Tactical Assault
Tactical Assault definitely provides a serious pace change from Encounters, if you go directly from one to the other you will feel as if someone slammed on the brakes. Now that doesn’t mean the game isn’t fun. In terms of graphics it’s slightly above Starfleet Academy and in terms of fun slightly below, but Starfleet Academy was a sweet game and this is portable.
It’s more true to the spirit of Star Trek as some missions have better outcomes if you choose not to fight, although don’t count on that approach getting you anywhere in the Klingon campaign. In terms of combat style the Federation campaign is like Star Trek II if you’re Khan - in other words it’s 2D and there’s no override.
The Federation plot is pretty interesting but I sometimes found myself wishing for other options, the Klingon plot on the other hand jumps around a lot, one minute you’re fighting the Gorn, the next your own people and with little in the way of a transition.
The biggest shortcoming has to be collisions. You have virtually no warning if you’re about to hit something. There’s nothing worse than finally beating a difficult level only to collide with a planet. That’s right, collide with, not crash on.
In terms of strategy I highly recommend shield recharging on the Federation campaign and the Klingon…well…go to the official forums for advice there. I got my ass handed to me on a regular basis whenever I was behind the wheel of anything that didn’t begin with USS. The Klingon campaign is difficult and frustrating, don’t even try to be honourable - find the dirtiest trick you can and stick to it. The Feds are fun and Skirmish mode is good times.
Anyone wanna WiFi?
