Deep Space 9: The Fallen - Maximum Warp Demo

The Star Trek franchise is one of the most popular TV series out there, with millions of fans all over the world and plenty of conventions dedicated to it throughout the world. Not only that, but a lot of spin offs have been created by fans and supporters of the franchise, although not all of them managed to come to fruition. The video game industry saw its fair share of adaptations as well, especially ever since 3D graphics were introduced.

Deep Space 9: The Fallen - Maximum Warp is a third-person shooter that's obviously based on the Deep Space 9 series of Star Trek and it features a somewhat related plot, with some of the same characters as well. However, the action is a tad more intense and you get to do much more than just shoot enemies on a regular basis, because the level design is quite good for a change.

As it happens, the plot talks about an all-powerful race of aliens, which have been exiled a long time ago, but they are just about to return. Naturally, this breeds trouble and someone needs to handle the situation. In this case, this someone can either be Lt. Commander Worf, Captain Sisko, or Major Kira, because you are free to choose whichever you enjoy the most. Not only that, but the story follows a different path depending on the character you choose, so you must play with all of them in order to find everything there is to find.

When it comes to gameplay, the game excels in almost every regard and it can be a real pleasure to explore the different planets and environments. The combat is smooth and satisfying, while the puzzle sections keep your interest level high as well. As an example, the tricorder must be used like it is used in the show, which means that you must first scan the selected object in order to get a read on its shield strength, to calibrate your weapons.

Visually, the game uses an improved version of the Unreal Engine, which means that it looks about as good as technology at the time allowed. Not only that, but a lot of work went into the level design as well, so everything should look and feel pretty familiar to the fans of the franchise. Sound-wise, the voice acting is sturdy and the sound effects convincing, although the soundtrack certainly does not impress with anything.

Albeit a tad too fast-paced and lacking a few features here and there, Deep Space 9: The Fallen - Maximum Warp is definitely a good game and it should be a bullseye with the fans of the TV series. Hence, if you can turn a blind eye to some of the flaws, the game can easily become worthy to have in your collection.