Empire. You take command of a powerful warship and must make split-second decisions under fire, outmaneuver enemy warships, and make calculated assessments about your enemy's weaknesses while protecting your own. With a multitude of paths to choose from in each campaign, you will ultimately decide the direction and outcome of your story.

In addition to the story driven single-player campaigns, STAR TREK: Tactical Assault features high-energy, action-packed one-off battles found in the 'Skirmish' and 'Wireless Multiplayer' modes. The 'Skirmish' mode allows players to test their abilities against the A.I. while the wireless multiplayer action allows them to go head-to-head against a friend. In these special modes players can command ships from the Federation, Klingon, Romulan, Gorn, and Orion fleets.

Developed by Quicksilver Software under the direction of Bethesda Softworks, STAR TREK: Tactical Assault is rated E for Everyone.

STAR TREK: Tactical Assault is the second title to be released in Bethesda's STAR TREK® lineup following the launch of the highly popular STAR TREK®: Encounters for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system in September. STAR TREK: Legacyâ,,¢ is scheduled for a North American release in November for the Xbox 360â,,¢ videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows.

So Wireless play is enabled but it doesn't mention Nintendo Wifi support.  Keeping my fingers crossed.

[PepperDude]

There's actually an extensive preview on Gamespy.  http://psp.gamespy.com/playstation-portable/star-trek-tactical-assault/723622p1.html

The battles are going to be fought on a 2-D plane which sucks.  That means I won't be able to maneuver my ship vertically; the battles will feel like "naval engagements" as the GS pre-viewer wrote.

Still, I may get this game for the PSP if the reviews are good and if you give it an OK Joby.

There will also be wireless multiplayer for both platforms, so you can go head to pointy-eared head with friends for bragging rights.

That's good news.

[Rico]

Can you play Wireless over the Internet or just with another game system nearby?

[Jobydrone]

It doesn't say anything on the official site about Nintendo Wifi, so I am guessing it's just local wireless play.  We'll know tomorrow.

[Jobydrone]

Well, I'm quite disappointed but noone within a fifteen mile radius has seemed to receive this title.  I've called every conceivable store that carries the DS.  Several said they were only getting them if you preordered.  I'll keep checking over the next week.

[Jobydrone]

Sitting next to my keyboard and about to get popped in my DS is my brand new copy of Star Trek: Tactical Assault.  I'll post my initial impressions tonight.

[Rico]

Woo-hoo!  Can't wait to hear about it!  Would love to get a mini audio review (a couple of minutes) for the podcast sometime - hint, hint.   :Bow:

[Jobydrone]

Happy to oblige, I'll record one for you to post by Wednesday if you decide to do another mid week show this week.

I've finished the first two missions and so far I'm enjoying the game.  It's taking me a bit to get a handle on the controls, but I think as I progress to more powerful ships and upgrade my crew (you get upgrade points by high performance on missions) flight control will seem less clunky and more accurate.

[PepperDude]

I'm looking to that audio review.  If the gameplay feels like I'm commanding a Federation starship, then I'm going to buy the game.

[Captain BJ Wanlund]

There is absolutely NO video for this game.  That scares me to no end.

Joby, glad you're liking it.  Love to hear the audio review.  Let's just hope the game's actually good.

Rico, heard on the last podcast you might pick this up.  Have you gotten it yet?

BJ

[Jobydrone]

Well, after extended play, I have to say I'm a bit disappointed.  My expectations may have been a little high considering the limitations of the DS, but frankly Starfleet Academy for the Super Nintendo was a far better game, so that is saying a lot right there if you are familiar with that game.

Briefly, the main problem is the sheer repetitiveness of the mission mode.  Now granted I am only a little more than halfway through the first of two mission modes, but I can already tell that every mission is exactly the same.  Fly in, hail the agressive ship, blow it up, fly out.  That's it.  And the combat just isn't that deep or entertaining.  Look for more in my mini audio review when I get it to Rico, probably won't be ready until Sunday.  Till then, unless you are desperate for some Star Trek related gaming, I'd say give this one a pass.

[Captain BJ Wanlund]

I'm actually kinda desperate, but it is a pain in the rear to find.  Haven't found one at Best Buy, haven't found one much of anywhere.

I'll keep searching.  If I find one, I'll let you know.

BJ