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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 earns overwhelmingly positive reviews for its faithful representation of Star Trek’s themes of diplomacy and character-driven storytelling, with engaging twists that resonate with fans. Critics praise its moral complexity but note some reliance on nostalgia and pacing issues. Overall, it’s hailed as a compelling addition to the franchise, blending humor and drama effectively, and is highly recommended for both fans and newcomers.

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 overall sentiment regarding the story of Star Trek: Resurgence is overwhelmingly positive, with many critics praising its faithful representation of the Star Trek universe. Reviewers like But Why Tho? and Gaming Nexus highlight the narrative's alignment with the themes of diplomacy and interpersonal relationships that are hallmarks of the franchise. Critics such as Eurogamer Germany and Gamereactor Finland commend the story for its engaging twists and emotional depth, suggesting that it feels like a natural extension of Star Trek: The Next Generation. The game’s ability to weave complex moral dilemmas and character-driven storytelling is frequently noted, with CGMagazine and MMORPG.com emphasizing how choices impact the narrative, allowing players to navigate through a rich tapestry of character interactions and conflicts. Overall, the narrative is described as compelling, with many reviewers asserting that it captures the essence of what makes Star Trek beloved among fans. However, not all feedback is entirely positive. Some critics, like SECTOR.sk, point out that while the story incorporates familiar Star Trek themes, it lacks originality, drawing heavily on established elements from previous episodes. This sentiment is echoed by VG247, which mentions that the inclusion of iconic characters like Spock feels somewhat unnecessary, suggesting that the game may rely too much on nostalgia rather than forging a unique narrative path. Additionally, some reviews, such as those from GameStar and Adventure Game Hotspot, note that while the story is good, it suffers from pacing issues and an unsatisfying conclusion, indicating that there are areas where the narrative could have been more polished. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that Star Trek: Resurgence delivers a strong and engaging story that resonates well with fans of the franchise. The game is praised for its ability to balance humor, drama, and moral complexity, as highlighted by PC Gamer and Screen Rant, who appreciate how the narrative feels both familiar and fresh. Critics agree that the game successfully encapsulates the spirit of Star Trek, making it a worthwhile addition to the canon, with many expressing that it stands as a testament to the franchise's enduring legacy. As a result, the majority of reviewers recommend Star Trek: Resurgence to both long-time fans and newcomers, emphasizing its narrative depth and character development as key strengths.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Star Trek: Resurgence serves up a compelling narrative with engaging decision-making reminiscent of classic Telltale games, earning praise for its diverse activities like puzzle-solving, stealth, and combat. However, it’s marred by sluggish controls and technical hiccups, especially during combat, leading to frustration among players. Critics are divided; while some laud its storytelling depth, many find the gameplay tedious and clunky, with quick-time events that disrupt flow. Ultimately, it’s a mixed bag—great for narrative fans, but lacking polish for those craving a smoother gameplay experience.

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 has received some positive remarks from critics, particularly regarding its narrative-driven approach and the variety of gameplay mechanics it incorporates. Several reviewers, including Eurogamer Germany and TheGamer, likened the experience to older Telltale games, highlighting the engaging decision-making elements that allow players to influence character interactions and story outcomes. Critics such as Stevivor and IGN appreciated the inclusion of diverse activities, including puzzle-solving, stealth, and combat, with IGN noting that these elements felt appropriate for a Star Trek title. Additionally, the ability to switch between different crew members, as mentioned by Gamereactor Finland, adds a layer of variety that some players may find enjoyable. However, the gameplay also suffers from numerous criticisms that detract from the overall experience. Many reviewers pointed out the sluggish controls and technical issues, particularly during combat and stealth sequences. RPG Site and ZTGD noted the "stiff controls" and "sluggish interactions," which can frustrate players, while XboxAddict described the phaser combat sections as the "worst part" of the experience. Critics like But Why Tho? expressed frustration with the slow quick-time events that interrupt the flow of gameplay, leading to a sense of annoyance rather than engagement. Additionally, some reviewers, such as GameStar and We Got This Covered, went as far as to label the gameplay as "laughably bad" and "tedious," indicating that the mechanics may not resonate well with all players. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with a clear divide between those who appreciate the narrative depth and decision-making aspects and those who find the gameplay mechanics lacking and frustrating. While the game offers a variety of interactive elements and choices that can enhance the storytelling experience, many reviewers, including PC Gamer and Siliconera, highlighted the overreliance on quick-time events and the clunky controls that hinder the enjoyment of the game. As a result, while Star Trek: Resurgence may appeal to fans of narrative-driven adventures, its execution leaves much to be desired, particularly for those seeking a more polished and engaging gameplay experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Star Trek: Resurgence boasts stunning space vistas and captures the franchise's essence, but critics are divided; some praise its art design while many lament outdated graphics, stiff animations, and technical flaws. Overall, it offers a visually appealing experience that fails to meet modern AAA standards.

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 opinions regarding the graphics and visual design of Star Trek: Resurgence present a mixed bag of sentiments, with some critics highlighting notable strengths. Several reviewers, such as TheXboxHub and ZTGD, praised the game for its beautiful space vistas and impressive character expressions, suggesting that the design effectively captures the essence of the Star Trek universe. RPG Site noted that while the game might not be the prettiest, it achieves a satisfactory level of visual appeal with stellar art design throughout. Additionally, Adventure Game Hotspot and Wccftech acknowledged the engaging atmosphere and vibrant color palette, which contribute positively to the overall experience, even if the visuals are not cutting-edge. However, a significant number of critics pointed out various shortcomings in the game's graphics. But Why Tho? criticized the visuals for feeling reminiscent of a mobile game rather than taking full advantage of the Unreal Engine 5 technology, while Gamereactor Finland described the graphics as outdated and simplistic, with blocky models and stiff animations. Other reviewers echoed similar sentiments, with Gamereactor UK and God is a Geek remarking on the dated character models and lack of polish in animations. Even those who found some redeeming qualities, like IGN and New Game Network, acknowledged that the character animations were often stiff and lacked the refinement expected from a modern title. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that Star Trek: Resurgence offers a visually appealing experience that captures the spirit of the franchise but ultimately falls short of contemporary standards. While some elements, such as the design of starships and space environments, received praise, many reviewers highlighted technical flaws, awkward animations, and a general lack of polish. Critics like VG247 and PC Gamer emphasized that the graphics do not meet AAA expectations, suggesting that despite its engaging aesthetic, the game struggles to present a cohesive visual experience that aligns with modern gaming benchmarks.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Star Trek: Resurgence impresses with standout voice acting, especially Piotr Michael as Ambassador Spock, praised for its immersive performances. However, the audio experience suffers from serious issues like dialogue clipping and inconsistent music, with some tracks feeling low-quality and out of sync with the game's tone. Critics agree the game shines in voice work but falters in technical execution, highlighting a need for polish in future updates.

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 have garnered a mix of praise and criticism from various reviewers. Many critics highlighted the voice acting as a standout feature, with numerous mentions of Piotr Michael's portrayal of Ambassador Spock, which was described as "excellent" by IGN and "a treat" by Adventure Game Hotspot. Reviewers like XboxAddict and TheXboxHub emphasized the believable and seamless performances that bring the characters to life, contributing positively to the game's narrative immersion. Additionally, the soundscape, including familiar sound effects such as teleporters and phaser blasts, was noted for its authenticity and connection to the original series, enhancing the overall experience (Adventure Gamers, KeenGamer). However, several reviewers pointed out significant issues that detract from the overall sound experience. Critics from Gaming Nexus and Stevivor reported notable audio problems, including dialogue clipping and missing sound effects, which can disrupt immersion. Gamereactor Finland mentioned that while the voice acting was strong, the music often felt out of place and inconsistent with the game's tone. Furthermore, PC Gamer criticized the soundtrack for resembling low-quality MIDI tracks rather than the orchestral scores typically associated with the franchise. These technical flaws, including repeated lines and inconsistent sound levels (Siliconera), have been a common concern among reviewers, indicating a lack of polish in the audio department. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Star Trek: Resurgence features impressive voice acting and a soundscape that resonates with the franchise, it is marred by technical issues and inconsistencies in the music. Reviewers like Wccftech and RPG Fan acknowledged the strong performances from the voice cast but also pointed out the audio bugs that hinder the experience. The mixed sentiments suggest that while the game succeeds in certain areas, particularly in voice acting, it falls short in delivering a cohesive and polished audio experience, leaving room for improvement in future updates or sequels.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The voice acting in Star Trek: Resurgence has received mostly positive reviews, enhancing the game's narrative and character depth, especially praised are Spock's portrayal by Piotr Michael and Rydek by Krizia Bajor. Critics laud the performances for creating an immersive atmosphere, though some, like VG247 and Gamereactor UK, note issues with gravitas and emotional delivery in certain roles. Overall, the consensus is that the voice acting significantly enriches the game, despite a few critiques.

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 voice acting in Star Trek: Resurgence has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, with many praising the performances for their ability to enhance the game's narrative and character depth. GameGrin noted that the voice acting is "great overall," while Gaming Nexus highlighted the strong performances, particularly emphasizing the portrayal of Spock. Critics like Adventure Game Hotspot and MMORPG.com echoed this sentiment, with Adventure Game Hotspot specifically commending Piotr Michael's performance as Ambassador Spock and Krizia Bajor as Rydek. The consensus among reviewers such as CGMagazine and Wccftech is that the voice acting significantly contributes to the game's atmosphere, with the cast delivering strong performances that bring the characters to life. However, not all reviews were uniformly positive. VG247 pointed out that while Spock's performance was criticized for lacking gravitas, other characters' performances were not elaborated upon. Additionally, Gamereactor UK described the voice acting as "stiff" and lacking emotion, despite acknowledging the quality of the writing. Siliconera raised concerns about the delivery, noting issues with sentence structure that could detract from the overall experience. These critiques suggest that while the majority of performances were well-received, there were notable instances where the voice acting did not meet expectations or fell short in execution. Overall, the critics' consensus leans heavily towards a favorable view of the voice acting in Star Trek: Resurgence. The majority of reviewers, including RPG Site and XboxAddict, emphasized the believable and seamless nature of the performances, with many praising the cast's ability to evoke nostalgia for long-time fans of the franchise. Despite some criticisms regarding specific performances and delivery issues, the overarching sentiment is that the voice acting effectively supports the game's narrative, making it a standout feature that enhances the overall experience for players.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Star Trek: Resurgence shows promise, especially on Xbox Series X, but is marred by persistent technical issues. Critics praise its smooth gameplay and minor bugs, yet report significant problems like graphical glitches and control sensitivity issues. The PC version suffers from severe crashes and UI flaws, while PS4 players face major graphical hiccups. Overall, despite its potential, the game currently struggles with a lack of polish and consistency across platforms, undermining the player experience.

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.

In analyzing the technical performance of Star Trek: Resurgence across various platforms, it is evident that the game exhibits some positive aspects, particularly on the Xbox Series X. Critics like Eurogamer Germany noted that the technical performance is generally good, with only minor issues that do not detract from the overall experience. Gamereactor Finland echoed this sentiment, stating that while there are occasional bugs, the game runs smoothly without significant loading times. Additionally, TheXboxHub pointed out that while there are small niggles like jankiness and glitching, these are expected to be addressed in future patches, suggesting that the foundation of the game is solid. However, the negatives associated with the game’s technical performance cannot be overlooked, especially on the Xbox Series X. Multiple critics, including GameGrin and Gaming Nexus, reported various bugs and performance issues that impact gameplay, with GameGrin specifically mentioning graphical glitches and control sensitivity problems. RPG Site highlighted bugs that can stifle progress, while SECTOR.sk noted frame drops and awkward animations that detract from the experience. On the PC platform, the situation appears to be more severe, with critics like MMORPG.com and GameStar citing significant technical issues, including frequent crashes and user interface problems. IGN also pointed out limitations in graphics settings and subtitle issues, indicating a lack of polish in the PC version. Overall, the consensus among critics across all platforms suggests that Star Trek: Resurgence suffers from a range of technical issues that vary in severity. While the Xbox Series X version has some redeeming qualities, it still faces criticism for its bugs and performance inconsistencies. The PC version, however, appears to be plagued by more significant problems, including frequent crashes and audio issues, leading to a less favorable reception. Critics like Shacknews and Wccftech emphasized the game's lack of technical prowess and quality-of-life features, which ultimately impacts the player experience. On the PS4, the game also faces major graphical hiccups and bugs, as noted by RPG Fan and We Got This Covered, reinforcing the notion that while the game has potential, it currently struggles with technical performance across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Star Trek: Resurgence garners mixed reviews on replay value. Critics praise its multiple-choice dialogue for encouraging exploration of different outcomes, but major drawbacks like the absence of a chapter select feature and superficial choices limit replay incentive. While the game offers a compelling narrative, its linearity and execution may leave players less motivated to revisit, despite the potential for varied interactions.

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 opinions regarding the replay value of Star Trek: Resurgence present a mixed but generally positive view on the game's ability to encourage players to revisit their choices. Critics like Gamereactor Finland and Gaming Nexus highlight the multiple-choice dialogue system as a significant factor in replayability, suggesting that players may feel compelled to explore different outcomes based on their decisions. XboxAddict echoes this sentiment, expressing interest in replaying the game with opposite choices to see the variations in story. Additionally, RPG Fan praises the impact of decisions on the narrative, indicating that the game offers a thought-provoking experience that can lead players to engage with the story multiple times. However, several critics point out notable drawbacks that may hinder the game's replay value. Stevivor and Adventure Game Hotspot emphasize the absence of a chapter select feature, which makes it cumbersome for players to revisit specific choices without replaying the entire game from the start. This sentiment is echoed by IGN, who notes that while the game tracks choices via a website, the lack of a chapter select option limits exploration. Furthermore, some reviewers, such as MMORPG.com and New Game Network, argue that the choices often feel superficial and do not significantly alter the overall story, which could lead to a diminished incentive for players to replay the game. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while Star Trek: Resurgence provides a framework for replayability through its choice-based mechanics, the execution leaves much to be desired. Critics like SECTOR.sk and PC Gamer highlight the linear nature of the story and the superficiality of some choices, suggesting that these factors may limit the game's replay value despite its engaging narrative. While there is an acknowledgment of the potential for different character interactions and outcomes, the lack of significant story-altering choices and the absence of a chapter select feature create barriers that may deter players from replaying the game extensively.

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.

Star Trek: Resurgence has garnered a generally positive reception among critics, particularly those who are fans of the franchise. Reviewers like Eurogamer Germany and GameGrin highlight the game's appeal to fans of The Next Generation era, emphasizing its engaging narrative and strong character development. Gamereactor Finland commends the game for capturing the classic spirit of Star Trek, noting that it provides a rich experience despite its shortcomings. Many critics, including RPG Site and Stevivor, appreciate the heartfelt storytelling and immersive gameplay, suggesting that the game successfully resonates with its target audience. The XboxAddict's score of 7.7 out of 10 further reflects the overall favorable sentiment towards the game, particularly for those invested in the Star Trek universe. However, the game is not without its flaws, which have been pointed out by numerous reviewers. Technical issues, including bugs and graphical hiccups, are a recurring theme in critiques, with critics like Siliconera and We Got This Covered expressing disappointment over the lack of polish and the presence of tedious gameplay elements. The gameplay mechanics, particularly the reliance on quick-time events (QTEs), have also been criticized for detracting from the overall experience, as noted by COGconnected and IGN. Critics like Gamereactor UK and GameStar mention that while the game is not a complete failure, it falls short of its potential, indicating that there are significant areas for improvement. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Star Trek: Resurgence is a commendable effort that successfully captures the essence of the beloved franchise, despite its technical shortcomings. Many reviewers, such as Screen Rant and Wccftech, emphasize that the game's strong narrative and character focus make it a worthwhile experience, especially for fans. While there are notable criticisms regarding gameplay mechanics and technical performance, the positive sentiments surrounding the storytelling and the immersive Star Trek atmosphere suggest that the game is likely to resonate well with its intended audience. As noted by critics like Noisy Pixel and PC Gamer, the game may serve as a sleeper hit, appealing to those who appreciate narrative-driven adventures within the Star Trek universe.

TL;DR

Star Trek: Resurgence is a hit among franchise fans, praised for its engaging narrative and character development, despite facing technical issues and gameplay flaws like tedious quick-time events. Critics commend its nostalgic capture of The Next Generation spirit, making it a worthwhile experience. While it has significant areas for improvement, the game resonates strongly with its target audience, hinting at potential as a sleeper hit in narrative-driven gaming.

MONSTER

Reviews

51 reviews found

TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Jun 12, 2023