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Star Trek: Resurgence

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Star Trek: Resurgence
Item: Star Trek: Resurgence
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Third Person Perspective, Single Player

AvailableMay 23, 2023

PlatformXbox Series X, PC, PlayStation 4

DeveloperDramatic Labs

Overview

Star Trek: Resurgence is an interactive narrative video game that tells an original story in a choice-driven adventure set within the iconic sci-fi universe

Elsewhere

8.2

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Star Trek: Resurgence shines with authentic, classic-Trek storytelling, balancing diplomacy, moral complexity, and iconic characters like Spock in a narrative rich with Telltale-esque choices and philosophical depth. Minor gripes—familiar tropes, Spock’s role, and a lukewarm ending—can’t overshadow its emotional resonance, legacy respect, and fresh take on the franchise’s ethos, making it a must-play for fans and a bold, optimistic homage to the Star Trek universe.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

88%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

12%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics praised Star Trek: Resurgence for its engaging and authentic storytelling, emphasizing its seamless integration into the Star Trek universe. Reviewers like But Why Tho? highlighted the game’s ability to feel like a classic Star Trek episode, with its focus on diplomacy, moral dilemmas, and the inclusion of iconic characters like Spock and William Riker. Eurogamer Germany and Gaming Nexus commended the narrative’s twists, emotional depth, and respect for the franchise’s legacy, while GameGrin and Gamereactor Finland celebrated its blend of peace talks, action, and character-driven moments. TheGamer and Adventure Gamers noted the game’s “Telltale-esque” mechanics and thought-provoking choices, with RPG Site and PC Gamer praising its complex conflicts and impactful decision-making. The story’s ability to balance philosophical themes with Star Trek’s signature optimism resonated strongly, as Screen Rant and Wccftech observed, with many calling it a “quintessential” Trek experience. While the consensus was overwhelmingly positive, some critics pointed to minor flaws. SECTOR.sk criticized the story for relying on familiar tropes from The Next Generation episodes, arguing it lacked originality despite its nostalgic appeal. VG247 questioned the inclusion of Spock, calling it “unnecessary,” while GameStar noted the ending felt unsatisfying despite the game’s strengths. Adventure Game Hotspot mentioned a “cold denouement” that left some wanting more closure, and COGconnected acknowledged the narrative’s length as a potential drawback. These critiques, however, were relatively minor compared to the widespread acclaim, with most reviewers agreeing that the story’s strengths—such as its character dynamics and moral complexity—outweighed these issues. Overall, Star Trek: Resurgence was widely regarded as a strong entry in the franchise, with critics across platforms praising its narrative depth, choices, and fidelity to Star Trek’s ethos. RPG Fan and Siliconera highlighted its ability to capture the “heart of the Star Trek series,” while We Got This Covered and MMORPG.com emphasized its compelling themes of loss, perseverance, and diplomacy. Even critics with reservations, like SECTOR.sk and VG247, acknowledged the game’s merits, underscoring its appeal to both casual fans and longtime enthusiasts. The overwhelming consensus was that Resurgence successfully honors the Star Trek legacy while offering a fresh, engaging story that feels both familiar and innovative.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Star Trek: Resurgence dazzles with narrative-driven choices and Star Trek authenticity, but clunky QTEs, sluggish controls, and repetitive mechanics undermine its potential, creating a polarizing experience that splits fans between its storytelling charm and frustrating gameplay.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

12%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

76%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

12%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Star Trek: Resurgence is praised for its narrative-driven focus and choice-based mechanics, which many critics highlight as its strongest aspect. Reviewers like But Why Tho? and TheGamer emphasize that the game allows players to make impactful decisions that shape character interactions and story outcomes, creating a sense of agency. IGN and RPG Fan commend the variety of activities, such as flying shuttles, phaser battles, and puzzle-solving, which they argue align well with the Star Trek universe and offer engaging, if not deeply challenging, moments. TheXboxHub notes that the game feels like an evolution of previous titles, blending point-and-click exploration with interactive sequences, while Adventure Gamers and Adventure Game Hotspot appreciate its innovations, like the point-and-click interface and stealth sections, which add depth to the experience. These elements collectively suggest that the game’s storytelling and decision-making systems are its core strengths, resonating with fans of narrative-heavy adventures. However, the gameplay is frequently criticized for its technical flaws and repetitive mechanics. But Why Tho? and TheGamer both express frustration with the slow, forced quick-time events (QTEs) that disrupt immersion and flow, while ZTGD and GameStar call the controls sluggish and the interaction delays "laughably bad," detracting from the experience. PC Gamer and Siliconera point to the overuse of QTEs and dull exploration segments as unnecessary and frustrating, with God is a Geek and RPG Fan describing stealth and combat as clunky and awkward. XboxAddict and MMORPG.com note that action sequences, particularly phaser fights and engineering tasks, feel tedious or poorly implemented, and Gaming Nexus mentions technical issues in combat and stealth that require switching to "Story Mode" to mitigate. These criticisms underscore a disconnect between the game’s narrative ambitions and its execution in interactive mechanics. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with the game’s narrative and decision-making systems earning praise but its gameplay mechanics facing significant scrutiny. While TheXboxHub and Adventure Gamers view it as a step forward for the genre, others like GameStar and PC Gamer find it unplayable or overly simplistic. The reliance on Telltale-style QTEs and dialogue choices is both a nostalgic draw for some and a source of annoyance for others, as highlighted by Eurogamer Germany and COGconnected. Despite its attempts to blend exploration, puzzles, and action, Star Trek: Resurgence struggles to balance these elements effectively, with Siliconera and MMORPG.com arguing that the mechanics often undermine the story’s potential. While the game’s focus on character relationships and consequences is a standout feature, its technical shortcomings and repetitive gameplay segments create a polarizing experience that leaves many critics divided between admiration for its narrative and frustration with its execution.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Star Trek: Resurgence nails the nostalgic, comic-book-style aesthetic of the universe but stumbles with outdated graphics, stiff animations, and technical glitches, creating a jarring contrast between its stylish homage and subpar polish—leaving fans torn between charm and frustration.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

85%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Star Trek: Resurgence received mixed but generally positive remarks, with several critics praising its stylistic choices and attention to the Star Trek universe. RPG Site and ZTGD highlighted the game’s ability to capture the essence of Star Trek through its art direction, with ZTGD noting the “attention to detail and reminiscent elements from the Star Trek series,” such as sweeping starship shots and episode title cards. TheXboxHub and VG247 commended the game’s “beautiful space vistas” and “amazing facial expressions,” while RPG Site emphasized that the visuals “get the job done” with a “stellar” art design. Additionally, some critics appreciated the game’s comic book-inspired aesthetic, as noted by SECTOR.sk, which described the style as “typical of Telltale games” and praised its nostalgic appeal. These positives suggest the game successfully evokes the Star Trek atmosphere, even if it doesn’t push technical boundaries. However, the negatives were more pronounced, with many critics pointing to outdated graphics, technical flaws, and inconsistent visual quality. Gamereactor Finland and VG247 criticized the “outdated and simplistic” graphics, “blocky models,” and “janky animations,” while God is a Geek compared character models to Mass Effect: Andromeda, calling them “wooden” and “too uniform.” PC Gamer and Shacknews noted “last-gen look,” “low-quality textures,” and “awkward animations,” with the latter describing NPCs as “upscaled characters from The Sims.” Issues like “stiff animations,” “glitching,” and “frame rate dips” were recurring complaints, and some critics, like Adventure Gamers, pointed to “noticeable differences between the backdrop and handmade environments.” These flaws undermined the game’s visual polish, particularly for players expecting a more modern or AAA experience. Overall, the consensus leans toward a balanced but critical assessment, with many acknowledging the game’s stylistic strengths while highlighting its technical shortcomings. While critics like RPG Site and ZTGD praised the art direction and nostalgic appeal, others, such as VG247 and Gamereactor Finland, argued that the visuals fell short of expectations for a $40 title. The divide reflects a tension between appreciating the game’s commitment to Star Trek’s aesthetic and frustration with its lack of polish. Despite the criticisms, several reviewers, including TheXboxHub and Wccftech, noted that the design “makes the most out of its capabilities,” suggesting that while Resurgence may not be visually groundbreaking, it succeeds in delivering a cohesive and immersive Star Trek experience. The mixed reception underscores the challenge of balancing artistic vision with technical execution in a genre that often prioritizes narrative over graphical fidelity.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Star Trek: Resurgence’s audio shines with stellar voice acting and nostalgic, immersive sound design that captures the franchise’s essence, but technical glitches—like clunky dialogue, inconsistent music, and buggy ambient effects—hold it back, creating a mixed legacy where passion overshadows polish.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

36%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Star Trek: Resurgence received generally positive feedback from several critics, with praise for their authenticity and immersion. Reviewers like Adventure Game Hotspot and IGN highlighted the "soundalike voice actor for Spock" and the "beautiful, well-integrated" music that evokes the iconic Star Trek atmosphere. XboxAddict and CGMagazine commended the "authentic" audio elements, including familiar sound effects and the "sweeping musical score" that enhances the game’s wonder. SECTOR.sk noted the "good sound design" matching the Star Trek universe, while Adventure Gamers and RPG Fan appreciated the "recognizable sound effects" and orchestral background music that align with the franchise’s legacy. The voice acting, in particular, was a standout feature, with GameGrin, TheXboxHub, and Noisy Pixel emphasizing its believability, emotional depth, and standout performances from actors like Piotr Michael, Josh Keaton, and Krizia Bajos. However, several critics pointed out technical and tonal issues that undermined the audio experience. Gamereactor Finland criticized the music for being "often out of place" and inconsistent with the game’s tone, while PC Gamer called the soundtrack "disappointing," comparing it to "low-quality MIDI tracks" rather than the orchestral scores expected from Star Trek. Gaming Nexus and Stevivor noted "dialogue clipping" and "missing sound effects," which disrupted immersion, and We Got This Covered and Siliconera highlighted recurring audio bugs, such as "repeated lines," "inconsistent sound levels," and "ambient sound issues." Gamereactor UK found the voice acting "stiff and lacking emotion," despite acknowledging strong writing, while XboxAddict mentioned minor problems with "random sounds" and subtitles not aligning perfectly. These technical flaws, though not universal, were seen as significant detractors by some reviewers. Overall, the consensus leans toward a mixed reception, with the game’s audio elements praised for their nostalgic appeal and strong voice acting but criticized for technical inconsistencies and a soundtrack that fell short of expectations. While IGN, CGMagazine, and Noisy Pixel celebrated the immersive and authentic audio, others like PC Gamer and Gamereactor Finland felt the music and sound design lacked the polish of the franchise’s storied history. Despite these critiques, many reviewers acknowledged the effort to capture the Star Trek spirit, with Adventure Gamers and SECTOR.sk noting the "on par" quality of sound effects and music. The game’s audio, while not flawless, remains a key component of its identity, with its strengths in voice acting and design overshadowing some technical shortcomings for many players.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Star Trek: Resurgence’s voice acting is a standout, praised for authenticity, emotional depth, and franchise loyalty. Piotr Michael’s Spock and Krizia Bajor’s Rydek excel, with some minor hiccups like repetition or stiffness—rare issues that didn’t overshadow the immersive, nuanced performances capturing Star Trek’s essence.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

77%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

14%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The majority of critics praised the voice acting in Star Trek: Resurgence as a standout feature, emphasizing its authenticity, emotional depth, and alignment with the franchise’s legacy. GameGrin noted that the voice acting is "great overall," while Gaming Nexus highlighted "strong performances" that "enhance the characters and story," particularly commending Spock’s portrayal. RPG Site and TheXboxHub both lauded the actors for bringing characters to life with "believable" and "real" deliveries, respectively. Adventure Game Hotspot and New Game Network specifically celebrated Piotr Michael’s performance as Ambassador Spock, calling it "excellent" and "strikingly spot-on," with RPG Fan adding that his portrayal "remarkably similar to Leonard Nimoy’s." IGN and MMORPG.com echoed these sentiments, praising Michael’s work and noting the entire cast’s "strong performances," with Josh Keaton and Krizia Bajor singled out for their contributions. TheXboxHub and Wccftech also highlighted the seamless integration of voice acting into the game’s narrative, making it feel like an "episode from the TV show." These reviews collectively underscore the voice cast’s ability to immerse players in the Star Trek universe through nuanced and compelling deliveries. However, a smaller number of critics pointed out minor flaws or inconsistencies. VG247 criticized Spock’s performance for "lacking gravitas," while Siliconera noted an issue with "repeating the first few words of a sentence," which disrupted some lines. SECTOR.sk acknowledged that "some characters do not match the original actors perfectly," suggesting a slight disconnect from the franchise’s iconic voices. Additionally, Gamereactor UK described the voice acting as "stiff and lacks emotion," though they praised the character writing. These critiques, while present, were less frequent and often framed as isolated issues rather than overarching problems, with many reviewers attributing them to specific instances rather than a systemic failure in the voice acting overall. Despite these minor criticisms, the consensus among reviewers is overwhelmingly positive, with the voice acting being a key strength of Star Trek: Resurgence. Most critics emphasized that the performances felt authentic, immersive, and true to the Star Trek spirit, with Piotr Michael’s portrayal of Spock and Krizia Bajos’s work as Rydek frequently cited as highlights. While a few reviewers noted technical or emotional shortcomings, these were exceptions rather than the norm, and the majority celebrated the cast’s ability to elevate the game’s storytelling and atmosphere. The mix of nostalgia-driven voice-alikes (as highlighted by Stevivor) and fresh, compelling performances from the cast solidified the voice acting as a critical success, aligning with the game’s goal of capturing the essence of the Star Trek universe.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Star Trek: Resurgence has mixed technical performance—Xbox Series X is mostly stable with minor issues, PC and PS4 face major bugs, crashes, and glitches that hurt the experience, but all versions show potential for improvement through patches.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

43%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Star Trek: Resurgence varies across platforms, with some positive remarks noted. On the Xbox Series X, Eurogamer Germany praised the game as "generally good" with only minor issues, while Gamereactor Finland acknowledged that it "runs smoothly with no significant loading times." TheXboxHub also mentioned that the technical problems, though present, are "fixable via patches," suggesting confidence in the platform's stability. On PC, several reviewers, including Adventure Gamers and CGMagazine, noted minor flaws but emphasized that they "did not significantly impact the experience." GameCritics and Noisy Pixel also acknowledged technical hiccups but expressed hope that future patches would address them, indicating that the PC version, while not perfect, is generally playable and functional. However, the negatives for each platform are more pronounced. On Xbox Series X, GameGrin and RPG Site highlighted significant technical issues, such as graphical glitches, control responsiveness problems, and bugs that disrupt gameplay. Gaming Nexus and Stevivor also criticized the game for being "technically rough" with performance issues and bugs that affect the experience. On PC, the criticism was even more severe, with GameStar reporting frequent crashes and issues with the user interface, while MMORPG.com described "significant technical issues" that "severely impact the overall experience." PC Gamer pointed out a lack of accessibility options and control sensitivity problems, and Wccftech noted a "game-breaking issue" when pressing escape in the pause screen. On PS4, RPG Fan and We Got This Covered criticized the game for "mountain of bugs," "dramatic frame rate drops," and "major graphical hiccups," suggesting that the console version is less polished and more problematic than the Xbox and PC versions. Overall, the critics agree that Star Trek: Resurgence has technical issues, but the severity and impact vary by platform. While the Xbox Series X version is seen as relatively stable with only minor glitches, the PC and PS4 versions face more significant problems, including crashes, performance hiccups, and accessibility shortcomings. Despite these issues, many reviewers, such as Eurogamer Germany and Gamereactor Finland, acknowledged that the technical problems are not so severe as to ruin the experience, and that they may be resolved through patches. This suggests that while the game is not without flaws, it is still playable and has the potential to improve over time, especially on the Xbox platform, which appears to be the most technically sound.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Star Trek: Resurgence earns praise for its choice-driven storytelling and character dynamics, but its lack of chapter select, superficial decisions, and linear structure tarnish replayability. While narrative duality and branching paths entice fans, inconsistent consequences and bugs leave many frustrated. A mixed bag: rewarding for story enthusiasts, but tedious for those seeking meaningful options.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

26%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

58%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

16%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment toward the replay value of Star Trek: Resurgence is largely positive, with several critics highlighting its choice-driven mechanics as a key factor in encouraging multiple playthroughs. GameGrin emphasizes that the game’s decision-making system allows players to influence character perceptions, while Gamereactor Finland and Gaming Nexus note that dialogue options create curiosity about how choices shape the narrative. Adventure Gamers and KeenGamer also praise the game for offering different progressions and outcomes based on player decisions, with XboxAddict expressing a desire to replay the game with opposite choices to explore divergent paths. RPG Fan adds that the story’s narrative duality, driven by character perspectives, provides a compelling reason to revisit the game, and Noisy Pixel suggests that repeated playthroughs could reveal new layers of the story, as choices are not always straightforward. These reviews collectively underscore the game’s potential to reward players who value branching narratives and character-driven storytelling. However, several critics point out significant limitations that detract from its replayability. Stevivor and Adventure Game Hotspot criticize the absence of a chapter-select feature, which forces players to restart the entire game to explore alternate choices, making the process tedious. GameStar and PC Gamer argue that the story’s linear structure and lack of major consequences for decisions reduce the incentive to replay, with GameStar specifically noting that the ending’s unresolved questions fail to entice players back. MMORPG.com and New Game Network highlight that many choices have minimal impact, with the latter suggesting that superficial decisions and potential bugs in minor dialogue options diminish the experience. Additionally, Siliconera points out that some choices lack clear consequences, while others feel arbitrary, which could leave players unimpressed by the depth of the narrative system. The consensus among critics is mixed, reflecting a divide between those who appreciate the game’s narrative experimentation and those who find its replay value constrained by technical and structural flaws. While titles like GameGrin, Gamereactor Finland, and RPG Fan celebrate the game’s emphasis on decision-making and character relationships, others such as Stevivor, GameStar, and PC Gamer express frustration with its linear storytelling and limited meaningful consequences. The lack of a chapter-select feature and the inconsistency in choice impact are recurring criticisms, yet the engaging narrative and potential for exploring different outcomes still attract some players. Ultimately, Star Trek: Resurgence offers a moderate replay value that hinges on whether players prioritize branching stories or are deterred by its structural limitations, with its appeal likely to be strongest for fans of the franchise and those invested in character dynamics.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

27%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment among critics highlights Star Trek: Resurgence as a compelling narrative-driven experience that successfully captures the essence of the Star Trek universe, particularly for fans of the franchise. Multiple reviewers, including Eurogamer Germany, GameGrin, and RPG Site, praise the game’s strong story, engaging characters, and immersive gameplay, with TheXboxHub even calling it “the best evolution of the point-and-click genre.” IGN and PC Gamer commend its dialogue-heavy approach and authentic Star Trek spirit, while Adventure Gamers and Adventure Game Hotspot highlight its atmospheric storytelling and dedication to the franchise’s core values. The game’s focus on classic Trek themes, such as exploration and moral dilemmas, resonates strongly with fans, with Gamereactor Finland noting that its “strong story and engaging gameplay” keep players invested despite technical shortcomings. However, several critics point to significant technical and design flaws that detract from the experience. GameGrin, Gaming Nexus, and TheGamer mention issues like clumsy controls, filler segments, and technical bugs, while Siliconera and We Got This Covered criticize the game’s “bugs, design flaws, and unnecessary QTEs.” VG247 acknowledges “budget constraints,” and MMORPG.com advises waiting for fixes due to “slow gameplay” and “technical issues.” New Game Network and Shacknews note that the game’s mini-games and lack of polish near the end feel unbalanced, while COGconnected and God is a Geek express concerns about repetitive gameplay and unchallenging decisions. These critiques suggest that while the game’s heart is in the right place, its execution falls short of expectations, particularly for those seeking a polished or innovative experience. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus leans positive, especially for Star Trek enthusiasts. VG247 calls it “the best Star Trek game since Elite Force,” and XboxAddict gives it a 7.7/10, emphasizing its narrative strengths. RPG Site and ZTGD argue that the game’s “heartfelt” storytelling and “rich Star Trek experience” outweigh its flaws, while PC Gamer and Screen Rant praise its authenticity and character-driven narrative. However, Siliconera and We Got This Covered remain more skeptical, highlighting the gap between the game’s potential and its final product. The mixed reception reflects a divide between fans who prioritize storytelling and nostalgia versus those seeking technical polish or innovation. Ultimately, Star Trek: Resurgence is seen as a worthwhile, if imperfect, journey for dedicated fans, with its strengths in narrative and world-building serving as its most enduring virtues.

TL;DR

Star Trek: Resurgence is a passionate, narrative-driven love letter to the franchise, boasting stellar storytelling and authentic Trek spirit, but clunky mechanics, technical bugs, and repetitive gameplay drag it down—making it a bittersweet, imperfect gem for fans.

MONSTER

Reviews

51 reviews found

TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Jun 12, 2023