Introduction

Welcome aboard the USS Resolute, where the stakes are high, choices matter, and apparently, we still can't figure out how to handle our coffee in zero gravity. 'Star Trek: Resurgence' boldly goes where few have gone before-the intersection of choice-driven storytelling and alien politics that could give today's news a run for its money. Developed by the folks at Dramatic Labs, who proudly say they're basically Telltale Games without the emotional baggage, this game has fans of the franchise buzzing with excitement and sci-fi intrigue. So, is it worth your time, or should we just stick to watching reruns of 'The Next Generation' on a perpetual loop? Let's find out.

Gameplay

In 'Star Trek: Resurgence,' you play as Commander Jara Rydek and Ensign Carter Diaz, two brave souls facing a potential diplomatic disaster worse than forgetting to send your Zoom invite for a team meeting. The game is set during the classic 'Next Generation' era and revolves around the mission to escort none other than Ambassador Spock himself. Yes, that Spock. But instead of just getting snacks for the journey, you'll find yourselves embroiled in a conspiracy that could upset the balance of intergalactic power. Each decision you make has an impact, which is the core mechanic of the game. You choose dialogue options, and like any normal Starfleet officer, you'll need to handle quick-time events that happen faster than a tribble can reproduce. The gameplay mixes puzzles, dialogue choices, and action sequences, which is a mix akin to your buddy trying to mix whiskey and Red Bull and ending up with a headache-sometimes good, sometimes not so much. Those choices affect your relationships with other characters, guiding the story in new (and potentially fatal) directions. Unfortunately, if you mess up an action sequence, you're stuck restarting from a checkpoint like some intergalactic Groundhog Day. Alas, no time travel powers here to save you from bad decisions.

Graphics

Visually, 'Star Trek: Resurgence' is powered by Unreal Engine, which means it looks pretty good on PS5. If you've ever wanted to gaze upon alien landscapes and craggy rock formations that feel simultaneously beautiful and menacing like your high school prom date, this game delivers. Character models are detailed enough to make you question how many polygons a human actually needs (answer: more). The cinematic moments where the camera swoops in to capture the drama could rival any mid-level blockbuster. However, don't expect the best performance from it all the time-some spots feel a bit jittery, and it seems like some textures struggle with what they want to be when they grow up. The lighting and effects are mostly on point, but the occasional glitches make you wonder if you're trying to play a video game or help an overseer find his lost car keys.

Conclusion

'Star Trek: Resurgence' is a clever blend of storytelling and choice that somewhat successfully captures the essence of what makes Star Trek, well, Star Trek. It provides enough engaging moments to keep you interested, but not without its technical and gameplay hiccups. Fans will appreciate the tantalizing bridge crew scenarios and narratives that twist like a Klingon's favorite bat'leth (don't ask how I know that). However, casual players might feel the pressure of poor choice consequences and the tediousness of quick-time events that pop up when you least expect them-like a Romulan ship at your six. While it's not without problems, this game offers an experience that's fun enough to warrant your time-if only to hear Spock give that trademark raised eyebrow at you when you make dumb choices. So, get ready to say 'engage' and see how your choices play out, but maybe leave the coffee at home for this one.

See Latest Prices for Star Trek: Resurgence on PS5 on Amazon

See Prices for Star Trek: Resurgence on PS5 on Ebay