GENRE
	Action, Strategy
	DEVELOPER
	Quicksilver Software, Inc.
	PUBLISHER
	Bethesda Softworks
	LOCAL WIRELESS MULTI-PLAY
	Yes
	Wi-Fi/GLOBAL ONLINE MULTI-PLAY
	No
	MICROPHONE
	No
	EXPECTED RELEASE DATE
	Fall 2006
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Star Trek's transition from big and small screens to video game screens has been less than extraordinary. Either the experience has not been authentic enough to feel like Star Trek, or the implementation has been so authentic it forgets to be fun. Particularly, space battles in Star Trek games have been awkward; they don't easily translate to gaming like the space dogfights of Star Wars. That looks to be changing with Star Trek: Tactical Assault

media

Not available at this time.

impressions

Potential Tactical Assault owners need to keep two things in mind. First, the game is entirely focused on space battles with some RPG elements. Second, Tactical Assault is not about dogfights. In that mix is where Tactical Assault shows such promise. The show's space battles have always been more about tactical positioning and ship management than quick maneuverability. After all, the Enterprise is a massive vessel with hundreds of crew members. Tactical Assault looks to emulate that feel while giving players more immediate control over the ship.

Piloting is traditional space fare, controlled with the D-pad in a third-person, behind the ship view. Other ship options are handled in a Trek-like way. The top screen shows the action, while the bottom screen gives a tactical display. While the game can be played with nothing but buttons, it's the touch screen that adds a great level of immersion. All ship functions, from weapons and shields to warp drive and communications can be controlled through touch controls that emulate the ship's helm display. It is very much like sitting at a tactical station aboard the Enterprise. Data always controlled ship functions by touching a screen. Now you can too. It's like becoming Kirk, Scotty and Sulu all at once.

Except players will not be Kirk, Scotty, or Sulu, as Tactical Assault introduces a new crew and a new starship; although, the game takes place around the same time as the second Star Trek film, The Wrath of Kahn. Each mission is designed to replicate the feel of a Star Trek episode. Players will be able to choose between combat and diplomacy in most levels, with the player's choices determining the route taken through the game's Federation and Klingon campaigns. Peaceful results are often rewarded with points that allow the purchase of ship upgrades. Tactical Assault producer Cory Nelson told Nintendojo that the game will feature a minimum of 30 missions split between the two campaigns, although he is aiming for a total of 50. Nelson also promises 20-30 hours of gameplay, which would make it one of the longest DS games available.

Tactical Assault features five races--The Federation, Klingon, Romulan, Gorn and Orion--and 20 different ships. Two player head-to-head skirmishes will allow local multiplayer gaming, likely requiring two game cards. And yes, when flying a Klingon Bird of Prey, players will be able to cloak.

word on the street

The release of Tactical Assault, along with Star Trek Legacy for PC and Xbox 360, will coincide with the 40th anniversary of the original Star Trek television series. Nelson said that DS development of Tactical Assault has been very easy thanks to the great tools Nintendo provides.

press release notes

STAR TREK: TACTICAL ASSAULT is a real-time spaceship combat game for 1 or 2 players, featuring a wide array of authentic Star Trek races, ships and weaponry from the universe of the original Star Trek series. Players take command of powerful Federation and Klingon warships and must outthink and out-duel their opponents in order to succeed. Play through either the Federation or Klingon campaigns in single-player mode, or go head-to-head against a friend in wireless multiplayer action. Gameplay in Star Trek: Tactical Assault is about tactics, effective movement, and the use of your ship’s weapons and shields. Success in battle depends on balancing your precious energy resources efficiently between these three competing needs.

For the Federation, you are in command of a starship at the start of the Federation’s initial five-year mission. A devastating surprise attack by the Klingons leads to full-scale war. As the Federation’s Captain, your skills are needed to restore order in the universe. The Federation campaign is a story of responsibility and heroism. For the Klingons, you command an Empire where aggression is the only way to survive, but honor is more important than survival. However, there are some who are willing to betray the Empire and their families for personal gain.

Key Features:

Based on the films of The Original Series. Space is the final frontier, Kirk is in command and the Klingons are the bad guys. Play through the era that started it all with this classic Star Trek game.

Real-time combat involving multiple warships. The true test of a Captain is his ability to act under fire. Every second counts as you attempt to out-maneuver enemy warships and expose their weaknesses while protecting your own.

Two full campaign modes. Become a hero of the Federation or a champion of the Klingon Empire in two full-length, independent campaigns.

Branching missions with multiple outcomes. You are in command. As Captain, it is up to you to make decisions for the good of your Empire. With a multitude of paths to choose from, you will decide the direction and ultimate outcome of your campaign.

Head-to-Head wireless multiplayer. Test your skills and tactics against the most challenging opponents you’ll find…your friends.

Five playable races. In Skirmish and Multiplayer modes, command ships from the Federation, Klingon, Romulan, Gorn and Orion fleets. Each fleet has its own combat philosophy, strengths and weaknesses. Tactics that lead to victory for one race will result in disaster for another.

overall

Bethesda is going all out on the gaming front for Star Trek's 40th anniversary. With the epic scope of Legacy, Tactical Assault could have easily been given a rush job just to put a game out there. That does not appear to be the case, as Qucksilver is taking the handheld project very seriously. Barring any setbacks, Tactical Assault should be a game that is worthy of the Star Trek name.