Star Trek

Name: Star Trek
Item: Star Trek
Rating: 3
Author: Marc Saltzman

Game review by

Marc Saltzman, Common Sense Media

Common Sense says

age 14+

(i)

So-so sci-fi shooter based on rebooted movie series.

PlayStation 3, Windows, Xbox 360
$59.99 ($49.99 for PC)
2013

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Kids say

age 12+

Based on 5 reviews

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X of Y

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A lot or a little?

The parents' guide to what's in this game.

Educational Value

Star Trek wasn't created for educational intent, and we don't recommend it for learning.

Positive Messages

You play as the "good guys" -- including Kirk and Spock -- in this Star Trek-themed video game. You're defeating an evil invader using various weapons, including shooting phasers and pulse rifles at humans and creatures.

Positive Role Models & Representations

Commander Kirk and Mr. Spock do not want to kill people or aliens, but are defending the galaxy from the ruthless and reptilian Gorn invaders. These beloved characters -- from the various television series and movie franchise -- are good people who must use combat as a last result.

Ease of Play

This third-person shooter plays like other games in this genre. Players roam around the environments using the left analog stick (or A, S, D and W on the keyboard for the PC version), while the right analog stick (or mouse) is to control the direction you're firing. It's a pretty easy game to get the hang of, plus there's a tutorial level.

Violence

Star Trek is a third-person shooter where players using futuristic weapons -- such as laser pistols -- to kill alien creatures and human characters while navigating around planets and space stations. Spock and Kirk can also diffuse situations by using a Vulcan neck pinch or shooting-to-stun a character instead of killing them. Orange and green blood-like splatter often sprays out of characters who are shot.

Sex

Language

There is some inappropriate language in this "Teen"-rated game, such as the words "s--t," "damn," and "bastard."

Consumerism

The game is based on the Star Trek feature film from Paramount -- including box art that includes Spock and Kirk, who look just like the actors from the movie. The game can be viewed as a marketing tool for the movie.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Star Trek is a cinematic action game that has you starring as Kirk or Spock, with weapon in hand, to take down the enemy threat. Green or orange blood can be seen when shooting the aliens (plus you can kill humans, too), and they sometimes yell and fall down when shot. The game also has some profanity.

User Reviews

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Teen, 14 years old Written byIronRunningAnvil May 1, 2013

age 13+

Pretty good game with some violence and mild language

Ok, to start this game is partly a third-person shooter. It is not entirely as there is some other elements to it but mainly it is. That said though it is not o... Continue reading

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Teen, 13 years old Written byTeamPlayer101 August 15, 2013

age 7+

It all comes down to this!!!

The positive message is that once you buy it you will know never to buy another T-Rated shooter besides Goldeneye Reloaded EVER again! I WASTED $20 ON THIS PIEC... Continue reading

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What's it about?

Paramount and Namco Bandai’s STAR TREK is a third-person shooter that lets you take control over Kirk or Spock, or if you prefer, Kirk and Spock in a two-player co-op (cooperative) mode played with a friend. The game is set in the same 23rd century world as the theatrical reboot, but it features an original story penned by BAFTA Award-winning writer Marianne Krawczyk (God of War), and takes place in the time between 2009's blockbuster film Star Trek and the upcoming Star Trek: Into Darkness. Starting onboard the U.S.S. Enterprise, gamers will learn about a vicious reptilian enemy, the Gorn, and then battle against them and other foes in multiple locations. The game features the voice talent of Chris Pine as Kirk and Zachary Quinto as Spock, just like the recent films rebooted by J.J. Abrams.

Is it any good?

While the premise of Star Trek is very appealing -- stepping into the shoes as Kirk and Spock, even at the same time with a friend in co-op mode (online or beside you) -- the game has a number of problems ranging from lackluster and repetitive missions to sloppy Gears of War-inspired combat to shoddy graphics to enemy artificial intelligence (A.I.) that is far from intelligent.

Sure, there are a few highlights like some interesting weapons, real voice talent from the cast, and support for 3DTVs, but it's not enough to salvage this lackluster shooter based on such as a beloved franchise. Sorry, Trekkies, set phasers to disappointment.

Talk to your kids about ...

Families can talk about the violence here. Is shooting others in a science fiction game the same as a shooting game that takes place in contemporary times, such as the Grand Theft Auto series?
In thinking about the impact of media violence, does it matter if you're playing this shooter as the good guys instead of the bad guys?

Game details

Platforms: PlayStation 3, Windows, Xbox 360
Skills: Collaboration: cooperation, meeting challenges together, teamwork
Self-Direction: achieving goals, set objectives
Thinking & Reasoning: applying information, strategy
Price: $59.99 ($49.99 for PC)
Available online? Available online
Developer: Namco Bandai
Release date: April 23, 2013
Genre: Third-Person Shooter
Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Friendship, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires, Science and Nature, Space and Aliens
ESRB rating: T for Animated Blood, Language, Violence