Star Trek: Infinite might be the great strategy game Trekkies need

 Paradox changes its science fiction references

Star Trek: Infinite might be the great strategy game Trekkies need

In 2016, Paradox introduced Stellaris, a groundbreaking 4X grand strategy game set in space. It enabled players to assume the mantle of burgeoning interstellar empires, where they could establish colonies, govern their domains, form alliances, and vanquish adversaries. While the game's galaxy was vast and comprehensive, Polygon's Charlie Hall noted in his initial review that it lacked a distinct identity, a flaw that the modding community aimed to remedy by infusing it with the aesthetics and lore of beloved space sagas such as Star Wars, Mass Effect, and, of course, Star Trek. Not to be outdone, Paradox, in collaboration with Nimble Giant, embarked on the creation of an officially licensed Star Trek 4X game called Star Trek: Infinite. Over the Labor Day weekend, I had the privilege of previewing the game, and those four days flew by in a blur.

Veteran Stellaris players will find much of Star Trek: Infinite's familiar interface and core gameplay, right down to the keyboard shortcuts. The journey begins by selecting your faction and expanding your influence across a sprawling two-dimensional galactic map. You survey and colonize nearby star systems, advance your technological prowess, and cultivate relationships with neighboring entities. Your faction's goals may involve forging alliances, obliterating obstacles, or navigating a middle path between the two.

As decades roll by and your empire expands, your responsibilities grow increasingly intricate and diverse. From ensuring the employment of your vast population to defending your borders against hostile incursions, the challenges are boundless. Conflict is inevitable, and setbacks are par for the course as power dynamics evolve over the centuries. The constant juggling of tasks and the resilience to rebound from occasional failures create a captivating blend that is bound to keep players immersed for hours on end.

While many of Star Trek: Infinite's engaging elements are inherited from Stellaris, producer Mats Holm firmly rejects the notion that it's a mere branded expansion. Holm states, "We diverged from the Stellaris main branch a while ago. The Stellaris team's primary focus is to incorporate every imaginable sci-fi theme into a single game. With Star Trek: Infinite, we aim to craft the ultimate Star Trek fantasy. It should be unique."

Stellaris indeed provides the foundational mechanics, but Infinite's gameplay experience is meticulously shaped by the Star Trek universe. Instead of presenting a multitude of empires with subtly different playstyles, Infinite narrows the choices down to four major powers with conflicting ideologies. The United Federation of Planets prioritizes scientific advancement and intergalactic cooperation. The Klingon Empire thrives on warrior culture and the thrill of battle and conquest. The Romulan Empire opts for a more subtle approach, relying on espionage and propaganda to keep their adversaries off balance. Meanwhile, the Cardassian Union operates as a shrewd military dictatorship, with an economy heavily dependent on slave labor and vassal states.

Conveniently, these four factions are neighbors in the Star Trek lore, having alternated between allies and adversaries over the franchise's extensive fictional history. In contrast to Stellaris, each empire's gameplay is guided by a unique mission tree that rewards players for staying true to their faction's character or daring to deviate from canon. While certain events, such as the Borg invasion or the Romulan sun's destruction, are predetermined, the rest depends on the player's skill and imagination. The mission tree is there to provide guidance, offering both canonical and counter-canonical branches (Will you uphold the Federation's benevolence or succumb to its martial tendencies?). Regardless, players are encouraged to embrace their chosen faction's persona.

Infinite's creative team deliberately chose the game's major facts and temporal setting, commencing gameplay in 2340, roughly two decades before the events of Star Trek: The Next Generation. During this era, the four player empires are evenly matched, generally stable, and on the brink of significant conflicts in the coming years. The Khitomer Massacre, a Romulan sneak attack on the Klingons with far-reaching political consequences, marks Infinite's first unavoidable event. The ruthless Cardassian occupation of Bajor, a peaceful world sharing a border with the Federation, is in full swing. Rumors abound of mysterious cubical starships inhabited by cybernetic beings, lurking just beyond known space. If one were to design an original universe for a space conquest game, this scenario would be a prime candidate. Remarkably, it also serves as the backdrop for the most iconic and beloved era of the Star Trek franchise.

Ezequiel Maldonado, the game director, explains the rationale behind this choice: “We felt The Next Generation was the best fit because that series focuses primarily on the Enterprise's activities rather than the broader universe. It provides a glimpse of diplomatic-scale events. For us, it was the perfect foundation for a grand strategy game."

Andres Ricardo Chamarra, the programming director, adds, “Once you choose the TNG era, you sort of have to include the Klingons, Romulans, and Cardassians. Apart from the later seasons of Deep Space Nine, most of the metapolitical events occur around the series, not within it, so players need to use their imagination."

Setting the game in this familiar galaxy is not without its drawbacks. Unlike Stellaris, where the galaxy's geography is randomized in each game, Star Trek: Infinite adheres more closely to the canonical star map. Although anomalies and obstacles are scattered to provide some variety, Infinite replaying still takes an hour or two before significant differences become apparent.

The diversity of the Galaxy itself is constrained by the source material's limitations. As in the TV series, all major and minor powers encountered are humanoid species with minor variations. While this consistent geography aids in identifying the territories of each empire, those familiar with the intricacies of Star Trek lore may find it less helpful. For dedicated Star Trek enthusiasts, however, this pre-established foundation can enhance the experience, as many of the societies you encounter and the planets you settle hold deeper significance beyond their gameplay utility. There may be no specific advantage to assigning Benjamin Sisko to command one of your fleets, but you'll likely keep a closer eye on him than on NPCs with generic names.

As in Stellaris, warfare remains one of the less compelling aspects of Star Trek: Infinite. While seasoned strategy gamers may devise more intricate tactics, success in battle typically boils down to amassing a superior force. Military might is just one more resource to manage. However, this aspect aligns with the core ethos of Star Trek, where the future is shaped primarily at the negotiation table, not on the battlefield.

For longstanding Stellaris players who have kept up with expansions and mods, the decision to purchase Star Trek: Infinite will likely hinge on its pricing. Paradox hopes to attract this audience, even inviting creators of the popular Star Trek: New Civilizations mod to playtest Infinite and provide feedback. However, for strategy enthusiasts not yet committed, especially Trekkies, Star Trek: Infinite is already showing tremendous promise. Even in its pre-release state, Infinite is a captivating abyss that can easily devour days of your time. Considering the studio's track record of delivering expansions and extended game life cycles, it's poised to delve even deeper.

Mark your calendars for the release of Star Trek: Infinite on October 12th, available on Mac and Windows PC. Get ready to embark on an interstellar journey that combines the best of Stellaris with the rich and iconic Star Trek universe.