Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Star Trek: Hidden Evil offers a blend of puzzle-solving and third-person action that will feel familiar to fans of late-’90s adventure titles. You step into the shoes of Commander Chekov and Lt. Commander Data as you investigate a lethal pathogen threatening Federation worlds. The controls are responsive, and the mix of combat and environmental puzzles keeps the pacing steady without overwhelming newcomers.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The Collector’s Edition spices up the core gameplay by offering a special edition CD image, ensuring that load times remain minimal and your installation process goes off without a hitch. As you explore alien outposts and Federation starbases, you’ll switch seamlessly between phaser combat sequences and logic-based challenges, such as realigning power conduits or decoding encrypted logs.

While the AI of both enemies and allies can feel rudimentary by modern standards, there’s a tangible satisfaction in overcoming each obstacle. The varied mission objectives—from stealthy infiltration to full-on firefights—maintain a healthy sense of unpredictability. The addition of electronic previews of the first two Star Trek comics enriches the pacing, as you can step away from the action for lore expansion without losing immersion.

Collecting hidden artifacts scattered throughout levels injects an optional layer of exploration, rewarding completionists with lore snippets and concept art. This Collector’s Edition makes accessing bonus material seamless, thanks to the special edition, numbered box that organizes every component neatly. The tactile satisfaction of unboxing this edition heightens the anticipation before you even power on your PC.

Graphics

From starship interiors to alien landscapes, Hidden Evil’s graphics remain charmingly retro. The textures and character models reflect the era’s technical limits but stand up well thanks to thoughtful art direction that faithfully reproduces the look and feel of The Next Generation. Subtle lighting effects and atmospheric fog in certain outdoor environments evoke a tangible sense of place.

The Collector’s Edition includes a high-resolution CD image that ensures the game runs in its intended specification on modern hardware. Coupled with optional emulation tweaks, you can upscale textures and improve frame pacing. The result is a smoother visual experience that doesn’t sacrifice the original color palette or design ethos.

Cutscenes featuring the likes of Captain Jean-Luc Picard and other Bridge officers leverage full-motion video sequences, which look remarkably crisp after being preserved on the special edition CD. While these FMVs may appear dated compared to today’s standards, they carry nostalgic weight and deliver genuine performances from the original cast.

Furthermore, the numbered box design boasts collectible artwork that mirrors the in-game aesthetic, making it a display-worthy piece. Every time you revisit the packaging, you’re reminded of the care put into the graphical presentation of both the game and its accompanying materials, from the sleek box art to the vibrant comic book previews.

Story

Hidden Evil picks up shortly after the events of Star Trek: Generations, thrusting you into a fight against a bio-engineered threat that could destabilize the entire Federation. The narrative weaves classic Star Trek themes—scientific ethics, unity in the face of peril, and moral quandaries—into its beats, ensuring fans of The Next Generation feel right at home.

Arguably the crown jewel of this Collector’s Edition is the inclusion of “All Good Things…”, the acclaimed two-hour finale of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Watching this episode alongside the game enriches the experience, allowing you to witness the Charismatic crew closing their era-defining journey before diving into the threat presented in Hidden Evil.

Plot twists are sprinkled throughout your assignments, and interactions with Federation personnel and Klingon allies deepen the stakes. While the main storyline finishes in around six to eight hours, the optional comic previews expand the universe further, teasing new characters and plotlines that aren’t present in the game but still feel authentic to the Star Trek canon.

The limited and numbered packaging not only houses the game and episode but also includes lore booklets and behind-the-scenes insights. These additions cater to die-hard fans eager for context on how Hidden Evil fits into the broader tapestry of the Star Trek timeline.

Overall Experience

As a Collector’s Edition, Star Trek: Hidden Evil stands out for its completeness. You get the core game, a landmark TV episode, early comic book previews, and a meticulously designed box that serves as both protection and showcase for your investment. This suite of extras addresses both gameplay aficionados and lore enthusiasts.

The unboxing ritual itself is part of the appeal: sliding open the special edition box, admiring the numbered certificate, and poring over the electronic previews of DC Comics’ first two Star Trek issues. Each element feels thoughtfully curated to celebrate the franchise’s storied history.

While Hidden Evil’s gameplay and graphics bear the hallmarks of a late-’90s title, the Collector’s Edition elevates the package to a memorable collectible. Whether you’re reliving classic TNG moments or uncovering new corners of the Star Trek universe through comic art, this edition delivers ample value.

For fans considering a purchase, this Collector’s Edition strikes a balance between nostalgia and substance. The core adventure remains engaging, and the bonus content ensures you’ll return to it long after the credits roll. If you’re looking to own a piece of Star Trek history that goes beyond a mere game disc, this edition is hard to beat.

Retro Replay Score

null/10