Reviews

FEB 14, 2024.

I waited to play this game under the catastrophic launch issues were fixed.

There is a lot of love put into this game and that is most apparent in the top quality story writing / character designs prevelent throughout the game. It is truly top tier.

As a gamer who absolutely detests lazy mission / fetch quests, I appreciated the care that went into mission design and even the effort that went into the optional gigs --- they actually took time to write a little story for all that optional stuff and it made it seem worth doing.

I put 70 + hours into this game and I played it without using fast travel (well, okay --- once or twice) and it really added to my immersion in the world.

It's a pretty amazing game and I am glad to see that CD rebuilding it's reputation because with such a high skill level it would be a real shame if they did not continue to make more games.

Take a bow and please make more great games.

Oh man, this a real kick to the teeth for Jim Kirk. Losing Miramanee and his unborn child.

There's a tranquil vibe throughout this episode and the mind wonders at the possibilities of a mini series about amnesia Kirk helping the Natives achieve technological advances for 4 or 5 episodes. Maybe I got a soft spot for this stuff because of my memories of watching Dance with Wolves in the theatre with my grandmother (who had me close my eyes during the sex scenes -- by the way).

I got a few laughs out of this episode. The dubbing in of the lines, "This is virtually improbable that a planet like this with exact replica's of native american's could exist..." or the conjuring of a benevolent alien species that would kidnap societies that looks exactly like human beings and seed them around the galaxy for protection and budgetary constraints.

Despite the shoestring budget, I firmly believe I am experiencing the 1960's white man's perspective of what a native american society would be like ----

Well, this show had an uphill battle with me ---- I think that Star Trek: The Animated Series and Lower Decks are both average to poor entries into the star trek IP.

The first aspects that I noticed was the gorgeous art style --- it really is jarring to see such beauty into what is a kids show.

The show ultimately won me over with the crew dynamtics and camaraderie. It also manages to capture emotion far better then previously presented in an animated star trek series.

With that said ---- This is clearly a show geared towards 8-12 year olds and not the boomers that typical tune into star trek. You are not going to get into some serious political/social quandries.

I'll be interested to see if this will be the 'nose in the tent' moment for many young kids eventually getting into the star trek IP.

I give it a 7 1/2 out of 10 for having it's heart in the right place and managing to create a charming cast of characters.

Well, as a young child I remember watching TOS with my dad and I did not get the appeal of the show at all. This was because my child brain was developed enough to appreciate the craftsmanship of the show. Well, fast forward 40 years and I have reach the age where I believe I am TOO OLD to appreciate Lower Decks.

Star Trek wears many hats --- Sci Fi, drama, suspense, horror, comedy, mystery and that is why it has endured for nearly 60 years. Lower Decks is advertised as a comedy but I just binged watch the first 3 seasons and I did not laugh once ---- I had a smile here and there but I found nothing clever enough to warrant a full on belly laugh.

It is clear that Lower Decks wants to be the irreverent or 'edgy' star trek series that pushes back against the 'stuffy right stuff' image of starfleet officers. Well, it succeeds. The problem is that I don't like most of the characters --- Mariner eventually wore me down enough over three seasons that I almost like her sometimes (last episode of S3 as an example).

This show is truly beloved by a vast swatch of the star trek community and I look at these people like they are from another planet. Is it the references? Is it the edgy swearing? What makes this show standout to people? This is a love letter to star trek or does it use star trek as a punching bag? You know where I stand.

There are a few clever moments / episodes that are peppered throughout the series but I feel like I need to smoke a joint and somehow travel back to when I was 14 to truly appreciate the artistic vision that McMann was going for.

Well, this episode is extremely uncomfortable to watch but that doesn't make it a bad episode. This was an exploration of the dark side of emotion ---- in this paticular case the desire to dominate and potential side effects of lust. Star Trek has explored emotional vulcans before but certainly to not this level of intimacy or depravity. The Vulcan manipulates T'pol to get her into a mind meld and then attempts to dominate her into submission. I was very uncomfortable because clearly this a form of rape. I did enjoy seeing Archer dress down the Vulcan --- even if he was gentler then I wanted him to be.

There is clearly a reason why the Vulcan's supress emotion and this episodes explores that impactful detail. I feel like there should have been a scene with the Vulcan Captain ---- how does he respond to this situation?!

A memorable episode.

The ethical dilemma episodes are some of my favorites when it comes to star trek and this one fits right in with a severe consequence to either decision. If Phlox saves the Valakian people then the Menk will remain a servent race for the forseeable future but if he doesn't save them then the Menk has the capability to evolve into more that just servents.

What I found interesting about the episode is that Phlox does not seem to have an issue with the way the Valakian people are treating the Menk ----- the ethical issue is strictly about whether or not he should change the society. His opinion was likely informed by the intelligence he saw at the camp where they were drawing blood.

I like messy situations that have no completely satifying answers. I though it was a nice touch that Archer reflected upon earths interactions with Vulcan in helping them prepare for exploring the galaxy. Going for a walk in anothers shoes tends to broaden onces perspective. I also liked that Archer went with the doctor's advice/recommendation instead of ordering him to save the Valakian people ---- it's not easy to go against your own beliefs or values.

A solid classic trek episode and the best episode of the season thus far.

Why are the Malurians mining the Akaali planet? Is it out of greed? Is it out of necessity? I have to admit I am bummed out that there is no answer to that question. The Manurian shopkeeper is a paint by the numbers villian who's motivation to mine the planet is kept from the viewer and lessens my investment in the character as anything but 'the bad guy'.

I do like the idea of juxtaposition of the Malurians and Earthers when it comes to how they deal with the Malurian people.

I wasn't buying the romance with Riann. Maybe if it was Phlox? They share similiar interests in the scientific method.

I wish there was something more to this episode to give the plot some impact power. How about Malurians are mining for something to save there own people? Then Archer is pressed into making a difficult decision? This could have been an illuminating moment for Archer when it comes to first contact procedures or might even give strength to the argument that contact should be made to guide and protect the society from those who would exploit them?

A bit of a light episode with an interesting premise.

The uncomfortable dinner scene makes the episode slightly above average because it was so hilariously uncomfortable for everyone. Archer has the 'barely contained' rage look down to an art. Turns out the enterprise has a space drilling rig on board ---- diplomats, explorers and rig pigs. I wonder what would have happened if T'Pol was not onboard to point out the logic of getting help from the Vulcans? The overall point of the episode seemed to revolve around establishing a starting point for a friendship between T'Pol and Trip ----- it has to be the southern accent, right? Maybe she finds emotional humans hot? I will accept that ---- I find Vulcan women pretty hot. I liked the pecan pie scene at the end of the episode.

Well, looks at that ---- I have been sympathetic towards the Vulcan race because I happen to agree that humanity is way to emotionally charged to be exploring space without a leash. This episode manages to shake a few Vulcan pillars ---- The Vulcan's end up being the antagonists who are spying on the Andorians despite a declaration of peace between the two. More then that --- they lied about it! Say it isn't so!

The Andorians are not exactly shown in a good light either in this one. They beat up Archer and one of them alluded to using T'Pol as a sex slave. Bad form! They were certainly right about being spied on but did they really need to beat up our all American captain?!

Never let it be said that Captain Archer is not setting a fine example in regards to turning the other cheek ----- after discovering the Vulcan's have a secret spy lab he turns over the tricorder information to Shran.

I have heard rumblings before about how some do not like the depiction of the Vulcan's in Enterprise. Well, we need to remember that they do have emotions --- they just repress them and perhaps Spock was not an Avatar for the entire society. Maybe he was like Worf in the way that he inhibited all the good qualities of Vulcan? Am i talking out of my butt again?

This was pretty good. The andorians looks great.

I think human sex is better but that is just an outsiders prospective. I wonder if Trip will have to pay intergalactic alimony? I guess we let the space lawyers at this case since it was not exactly consensual and the alien did go with that old standby line, "I wasn't even trying to get pregnant".

I'd say my favorite part of this episode was the delirium scene of Tucker attempting to adjust to the alien environment --- it definitely succeeded in visually explaining what Tucker was going through and added to the scene.

I am not sure how many times Spock saved the enterprise on TOS but this is the 3rd episode in a row where T'Pol has saved the enterprise by being intelligent.

A bit of a goofy episode but it was interesting seeing Archer attempting Diplomacy with the Klingons. I was hoping the Klingons would take pregnancy seriously and have some ancient code of honor that protects the father (mother?) as another crazy Klingon cultural quirk.

Well, it turns out that the party pooping Vulcan adherence to proper procedure when discovering a planet is a good idea. I let out a good belly laugh when Archer brought his beagle onto the alien planet and seemed like a proud father when the dog urinated on a tree.

This episode falls into the suspense category but the question of whether T'Pol was up to something nefarious fell a bit flat for me. Tripp was convincing as being a complete lunatic and is currently neck and neck with Archer as the most emotionally charged human on the enterprise.

This episode further strengthens the need for earth to have a Vulcan babysitter. At this point in the series I am viewing humanity as a rebellious teenager and Vulcan as the concerned parent allowing the kid to go through the paces of growing up ----- getting a tattoo, piercings, pretending to like punk rock.

I don't know ---- I think I would freak out a bit too if I discovered a bunch of dead bodies hanging from the ceiling having fluid extracted from them.

As the title suggests --- this episode is about whether or not to investigate/help this ship in distress. This series definitely has that frontiersman feeling going for it and we get the saddest crew dinner scene ever with Archer looking like a sad dog for not furthering the investigation. Looks like he was right in this particular case and he even made a friend!

I have no problem with Hoshi being in over her head here. This crew is exploring space for the first time and that has to be intimidating. This is also an exploration of someone 'green' learning as they go ---- With all other series we have had a group of experienced officers on hand but this is all new to everyone. It turns out all she needed was encouraging dad support from Archer to push past her anxiety.

Dr Phlox is engaging right out of the gate. Seems like a fully formed character and I like how he truly feels alien ---- In his mannerism, ideals, beliefs.

This was a pretty good episode. I guess it's better that we do not know what the purpose of sucking the fluid out of these aliens was?!

The first pilot episode of Enterprise shows the writers have plenty of courage. It was a jarring experience to see the captain of the enterprise acting like a jerk throughout most of the run. That headstrong attitude stems from a feeling of animosity against the Vulcan's who have kept the humans on a short leash since making contact. This little arc is tied up nicely through Archers experience with the highly capable T'Pol and at the end of the episode he comes to the realization that he needs the help of Vulcans. It was a great scene because it is not easy to swallow your pride and ask for help.

Overall the episode does what a good pilot needs to do. It establishes our main cast and the various starting off traits they possess.

It is a bit derivative but the interplay between Vulcan's/Human's and the lovely jabs they throw at one another simple does not get old for me. T'Pol is great in this episode and looks the role of a vulcan perhaps better then anyone has.

I got a real kick out of the sexy scenes. I am a firm believer that star trek should be sexy. Is it absolutely needed? No. But it's like grill marks on a steak --- it just adds to the experience.

The ship looks great ---- specifically the internal design of the ship that gives off that submarine feel.

I had an interesting experience during this viewing. I was on the side of the Vulcan's ---- clearly these humans are way too emotionally controlled to be exploring the final frontier. That seems to be by design based on the dialogue and it is certainly a unique way to unveil a captain.

What a heart warming and fitting end to Neelix's journey.

It's been a long run since season 1 and there are many moving moments in this episode ---- The scene of Harry/Chakotay interceding when Neelix was explaining what he does and describing him as a miracle worker, the tormented but proud goodbye from Janeway in the mess hall, and of course the firm but "logical" push from Tuvok in astrometrics.

It's just such a fitting end to the character who learned starfleet values and principles throughout the run and then gets the chance to exhibit and execute those values to save his own people.

They did right by Neelix in this one and I happy for it ---- The actor always delivered wonderful performances and it's great he goes out in style.

Well, this is a bit of a Christmas present for me ---- I belly ache all the time about showing us actual real world consequences that strengthen the prime directive.

It is completely plausible that an alien probes technology could be backwards engineered by another civilization who found it. It is less plausible that the probe traveled that distance at WARP whatever without fuel reserves but we will let that go. This is one of those butterfly effects ---- I enjoy a good unintended consequences episode.

I was surprised that they killed off 2nd place engineer from the 1st season. Damn, he's been hanging on for 7 seasons. Janeway is a bit miffed about the whole 'murdering' thing but otherwise it seems to be played off as, "Well, that sucks" by Tom Paris (who's wife works with the guy). Well, I remember you Mr. John something.

I can't say I was particularly emotionally moved by the interplay between the aliens and Tom Paris --- despite a commonality of pregnancy and loving kids being presented. "Hey, I like kids --- we cool now?"

So, I enjoyed the exploration of the side effects of cultural contamination but I was not enthralled by the radioactive people plot.

It is quite the stretch that the Doctor could or would use his Voyager crewmates as the face of the oppressors in his holo novel. These people are crew mates, friends and dare I say family. You don't against the family. For someone who is concerned about his own feelings and how others treat him this smells of hypocrisy. How human of him?

I will admit that I loved the camp of the over the top holodeck novel situations. Chakotay as a bajoran ruffian was particularly amusing.

The Doctor is one of my favorite characters and I am almost always on his side but his actions in this episode just did not sit well with me. You have to give it to the Voyager crew ---- even after having been smeared they fight hard to help the doctor gain individuality under the law. Turn the other cheek indeed.

The measure of a man tribute band didn't work with the holodeck premise for me ---- lack of time and lack of convincing arguments against him. It would hilarious that a campy holo novel being released by greasy publisher would ultimately lead to the liberation of all alpha quadrant synthetics.

This is a sweet episode ---- There is something therapeutic about watching S09 give in to her human fragilities and not only does she give in --- she goes all in on the experience.

To be fair, there is something 'off' with the perfect interactions with Chakotay. I must admit that I have never thought cutting vegetables could be so sexual --- but they proved me wrong here ---- the sexual tension is off the charts.

The piano playing scene suits the character of SO9. Classy, Refined. Now, I have managed to not succumb to my biological weakness in over 3 seasons with S09 but I have to say that Jeri Ryan is so gorgeous in this episode it makes me want to cry.

Passion can be addicting. You would be hard pressed to not find someone who has given in to passion and more then a handful get to obsession levels ----- Some even review nearly every episode of star trek on IMDB and it's just plain weird.

I also appreciate that a previous experience (Unimatrix) has a lasting impact upon SO9's character. Voyager is kind of a weird serialized/episodic hybrid but I do find it compelling and engaging when they enrich previous episodes by adding to them later on.

Some good laughs and overall very sweet.

After years of listening to Janeway pontificate about 'stick to our principles' and following the starfleet guidebook alone in the Delta quadrant, we get an episode where those altruistic principles pay off.

I enjoy when a star trek episode has some 'true to live' elements in it. It is likely that when put into a situation like this, many would revert back into a animal kingdom strongest survive free for all. It is a good thing that Janeway doesn't swing that way or she would have never taken in the alien xylophone players and discovered a way out of the void.

The message is a bit heavy handed (but hey, this is star trek) but life is indeed harder without friends around to have your back.

Another small point to emphasize - always go with your gut feeling. There is a small sub plot involving a jerk alien who kills to get equipment to help the cause and janeway kicks him out of the federation clubhouse. I have on occasion gone against my 'gut instinct' and without fail it has bit me on the ass.

Solid episode.

I come down on the side that does not agree with executions as a punishment. It has nothing to do with being the moral/ethical thing to do for me ---- there is a possibility with a flawed justice system that you could kill someone innocent. If we could know for absolute certainty that someone was guilty of murder then I feel execution is the way to go in terms of saving money having to house and feed these inmates. Hey --- I am a bit of a jerk about this but I have been victimized by deplorable people and shed no tears about justice being served. A few people are just evil and that's something you learn with life experience.

It's quite the bummer to see Iko gain perspective and an understanding of his crimes impact only to have him be executed. He now has the ability to feel empathy but does that wash away the intent of his crime? If I was that family I would not be able to let go of the pain of the murder either. That's just how I am wired when it comes to family.

It's an interesting commentary on failed justice systems. The root of the problem with the justice system is actually a failure of society to build better people. Parents, friends, families, associates all drop the ball at some point and lead people to make unfortunate life choices or develop mental instabilities.

The episode doesn't draw a line in the sand one way or the other with the commentary. That's a good thing. It presents a conflict for you to analyze and test your ideas on the subject.

Solid.

This is a good character study of B Elanna's early childhood trauma growing into a bit of a monster later in life. Guilt is a real thing and when parents divorce at a young age the kids do blame themselves. In this case, B Elanna's interpretation is that it was her (and her mothers) Klingon heritage that drove her father away and destroyed a relationship she deeply valued with her father.

Her actions are extreme but understandable given that she has been living with that guilt for decades. And even if you understand the situation correctly there is always a little guilt still there in the back of your mind ----- I come from a broken family so I can identify quite a bit with B Elanna's journey in this episode.

I am glad that the episode ends with B Elanna letting the child be born without genetic manipulation. We are not god's afterall.

Pretty cool. There is a satisfying feeling to watching the previous and future crew members of the Voyager helping Chakotay on his time travel adventure to find a solution.

It's actually good to see my man Chakotay again. He's been relegated to furniture status lately --- probably because he disliked the material he was working with. It's a shame because he is a skilled actor when he wants to be.

The episode presents an interesting question, "Was it all worth it?" and provides insight into the lives that voyager touched by being in the delta quadrant. What kind of price can you put on saving S09's life and rebuilding/creating a human being?

Star Trek series are generally good at establishing the crew's as a family ---- and I buy into that with this episode and Chakotay's being our historical narrator.

Ah yes, I love a consequences episode.

The entire holographic resistance struggle ends up being a side effect of Janeway providing the Hirogen with holographic technology to stop the Space Lion's from killing organic zebra. I enjoy it when star trek presents consequences for decisions and we get a nuanced conflict in this one.

The holographic resistance fighters are based on organics --- with all our failings and positive features. The leader starts off as a charismatic leader but has been damaged by being repeatedly killed by the Hirogen. We have another consequences to the hirogen's need to hunt prey. If I was put into the same position of being repeatedly killed, I can assure you that I would have the same feelings as the Bajoran leader.

I also enjoyed the Doctors crisis of loyalty. With the information he had ---- It was the right call to make. I also loved Janeway's speech as the end when she OWNS this whole situation by taking responsibility for the fallout.

This is the type of episode I enjoy ----- Both sides of the conflict have a voice and reasonable motives behind the decisions being made.

Well, I hope that the alien society that was developing the cloaking technology is not the aggressors of this war. I guess at some point you just throw your hands up in the air and pick a side.

I really enjoyed an episode like this from TNG's first season with LaForge ----- this one is decent enough but doesn't have the emotional impact that one did. I did enjoy the journey of Harry discovering the complexities of decision making for the superior officers and SO9 was our Deanna Troi in this episode giving him some sage like advice. I hate being that a guy (a lie) but if I was the head writer, I would make the aliens whom harry is helping the aggressors of this war taking place. Have Harry's first real command be a real eye opener about perceptions and reading a room properly.

I actually enjoyed the B-Plot of this one. I was amused by Icheb's incorrect interpretation of torres interest in him and I laughed quite a bit when he 'broke up' with her. I feel like kindred spirits in this one with Icheb because I think women are totally into me when they show the most basic interest in me.

I wish they would have gone with my awesome script idea --- don't be afraid to be a bit punchy with the scripts ---- we can take a hit.

All around great performance by Jeri Ryan in her interpretation of our loveable stuffy holographic doctor. I am glad he stopped short of sex --- that would just be really weird man. It's a solid episode that hopefully opens S09's eyes to enjoying what life has to offer --- the line about indulgence makes life worth living was poignant for me at where I am currently in life. I am currently a worker drone fully entrenched in our cycle of paying taxes, working, eating and eventually dying. It's lame and I want out --- I want more from life.

The subplot with Tuvok felt like it came from an idea box that the writers have tossed in random B plots and just happened to blindly pick this one. It's good to give Tuvok some screen time I guess? Can we have these plots somehow merge or compliment each other?

Man, since word has gotten out about communication being possible with Voyager it seems like the entire quadrant has come up with nefarious ways to exploit Voyager.

I have to be honest here ---- the best part of this episode was watching Marina rock that body at 44 years ago.

What's up with my man Barclay?! I absolutely loved his TNG episodes and his performance in those episodes was AMAZING. I know that the hologram Barclay is supposed to be a bit 'off' but I just found the performance to be grating and weird ---- and not in a cool way --- no, in a 'get away from me' way.

How did SO9 and holo barclay get back to Voyager? They couldn't lock on a tractor beam and then the ferengi found the shuttle without SO9. Did they transport them out? What's up with that?

Slightly above average for the time spent with Troi.