Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier offers a mix of narrative-driven interactions and fast-paced arcade sequences that aim to capture the spirit of the movie. Players take on the role of Captain Kirk and occasionally other bridge officers, navigating dialogue trees with crewmates to uncover key clues about Sybok’s motives and the fate of the kidnapped Consuls. These conversations are essential for unlocking branches in the story, but the linear flow sometimes limits how much your choices truly matter.

When diplomacy and investigation give way to action, the game shifts into a variety of mini-games that include starship combat, hand-to-hand fights, and shuttle missions. The space battles require quick reflexes as you target Klingon warships or intercept enemy fighters, while the ground skirmishes rely on timed button presses and basic combo moves. Although these sequences inject energy, they can feel repetitive after a few encounters, especially given the absence of a save feature that forces you to replay entire sections upon failure.

One notable design choice is the lack of a traditional save or checkpoint system. If your Enterprise is destroyed in combat or if you lose a critical fight on Nimbus III, you’re sent back to the very start of that mission. This heightens the tension but can also lead to frustration, particularly since some arcade segments demand pixel-perfect timing. Players who enjoy high stakes and mastering repeated challenges will find this rewarding, while more casual fans may struggle with the steep learning curve.

Despite its rough edges, the gameplay shines when it balances character moments with action. Issuing orders on the bridge, coordinating with Spock for sensor scans, or relying on McCoy’s medical expertise all contribute to an authentic Starfleet experience. The pacing varies, but when the game aligns story beats with gameplay, it successfully evokes the camaraderie and tension of a Star Trek mission.

Graphics

Visually, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier employs pixel art reminiscent of early ’90s PC adventures. The Enterprise’s bridge is detailed with consoles, star charts, and a viewing screen that displays real-time starfield backdrops during travel sequences. Crew models are modest in resolution but recognizable, with distinct color uniforms and facial features that capture the likenesses of the film’s actors.

Cutscene stills are interspersed throughout the game to dramatize key moments—Sybok’s impassioned monologues, the tense standoff with Klingon Captain Klaa, and the dusty terrain of Nimbus III. These static images, framed with simple text captions, provide context but lack animation, making them feel more like illustrated storyboards than dynamic sequences. Nonetheless, they effectively convey the plot beats and help break up the gameplay.

Arcade segments showcase more vibrant palettes and smoother motion. Laser blasts, warp-style effects, and hand-to-hand combat animations are fluid enough to keep players engaged, though they can appear blocky by modern standards. The environmental backdrops—whether the rocky canyons of Nimbus III or the black void of deep space—offer atmospheric touches that reinforce the game’s settings despite technical limitations.

Overall, the graphics may not rival contemporary titles of its era, but they serve the narrative faithfully. Color choices and set dressing honor the Star Trek aesthetic, and the occasional full-screen stills deliver dramatic flair. For fans seeking nostalgia, the pixel art style and retro presentation will feel warmly familiar.

Story

The narrative of The Final Frontier closely follows the film’s screenplay, beginning with Captain Kirk’s receipt of an urgent transmission about the mysterious hostage situation on Nimbus III. From the outset, the game places you at the center of a political and spiritual crisis, as Vulcan Sybok’s radical vision collides with Starfleet protocols. This tension drives the plot, encouraging exploration of both diplomatic avenues and direct action.

As you investigate the disappearance of the three Consuls, the game successfully builds suspense by teasing hidden agendas and introducing multiple factions. The ambitious Klingon Captain Klaa emerges as a formidable antagonist who threatens to turn the mission into an interstellar skirmish. These shifting allegiances keep the story from stagnating and mirror the moral dilemmas faced by the Enterprise crew in the film.

Character interactions are a highlight, with dialogue options allowing you to exhibit Kirk’s trademark confidence or resort to Spock’s logical counsel. McCoy’s wry humor and Chekov’s youthful eagerness both appear in side conversations, giving depth to your away team. Although voice acting is limited or nonexistent, on-screen text does a solid job of conveying personalities and motivations.

Ultimately, the story culminates in a confrontation at the titular “Great Barrier,” where philosophical questions about faith, power, and unity come to a head. While the game simplifies some of the film’s spiritual overtones, it retains the core message of seeking higher truths beyond conventional authority. Fans of Star Trek lore will appreciate the faithful adaptation, even if newcomers might find certain plot points underdeveloped.

Overall Experience

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier provides an ambitious blend of narrative immersion and arcade-style action that will appeal primarily to devoted fans of the franchise. The lack of a save feature and the repetition in mini-games may test patience, but the reward of progressing Kirk’s mission and experiencing iconic moments from the movie can outweigh these frustrations for seasoned players.

While the pixel-based graphics and static cutscenes reflect the game’s early ’90s heritage, they still manage to evoke the atmosphere of the Enterprise and its crew. The retro aesthetic, combined with Starfleet jargon and familiar character dynamics, creates a sense of authenticity that lovers of classic Trek installments will welcome.

Replayability hinges on your tolerance for the game’s tougher segments and your interest in uncovering every dialogue branch with the crew. There are multiple ways to approach certain challenges, but the overall structure remains linear, guiding you toward the final showdown. Casual gamers might find themselves stuck on a particular space battle or ground fight, while die-hard enthusiasts will relish the opportunity to perfect each sequence.

In summary, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier is a niche title that delivers a passionate adaptation of its cinematic source material. It may not stand the test of time as an arcade classic, but for those eager to captain the Enterprise, engage with beloved characters, and face off against Klingons and spiritual fanatics alike, this game offers a unique slice of Star Trek history.

Retro Replay Score

6.5/10