s I have said about other licensed games, this type of title’s eventual success or failure relies on its ability to transcend its subject matter. In this instance, as is the case with an inordinate number of Trek-based games, the play is entertaining in its own right, and the license only serves to create a richer and more dynamic universe. If only all television and movie-based games were like this…but that’s a tirade for another day. As it stands, both new and old-schoolers should pay attention to Elite Force II.
At the title’s outset, you take control of the Hazard (not Hazzard) Team – a group of highly trained close-combat soldiers who serve as the green berets of their assigned vessel. The game opens with a bang as you traverse a Borg sphere deep in the delta quadrant in your mission to release the Voyager from the belly of the structure. Through a number of twists and turns in the story, you’ll eventually end up on the Enterprise, with good old captain Picard (voiced by Patrick Stewart) giving you orders and getting you into trouble. Although there are some interesting enemies to deal with, some have a decidedly Simpsons-esque quality to them – namely giant bugs with rockets attached to their backs. I was expecting dogs with bees in their mouths that shoot bees at you when they bark to make an appearance, but luckily the bug portion passes fairly early in the game.
Strange insects notwithstanding, the plot is solid, and gives the player ample opportunity to connect with their character. To this end, Ritual has injected some RPG-like elements to the game’s more sedate levels which can affect your relationship with your teammates. For example, you may be talking to one of your ensigns and when she asks you a question, you’re given a number of responses that will then slightly alter your relationship. It’s not like if you choose the wrong answer the person will shoot you in the back during a mission, but it’s a nice diversion from the typical FPS formula.
Speaking of formulas, as a straight-up run and gunner, Elite Force II delivers with an expert mix of action and suspense, and a robust array of weaponry. You’re given a number of different ways to turn your enemies into tribble food, and the interspersed puzzle elements don’t bog down the action too terribly much. The level design on the other hand, can be confusing – in fact, I don’t think I ever want to see another Jefferies tube ever again. Aside from these, and a few other control foibles, Elite Force II is solid, and will serve to entertain even those who have had little to no exposure to the Star Trek world. For those of you who enjoy testing your skills against humans, a decent multiplayer component is also available.