E3 2011: Star Trek preview – finally, videogame proof that Kirk and Spock are badasses

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Just don’t go looking for Shatner and Nimoy and we’ll be just fine

Another interesting mechanic is the tricorder. Part Metroid Prime-analyzing tool, part environmental interaction device, this item can be used to, say, scan lifeforms (a number of dead shirts were evidently poisoned), open locked doors or create cover by activating Federation technology. With the rest of the crew’s wherabouts unknown, Kirk and Spock receive a distress call from the ship’s shuttle bay, where they walk into an ambush from an unknown alien foe.

After trading shots for a few minutes, Kirk is poisoned, leaving Spock little choice but to take him to medbay. Now Kirk’s screen washed out in a grayish-yellow haze as he slowly succumbs to the toxin. Despite his weakening vision and aim, he needs to fend off any pursuers before time runs out.

The demo’s climax happens inside medbay itself. A sequence similar to Dead Space Extraction has Spock using the medical laser to get rid of parasites in Kirk’s leg, while Kirk again has to defend their position as his Spock works to save his life. We were assured there are plenty more cooperative contrasts like this one throughout the game.

For a title that seemingly came out of nowhere, Star Trek already has a surprising amount of polish. The attention to detail is high and DE seems to be doing everything in their power to create a cohesive new chapter in Abrams’ Trek universe. This one will stay high on our list of anticipated games as we move towards its Summer 2012 release.

Jun 16, 2011