Star Trek: Judgment Rites

Published by MacPlay, a division of Interplay Productions. Trademark and copyright 1996 Paramount Pictures. This product is an exciting entertainment CD-ROM game. Price not available.

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Content

 Now, for the first time, STAR TREK: Judgment Rites is available to Macintosh users. Star Trek fans everywhere will be thrilled to experience the adventure of the original Star Trek cast in a series of 8 new episodes led by Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise.

This package contains a special Collector's Disc. On this disk viewers may experience an interactive interview with Leonard Nimoy, actor and director; and the late Gene Roddenberry, creator of the Star Trek series. Movie clips of these creative geniuses are a rare treat for the true Star Trek fan.

The game disk takes the user on an action-packed journey through deep space. The level of difficulty may be adjusted for Federation Cadet (novice), Academy Graduate (more experienced players who want more combat action), and Commissioned Officer (the most challenging level of play). Encounters with hostile forces such as the Romulans, Klingons, and Elasi pirates add to the suspense as the Enterprise seeks out and explores new territory. The action is fast paced and filled with familiar dialogue. Original music and sound effects as well as the voices of the original actors add authenticity to the game.

A lengthy, detailed instruction book explains the many dimensions of this rather complex game. Players make crucial decisions about action, the navigational course of the Enterprise, combat maneuvers, and dialogue. When Captain Kirk communicates with an adversary the user may employ a "talk" command to choose between possible responses ranging from polite to "macho."

Players may use the mouse to click on various icons or text boxes to interact with the characters and action. Or, if desired, players make issue orders using shortcut keys as listed in the instruction manual.

The special effects, including movie clips, enrich this game.The sound quality is good. And the graphics are truly outstanding, especially those seen and heard in warp drive and battle scenes. All of these elements make for an exciting package for any multimedia game enthusiast. For avid Star Trek fans, this CD-ROM is a must have!

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Special Features

 The detailed instruction manual offers many helpful hints to the new player. The collector's disc which accompanies this CD-ROM includes biographies of the entire original Star Trek cast. Also found on the collector's disk are rare movie clips from interviews with Gene Roddenberry before his death. The self-guided tour of the bridge reveals viewpoints of the bridge never before seen by TV viewers. Along with the game disc, collector's disc, MacPlay sampler disc, and useful instruction manual, a limited edition pin-on Star Trek emblem is enclosed in a black velvet bag. Players may contact MacPlay on the World Wide Web at http://www.macplay.com or by telephone at (714) 553-3530.

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Ease of Use and Audience

 MacPlay recommends this game for ages 6 and up. It seems more appropriate for more mature game players. The complexity of the game and previous knowledge of Star Trek characters make this CD-ROM too challenging for young children. The instruction manual is helpful, including a "walk through" of one of the episodes. However, even mature players will need to study the manual in order to interact with the game with ease.

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Installation Details

System Requirements:

In order to run Star Trek: Judgment Rites, the player needs

Installation:

The installation for the Macintosh was very simple and quick. The installation was managed with clicking the mouse in response to understandable prompts.

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Reviewed by Sue George, a student at the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University of Texas at Austin.

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June 20, 1996