To Boldly Go (Star Trek - Armada (PC))

Member Name: Donf18

Product:	Star Trek - Armada (PC)
Date:	19/02/06 (83 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Absorbing

Disadvantages: Asorbing

From the instant you have installed and started to play this game you are hooked. The graphics are unbelievably good and you feel part of the game. The spaceships look exactly like they do on the TV.

The instalation is easy as all you do is follow onscreen instructions. The control of the game is also very easily picked up. The tactics however are up to you.The game is published by Activision who are very well known in the Game software field for their excellent quality games.

The instruction book which comes with this game is very comprehensive with some very good diagrams and useful tips. I'm a sucker myself for not reading instructions since i much prefer to just get stuck in. This can cause problems later on when you discover you do not have the know-how to complete a mission. So I would suggest at least a quick glimpse through the manual to aid you on you quests.

There are four missions to choose from each have sub plots and smaller missions. Theses missions range in difficulty depending on which game you choose to play. The levels of difficulty are as in most games easy, hard, and difficult. On you journey through the universe you will be greeted ( well perhaps not exactly greeted ) by most of the familiar aliens of the Star Trek series. This includes the dreaded BORG.

From the initial graphics of the Enterprise flying across you screen you are drawn deeper and deeper into the game. There are times when you feel you might not complete your mission, but persist and you shall be rewarded. usually with a massive battle against the BORG.

On first starting the game the area of space you are in is uncharted. It is your task to both complete your mission and chart the area of space. As you move you craft across the grey screen it changes black to signify completion of charting. Beware whilst doing this of uncovering an enemy stronghold and being put under attack by lots of enemy craft. A point and click system is used in the game play. That is if you want to go to point A with spaceship C simply point and click on the craft then point and click where it is to go. Audio messages will confirm your decision in typical Star Trek jargon.

The exploration and mission completion take you to a final scenario which when completed lets you go on to the next mission. It is not by any means a complicated game but it is very strategic and absorbing.

During your mission you will be ordered by Starfleet to build certain things i.e. Space Stations Mining Stations. On each screen/mini mission there is a Moon which is rich in Dilithium, it is part of your mission to mine the Dilithium and build any equipment required to do so. The graphics here are quite impressive as you start of with a basic structure and watch it grow. There are many weapons and facilities available to help you on your quest. orders pop up periodically onscreen and these must be accomplished quickly or an onslaught of enemy Starships will attack all you installations.

I find this game very enjoyable. Using the old grey matter to build strategies is far more fun than I anticipated. I have currently finished 3 of the 4 main missions, but it has taken me some considerable time to do so.
The music and sound effects throughout the game certainly add to the enjoyability, but even without their excellent sounds and music the game would probably still be very playable.

This game retails at around £29.99 but shopping around will probably get you at least £15 discount. Whichever price you pay you will most certainly get value for your money.

Have fun "TREKIES" and "LIVE LONG AND PROSPER"

Summary: A must fro Trekkies