Star Trek: The Rebel Universe
| Company type | Video game publisher |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Products | Star Trek: The Rebel Universe |
Star Trek: The Rebel Universe is an action-adventure title for computers, released in Europe by Firebird Software and in the United States by Simon & Schuster Interactive. Initially launched on the Atari ST platform in 1987, it was subsequently adapted for the Commodore 64 and DOS systems in 1988.
Players assume command of the Enterprise bridge crew as they investigate a sector of space where prior Federation vessels have rebelled. The mission demands completion within a five-year window before the region is sealed off, trapping the ship inside indefinitely.
Each member of the bridge team oversees particular ship functions, granting players tactical command over their operations. The gameplay includes planetary orbits and deploying away teams to gather devices or clues essential to unraveling the mystery of the "Quarantine Zone."
Story
The Starfleet encounters an enigmatic sector where nearly all Federation starships defect to the Klingon Empire. Known as the Quarantine Zone, Starfleet intends to isolate it with a device called the "Klein Sphere," but first dispatches the U.S.S. Enterprise for reconnaissance.
During its mission, the Enterprise discovers that Klingons have acquired a rare variant of dilithium crystals, named "Dilithium Delta 6," which possesses psionic capabilities. Distributed under the guise of diplomacy, this crystal enables Klingon mind control over starship crews through implanted crystals and a network of psi-beam transmitters, forcing Federation vessels into compliance.
To neutralize this threat, the Enterprise crew undertakes several courses of action:
- Formulate a cure to liberate compromised captains
- Destroy the Dilithium Delta 6 mining facility on Dekian II
- Disable the Klingon psi-beam transmitter network
- Build their own psi-beam device to disrupt enemy control signals
- Jam Klingon communication channels
- Deploy a "peace virus" aimed at reducing Klingon hostility
An alternative strategy involves coercing the Klingon admiral through blackmail, though this carries considerable danger.
If unresolved within five years, Starfleet will activate the Klein Sphere, permanently sealing off the Quarantine Zone.
Gameplay
At launch, players encounter the "Multivision" interface displaying an angled view of the Enterprise bridge, with crew portraits arrayed along the right and bottom edges. Selecting a crew member switches the main screen to their respective control station.
For instance, clicking on Sulu opens his station controls, presenting a 3D star chart for destination selection. From here, warp speed can be set and travel initiated. While at Sulu’s console, his portrait minimizes to a bridge icon that returns players to the main bridge view upon clicking.
In the Atari edition, crew icons dynamically update with pertinent information as players navigate stations—for example, Spock’s icon reveals planetary scan data even when viewed from Sulu’s station.
Players start by choosing a star system to warp toward; systems are aligned with either Federation, Klingon, Romulan, or neutral factions. Friendly systems offer refueling, repairs, and rearming services. Hostile zones may contain Klingon or Romulan warships engaged through Chekov’s station in wireframe 3D combat targeting critical ship components. Defected Federation vessels also pose threats.
Each system comprises three to six planets. Using impulse drive, players can orbit these planets—some capable of supporting life—and then switch to Kirk’s screen to access transporter controls. Here they select and outfit an away team with gear collected on prior missions before beaming down.
Surface missions transition into a 3D wireframe exploration resembling text adventure gameplay. Rooms encountered might be empty or contain items and obstacles solvable only by specific crew members. Incorrect decisions can cause injuries or block progress; multiple solutions often exist allowing alternative tactics. Terminal rooms may hold valuable artifacts, essential equipment for overcoming other challenges, or data terminals providing mission intelligence and hints.
Additional gameplay features include wormholes, spatial hazards, and native lifeforms that may inhibit combat within star systems.
The game universe encompasses approximately 4,000 planets, resulting in extensive exploration time compounded by a complex coordinate system. An accelerated in-game clock during warp travel further restricts available time for mission completion. Later releases simplified navigation by providing lists of planets and their contained items.
Reception
Compute! expressed concerns about the game's unexpectedly monotonous gameplay and highlighted the absence of meaningful interaction between the Enterprise crew and alien characters, which was a significant aspect of the television series. Meanwhile, Computer Gaming World commended the Atari ST version for its impressive graphics and sound quality but regarded the IBM PC version's audiovisual elements as average. They ultimately described it as "a standout adventure title on the ST, offering a balanced mix of action and puzzles that will appeal to most adventure enthusiasts."