The only way to survive the insanity that is E3 is to boldly go forward in search of new ideas, experiences and hopefully, cookies and air conditioning. In my quest for the very best video game news of E3 2011, I was pleasantly surprised to find two very different, but equally impressive Star Trek games to share with you:

Star Trek: Infinite Space
Release Date: Summer 2011

Set during the events of Deep Space Nine, Infinite Space is an upcoming browser game that allows you to create your very own Federation or Klingon Captain and make a name for yourself in the galaxy. This free-to-play game is being developed in close collaboration with screenwriter, Lee Sheldon and Star Trek Experts, Michael and Denise Okuda in order to bring you the most authentic experience available.

Sound Clip One

Sound Clip Two

Right away, I noticed that the graphics and environments are spot-on, and both Keen Games and GamesForge expressed a deep desire to impress even the most hardcore Trekkie. Your Captain is customizable and if your faction is the Federation, you can choose between human, Andorian or Bajoran. On a funny note, the example Captain I was shown was wearing a red shirt and we decided quickly to change that for his own good!

For all you Doctor Demento fans, I’m afraid your starship cannot fly in reverse – however, it can do a lot of cool stuff, which can be upgraded by completing missions. The nice thing about Infinite Space is that you have a lot of freedom as a player. If you want to just create a character and socialize in the space lounge, you are free to do so. If you want to follow the story line and interact with characters from Deep Space Nine, you can do that, too. How casual or obsessed you play Infinite Space is your choice, but either way you’re going to be immersed in the world of Star Trek during a time of conflict and adventure.

If you like socializing with other gamers as opposed to a one or two person campaign, Infinite Space may be the place for you. Best part is, being browser-based means you can play from either Mac or PC.

Visit http://www.startrek-is.com for more information and to sign up!

Star Trek (Inspired by the 2009 Film)
Release Date: 2012

As we were herded into a dark, cramped, but blessedly air-conditioned cubicle, we were made to sign non-disclosure agreements and offered cookies. Every embargo should come with cookies, by the way. What we were shown is more than any spin-off, knock-off or movie tie-in; the developers at Digital Extremes are actually making an independent, co-op story starring…Kirk and Spock! (Don’t worry, the embargo has since been lifted.)

Sure, it’s young Kirk and Spock, as seen in the 2009 film, but this is the first time anyone has been able to play these characters. Not only that, but as we observed from the live co-op demo, each character is very true to their nature. For example, Spock doesn’t merely spout “illogical” lines to Kirk; rather, he embodies a Vulcan with every move. His weapons are unique to him, his fighting style is very stealthy and he can even mind meld in the middle of combat! Kirk, on the other hand, is gung-ho, he has a special captain-issued phaser (with both stun and kill modes) and comes with his own skill sets.

Says the press release, “Star Trek employs a wide variety of weapons and gear, putting you in complete control of a huge load out of 23rd Century tech, including unique signature weapons for Kirk and Spock. Combined with your character’s special skills, every puzzle, every encounter, every no-win situation will turn out differently based on who, how and what you play with.”

My favorite part about the demo was seeing how they incorporated co-op and action into every sequence, even cut scenes! No more sitting and waiting while some talking heads explain what’s going on.

Canadian developer, Digital Extremes (Bioshock 2, The Darkness II, Unreal Tournament) is devoted to creating the most authentic experience yet – so much so that they based the Enterprise on actual blueprints for the movie sets. The writer of this new adventure (not a sequel or lead-in to the next film, they stressed) is God of War’s Marianne Krawczyk; working in collaboration with the film’s writers, Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman.

Hold on to your tricorders, because Star Trek is coming to your Xbox360, PS3 and PC in 2012.

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