Star Trek: Invasion

Typically, the battles in STAR TREK are reminiscent of naval campaigns, and STAR TREK: Invasion is no different. You must guide your ship and try to outmaneuver the opposition to create opportunities for torpedo shots. You must battle your way through more than 30 missions, using all of the skills and abilities at your disposal to get the job done. To complete all of the missions, you will have to demonstrate stealth, evasive tactics, and all-around combat skill. If you perform well under pressure you will be promoted and your ship will be upgraded. By the same token, poor performance will result in your unceremonious jettison into the cast expanse of outer space. As an added bonus, Michael Dorn (Lt. Worf) and Patrick Stewart (Capt. Picard) lend their voices to the game to give it the authenticity that Trekkies demand. It's up to you to protect the Federation from all threats in STAR TREK: Invasion.

While Star Trek: Invasion never quite reaches the lofty heights of the Colony Wars games, it's still worth a look even if you're not a green-blooded trekker.

Set in the time line of the Next Generation TV and film series, Invasion has you cast in the role of a fighter pilot destined for a big part in the upcoming war against the Earth-bound Borg. The Borg is not the only Trek race to show up in here; the Cardassians, Klingons, and Bajorans are all along, too. Speaking of the Trek gang, actors Michael Dorn as Worf and Patrick Stewart as Captain Picard contribute good voice acting to an all-around solid production.

The visuals in Invasion are uniformly sharp and show an attention to detail that almost makes the old PlayStation beg for mercy. The planets, the ships, the explosions (especially the explosions!) are topnotch. The music, however, is painfully repetitive. Disturbingly, the controls in Invasion are way too sensitive for all but the most die-hard space jockeys. The Valkyrie space fighters often make too wide a turn, resulting in constant misfires and untimely deaths.

Perhaps because it is set in the more politically correct universe of Star Trek, Invasion does lack the Colony Wars games' level of intense, gritty combat, and its story isn't nearly as engaging. Yet, for a laser blast-filled journey into the final frontier, it's still a fun ride. --Mark Brooks

Pros:

• Lovely graphics push the PlayStation to its limits
• Excellent voice acting all around
• Easy to get into

Cons:

• Awkward controls
• Light story line doesn't compete with standout games in this genre
• Too few missions