TREKCORE > GAMING > STARSHIP BRIDGE SIMULATOR > Press Release

Interplay Launches StarTrek: Starfleet Academy for the SNES

Irvine, California - January 31, 1995 - Interplay Productions announced today the release of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, The Starship Bridge Simulator for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

The game features high speed 3-D polygon graphics, over 20 fast-paced missions including the legendary Kobayashi Maru scenario, and an intense head-to-head two-player mode that will keep players on the edge of their seats.

"We are very excited to be releasing this title for the Super Nintendo," said Trish Wright, Interplay's vice president of marketing. "The Super Nintendo audience has waited a long time for a Star Trek title to be released on this medium and we're excited to be the one's releasing it."

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, The Bridge Simulator has over 20 different missions for players to engage in, including four historical missions based on actual Star Trek episodes and movies. Players will undergo a test of character in simulated missions such as the legendary Kobayashi Maru melee, one of the most acclaimed galactic battles the U.S.S. Enterprise has ever engaged in. In addition to the Kobayashi Maru conflict, other simulated missions include the historical Balance of Terror, the Wrath of Khan and the Undiscovered Country scenarios.

Players will have the option to play in simulation mode or actual game mode. In game mode, players will begin as a Starfleet Academy Cadet and work their way to graduation from the Academy. Working up the ranks, players will be at the helm of five different starships from science vessels to Constitution-class heavy cruisers on a variety of missions ranging from scientific research, to diplomacy, to various encounters with adversarial aliens.

One of the missions require the player to enter the high tension Klingon Neutral Zone, where they must get past the Klingon blockade and deliver supplies to the Federation colonists on a planet claimed by the Klingon Empire. One false move could lead to war and millions of casualties.

In simulation mode, players can opt to play one of three characters: a Klingon Captain, Romulan Commander or a StarFleet Captain. Players will have the option of piloting one of five different starships including the Klingon Battle Cruiser and the Romulan Bird of Prey. This mode allows players to hone their skills in preparation for actual game mode. As a bonus, players can employ the head-to-head two-player option which gives the game added replay value.

Players will marvel at the reorchestrated theme based on the Star Trek movies. All new musical compositions throughout the game will enhance the players feeling of actually being in the throes of battle. Outstanding sound effects also based on Star Trek movies will bring battle scenes to life.

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, The Starship Bridge Simulator was produced by the team of Jeremy Barnes and Scott Everts. Barnes achievements include Heart of the Alien for the Sega CD. Everts past achievements include Star Trek: 25th Anniversary for the Macintosh and StarTrek: Judgment Rites for IBM systems. Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, The Starship Bridge Simulator is available now for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.