Star Trek Voyager Across The Unknown Review: Real User Experiences

Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown Review

7.5/10
★★★★☆

A faithful “what if” journey for dedicated Trekkies

Quick Verdict: The most faithful Star Trek game to date, offering genuine “what if” scenarios that let you rewrite Voyager’s journey. While text-heavy gameplay and mixed visuals won’t appeal to everyone, dedicated fans will find a compelling survival strategy experience that truly understands its source material.

🎮 Game Overview

Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown is a story-driven survival strategy game that puts you in command of the USS Voyager after it gets stranded in the Delta Quadrant. Unlike previous Trek games, this title focuses on resource management, strategic decision-making, and branching narrative paths that let you rewrite the show’s history.

Developer
gamexcite
Publisher
Daedalic Entertainment
Release Date
February 18, 2026
Genre
Survival Strategy
Platforms
PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Switch 2
Price
$39.99 USD

✅ Pros & ❌ Cons

✅ Strengths

  • Incredibly faithful to Voyager’s source material and characters
  • Meaningful “what if” choices that change the story
  • Original voice actors (Tim Russ, Robert Duncan McNeill)
  • Deep resource management with strategic depth
  • High replay value with roguelike elements
  • Satisfying ship construction and research systems

❌ Weaknesses

  • Extremely text-heavy presentation
  • No manual save system (autosave only)
  • Combat visuals feel dated and clunky
  • Ship controls can feel unresponsive
  • 10+ resources to manage may overwhelm some players
  • Ending feels rushed for non-show characters

⚙️ Gameplay Mechanics

The game blends multiple genres into a unique Trek experience. You’ll spend most of your time making decisions through text-based scenarios, managing ship resources, and engaging in tactical combat.

Mechanic Description Depth Rating
Decision Making Text-based choices with percentage success chances based on crew skills ★★★★☆
Ship Management Build rooms, manage power, allocate crew to stations ★★★★★
Away Missions Send teams with complementary skills for ground operations ★★★☆☆
Space Combat Target enemy systems, manage shields and energy distribution ★★★☆☆
Research Unlock technologies including controversial Borg enhancements ★★★★☆

📖 Story & “What If” Scenarios

The game’s strongest feature is its branching narrative that lets you explore alternate timelines. The opening choice exemplifies this: use the Caretaker’s relay to return home immediately, or embrace the unknown journey through the Delta Quadrant.

Throughout your voyage, you’ll encounter familiar episodes from the series but with choices that can dramatically alter outcomes:

  • Tuvix Dilemma: Decide whether to separate Tuvok and Neelix or let the combined being live
  • Crew Fate: Save characters who died in the show or lose those who survived
  • Borg Technology: Research banned technology for power boosts at moral costs
  • Diplomatic Choices: Navigate encounters with familiar Delta Quadrant species

⚔️ Combat System

Space combat adopts a tactical approach rather than direct control. As Captain, you issue orders rather than pilot the ship manually. This fits the fantasy of commanding Voyager but can feel frustrating when your crew doesn’t execute maneuvers as expected.

Combat Feature Implementation
Targeting Select specific enemy ship systems to damage
Energy Management Allocate power between weapons, shields, and engines
Crew Abilities Assign battle stations to trigger special skills
Defensive Options Shield reinforcement and evasive maneuvers

📦 Resource Management

The survival element shines through Voyager’s complex resource system. With 10+ different resources plus crew morale and worker crews to track, the game demands careful planning and prioritization.

⚡ Resource Types

  • Core Resources: Energy, materials, food, water, medicine
  • Special Resources: Borg nanites, dilithium, scientific data
  • Crew Factors: Morale, fatigue, available workers
  • Storage Limits: Requires building dedicated storage rooms

Staying in sectors too long drains crew morale through homesickness, creating tension between thorough exploration and pressing forward. This mechanic effectively captures Voyager’s central struggle.

🖥️ Platform Comparison

Platform Price Notes
PC (Steam) $35.99 (launch discount) Best UI experience, mod potential
PlayStation 5 $39.99 Console optimization for controller
Xbox Series X $39.99 Game Pass potential in future
Nintendo Switch 2 $39.99 Portable Star Trek experience

📊 Critical Reception

Publication Score Key Quote
Metacritic (PC) 75/100 “A flawed gem faithful to its source material”
Stevivor 85/100 “Most faithful Star Trek game to date”
Wccftech 7/10 “Not a masterpiece, but sum feels like more than the whole”
TrekMovie Recommended “Love letter to Voyager and its cast”

⚡ Quick Facts

  • Voice Cast: Features original actors Tim Russ (Tuvok) and Robert Duncan McNeill (Tom Paris)
  • Save System: Roguelike autosave only – no manual saves or save scumming
  • Campaign Slots: Three separate save slots for different playthroughs
  • Procedural Elements: Star systems and events change each run
  • Steam Rating: “Very Positive” from early access players
  • Deluxe Edition: Available with additional cosmetic content

🏆 Final Verdict

7.5/10

Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown delivers exactly what dedicated Trekkies have been waiting for: a game that truly understands and respects its source material. The text-heavy presentation and dated visuals are significant hurdles for general audiences, but fans willing to look past these issues will find a compelling survival strategy experience with genuine replay value.

Best for: Star Trek fans, strategy game enthusiasts, players who enjoy narrative choice games like FTL, anyone who ever wondered “what if Janeway chose differently?”

Avoid if: You need modern graphics, dislike reading in games, or want action-oriented gameplay.

🎮 Have you played Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown? Share your experiences and favorite “what if” moments in the comments!

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