Editing Star Trek: Bridge Commander

{{Short description|2002 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
|title = Star Trek: Bridge Commander
|image = Star Trek - Bridge Commander Coverart.png
|developer = [[Totally Games]]
|publisher = [[Activision]]
|director = David Litwin<br>[[Lawrence Holland]] <small>([[Creative director|creative]])</small>
|producer = Parker A. Davis
|designer = Bill Morrison
|programmer = David Litwin<br />Erik Novales
|artist = Armand Cabrera
|composer = Danny Pelfrey
|engine = [[Gamebryo]]
|series = ''[[Star Trek]]''
|platforms = [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
|released = {{vgrelease|NA|February 28, 2002<ref>{{Cite web |last=Butts |first=Steve |date=2002-02-28 |title=Bridge Commander Ships |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/02/28/bridge-commander-ships |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=2023-03-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328145016/https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/02/28/bridge-commander-ships |url-status=live }}</ref>|EU|March 8, 2002}}
|genre = [[Space combat simulator]]
|modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
}}

'''''Star Trek: Bridge Commander''''' is a [[Space combat simulator|space combat simulation]] [[video game]] for [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], developed by [[Totally Games]] and published by [[Activision]] in 2002, based in the [[Star Trek]] universe.

The plot revolves around a newly promoted captain who is assigned to investigate an explosion of a star in the Maelstrom. Throughout the mystery, the [[Player character|player]] will encounter characters from the ''Star Trek'' universe, including [[Jean-Luc Picard|Captain Picard]] and [[Data (Star Trek)|Commander Data]]. The captain and his crew take command of the ''Galaxy''-class USS ''Dauntless'' (NCC-71879) as well as the USS ''Sovereign'' (NCC-73811) to combat a new threat to the [[United Federation of Planets]].

The game allows two different styles of gameplay: storyline mode and quick battle mode. Quick battle mode allows for customized scenarios within a "simulated" environment, allowing the player to pick their allies/enemies, system, etc. With the advent of [[Mod (video games)|modding]] for ''Bridge Commander'', custom missions and campaigns have been made possible through this [[Game engine|engine]].

Voices for the game were provided by [[Patrick Stewart]] and [[Brent Spiner]], reprising their roles from the series.<ref name="cgw review"/>

''Star Trek: Bridge Commander'' was a critical success upon release and is frequently listed among the greatest ''Star Trek'' games of all time.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Brcomm1.jpg|thumb|left|Main game screen, viewing from bridge]]
There are several gameplay modes in ''Bridge Commander'', with the main two means of control being the [[Bridge (nautical)|bridge]] view and the tactical view. While the bridge view has the player control the movements of the ship by interacting with members of the bridge crew, the tactical view changes to an external view allows the player to have direct control over the [[starship]]. A variety of [[shortcut key]]s work in the same manner in both modes. Additional modes in the game include the map mode and the cinematic mode, which removes the [[Graphical user interface|interface]] from being displayed and also switches to an [[Third-person (gaming)|external view]] of the ship.<ref>[[#Gibson2002|Rodriguez y Gibson (2002)]]: pp. 8-9</ref>

In the bridge view, most game functions are carried out by selecting an individual bridge officer, and selecting from a set of commands or options in order to control that individual's set of responsibilities.<ref>[[#Gibson2002|Rodriguez y Gibson (2002)]]: p. 10</ref> In this way, the game simulates being in command of a starship. For example, a player could issue the command to intercept a fleeing starship through the Helm menu, or order Lt. Felix Savali, the tactical officer to destroy an enemy ship. An [[Artificial intelligence in video games|artificial intelligence]] would then pilot the ship for the player.<ref>[[#Gibson2002|Rodriguez y Gibson (2002)]]: pp. 17-18</ref>

Bridge Commander incorporates a Quick Battle mode which is a combat simulation that allows the player to control any ship encountered during the course of the game. There is also a selection of a system which on rare occasions, incorporates their own unique hazards.<ref>{{cite book|title=Star Trek: Bridge Commander - Instruction Manual|date=February 2002|publisher=[[Activision]]|location=Santa Monica, California|pages=32–33}}</ref> Multiplayer allows for a maximum of 8 players over the internet to compete in one of four modes; [[Deathmatch (video games)|Deathmatch]], [[Team Deathmatch]], UFP vs Non-UFP Deathmatch and Defend the Starbase.<ref>{{cite book|title=Star Trek: Bridge Commander - Instruction Manual|date=February 2002|publisher=Activision|location=Santa Monica, California|pages=28–31}}</ref>

Players also have the option to switch to an external ship view, and carry out many piloting and weapons functions themselves. In this view, they are able to view various tactical indicators.

==Storyline==
The USS ''Dauntless'' is in orbit of planet Vesuvi IV. Her [[Captain (naval)|captain]], Robert Wright, is piloting a [[Shuttlecraft|shuttle]] to a research station orbiting the planet when the star goes [[supernova]], destroying the planet, killing the captain, and severely damaging the ''Dauntless''. After several months of repairs and refits, the ''Dauntless''' [[Executive officer#Military|first officer]] becomes her new captain, and after a brief resupply mission to the surviving Vesuvi colonies, an investigation into the star's destruction begins.

The ''Dauntless'' crew is later given the USS ''Sovereign'', the [[USS Enterprise-E|USS ''Enterprise''-E]]'s [[sister ship]], for the investigation. They also undergo a shakedown cruise to check for bugs in the ship's systems which results in a simulated battle against the USS ''Geronimo'' and two [[Klingon starships#Bird of Prey classes|Birds of Prey]]. Additionally, Lieutenant Commander Data from the ''Enterprise'' is temporarily assigned to the ''Sovereign'' to assist in the investigation. Initial hostilities with the [[Romulan|Romulans]] briefly lead the crew to suspect them as the culprits, but further evidence reveals a renegade faction of [[Cardassian|Cardassians]] are responsible. They are led by Legate Matan, the game's central villain.

Matan is assisted by a new race of aliens called the Kessok whom Matan exploited and lied to in order to gain their cooperation. While searching for the technology that destroyed the Vesuvi star in the Alioth system, the ''Sovereign'' is ambushed and forced to leave Data behind on the surface of the system's sixth planet.

The revelation of the Cardassians' responsibility for the destruction of the Vesuvi star leads to a full-scale war between the Federation and Matan's faction.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Star Trek Bridge Commander|date=February 27, 2002|developer=[[Totally Games]]|publisher=Activision|platform=[[Microsoft Windows]]|scene=Episode 6|level=Mission 1|quote='''Admiral Liu''': The Cardassian faction led by this rogue Matan has formally declared war on the Federation}}</ref> The Federation is at first at a disadvantage, having underestimated Matan's forces; however, they are able to repel an offensive against Starbase 12 and destroy Litvok Nor, a Cardassian space station identical to [[Deep Space Nine (fictional space station)|Deep Space 9]], and rescue Data. Additionally, a Federation–[[Klingon]]–Romulan alliance is formed to put an end to the war in the game's final missions.

Shortly after Data's rescue and the formation of the alliance, the ''Sovereign'' is ordered to destroy the remaining Kessok technology that destroyed the Vesuvi star. During an encounter with a Kessok heavy [[cruiser]], which makes no hostile movements and is unshielded, the player is presented with a choice: destroy the Kessok ship and the remaining device or hail it. If the player fires on the Kessok ship, two smaller vessels will [[Cloaking device|de-cloak]] and assist the heavy cruiser. The final mission will also be more difficult as the Kessok forces will initially side with the Cardassians. Hailing the vessel will open a dialog with the Kessok and reveal the Cardassians' exploitation of them.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Star Trek: Bridge Commander|date=February 27, 2002|developer=Totally Games|publisher=Activision|platform=Microsoft Windows|scene=Episode 8|level=Mission 1|quote='''Commander Data''': Just so. Neb-lus suspected Cardassian motives when the Kessok were first discovered by them. The Federation was painted as the enemy who would enslave and exterminate the Cardassians and the Kessok}}</ref>

The game's final mission involves destroying the remaining Kessok device in the custody of Matan before he can use it to destroy a newly founded Kessok colony. The final confrontation with Matan occurs near the star of the Omega Draconis system. The game ends with Matan's ship falling into the star and the beginnings of formal diplomatic relations with the Kessok. Captain Picard wishes the player good luck on their journeys, and the ''Sovereign'' warps away.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Star Trek: Bridge Commander|date=February 27, 2002|developer=Totally Games|publisher=Activision|platform=Microsoft Windows|scene=Ending Cinematic|quote='''Captain Picard''': We have begun diplomatic negotiations with the Kessok. In light of recent events, we are hopeful they will be open to a treaty of some kind}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=Star Trek: Bridge Commander|date=February 27, 2002|developer=Totally Games|publisher=Activision|platform=Microsoft Windows|scene=Ending Cinematic|quote='''Captain Picard''': I'm sure we'll be hearing the name Sovereign in the future. We must be getting underway, and I know you want to get back to your ship, so I'll say, "Bon voyage," Captain, and see you out there}}</ref>

==Development==
In late 1998, publishers Activision made contact with [[Totally Games]] for the start of development of ''Bridge Commander''. Employees working for Totally Games spent six months on research, design and testing to keep the game within the bounds of the ''Star Trek'' universe.<ref>{{cite book|title=Star Trek Bridge Commander: Instruction Manual|date=February 2002|publisher=Activision|location=Santa Monica, California|page=1}}</ref> At [[E3 2001]], the multiplayer mode originally to be included was dropped in favour of [[single-player]]. This announcement was reversed several days later.<ref>{{cite web|last=Varanini|first=Giancarlo|date=July 26, 2001|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/bridge-commander-to-include-multiplayer/1100-2798849/|title=Bridge Commander to include multiplayer|website=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|accessdate=August 24, 2018|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807113232/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/bridge-commander-to-include-multiplayer/1100-2798849/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In September 2021, the game was one of six ''Star Trek'' titles re-released on [[GoG.com]] in celebration of the franchise's 55th anniversary.<ref>{{cite web |title=SIX CLASSIC STAR TREK GAMES NOW AVAILABLE ON THE GOG.COM STORE |url=https://www.gog.com/partner/startrek |website=GOG.com |access-date=27 October 2021 |archive-date=27 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027015421/https://www.gog.com/partner/startrek |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| MC = 82/100<ref name=mcbc>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/star-trek-bridge-commander/critic-reviews/?platform=pc|title=Star Trek Bridge Commander for PC Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|publisher=CBS Interactive|accessdate=September 10, 2013|archive-date=April 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130429201711/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/star-trek-bridge-commander|url-status=live}}</ref>
| CGM = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Perkins|first=Dave|url=http://www.cgonline.com/reviews/stbridgeco-01-r1.html|title=Star Trek: Bridge Commander|magazine=[[Computer Games Magazine]]|publisher=[[theGlobe.com]]|date=May 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021001165615/http://www.cgonline.com/reviews/stbridgeco-01-r1.html|archive-date=October 1, 2002|url-status=dead|access-date=August 25, 2018}}</ref>
| CGW = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="cgw review">{{cite magazine|last=Atkin|first=Denny|url=http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_215.pdf|title=Star Trek: Bridge Commander|magazine=[[Computer Gaming World]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|issue=215|date=June 2002|pages=88–89|accessdate=August 24, 2018|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304060518/http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_215.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Edge = 7/10<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Edge staff|title=Star Trek: Bridge Commander|magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|issue=109|date=April 2002}}</ref>
| GI = 7/10<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Star Trek: Bridge Commander|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|publisher=[[GameStop]]|issue=108|date=April 2002|page=85}}</ref>
| GameRev = B<ref>{{cite web|last=Dodson|first=Joe|date=March 2002|url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/32828-im-giving-her-all-shes-got-captain-review|title=Star Trek: Bridge Commander Review|website=[[Game Revolution]]|publisher=[[CraveOnline]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924174508/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/star-trek-bridge-commander|archive-date=September 24, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=August 24, 2018}}</ref>
| GSpot = 8.2/10<ref name=gsbc>{{cite web|author=Desslock|date=March 11, 2002|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/star-trek-bridge-commander-review/1900-2854221/|title=Star Trek Bridge Commander Review|website=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|accessdate=May 27, 2014|archive-date=November 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129010404/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/star-trek-bridge-commander-review/1900-2854221/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpy = 85%<ref>{{cite web|last=Dy|first=Bernard|date=March 6, 2002|url=http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/march02/stbc/|title=Star Trek Bridge Commander|website=[[GameSpy]]|publisher=IGN Entertainment|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050206022525/http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/march02/stbc/|archive-date=February 6, 2005|url-status=dead|access-date=August 24, 2018}}</ref>
| GameZone = 8.8/10<ref>{{cite web|last=McElfish|first=Carlos|date=March 20, 2002|url=http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r14637.htm|title=Star Trek: Bridge Commander Review|website=GameZone|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224073611/http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r14637.htm|archive-date=February 24, 2008|url-status=dead|access-date=August 24, 2018}}</ref>
| IGN = 9/10<ref name=ignbc>{{cite web|last=Sulic|first=Ivan|date=February 22, 2002|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/02/22/star-trek-bridge-commander-review|title=Star Trek: Bridge Commander Review|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=Ziff Davis|accessdate=May 27, 2014|archive-date=September 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927234408/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/02/22/star-trek-bridge-commander-review|url-status=live}}</ref>
| PCGUS = 72%<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Osborn|first=Chuck|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/archives/2005/06/star_trek_bridg.html|title=Star Trek: Bridge Commander|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|publisher=[[Future US]]|volume=9|issue=5|date=May 2002|page=65|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060315135011/http://www.pcgamer.com/archives/2005/06/star_trek_bridg.html|archive-date=March 15, 2006|url-status=dead|access-date=August 24, 2018}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''
| rev1Score = A−<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Brooks|first=Mark|url=https://ew.com/article/2002/04/05/star-trek-bridge-commander/|title=Star Trek: Bridge Commander|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|publisher=[[Time Inc.]]|issue=647|date=April 5, 2002|page=126|accessdate=August 24, 2018|archive-date=August 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808013914/https://ew.com/article/2002/04/05/star-trek-bridge-commander/|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}

''Star Trek: Bridge Commander'' received "favorable" reviews according to the [[Review aggregator|review aggregation]] website [[Metacritic]].<ref name=mcbc /> ''[[GameSpot]]'' named the game a runner-up for its March 2002 "PC Game of the Month" award.<ref name=gotm>{{cite web | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20020603043131/http://gamespot.com:80/gamespot/features/pc/gotm/040502/index.html | url=http://gamespot.com:80/gamespot/features/pc/gotm/040502/index.html | title=PC Game of the Month, March 2002 | author=((The Editors of ''GameSpot PC'')) | date=April 5, 2002 | work=[[GameSpot]] | archivedate=June 3, 2002 | url-status=dead }}</ref> The publication later presented the game with its annual "Best Sci-Fi Simulation Game on PC" award.<ref name=bestworst2002>{{cite web | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030207155400/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/ | url=http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/ | title=''GameSpot''{{'}}s Best and Worst of 2002 | author=''GameSpot'' Staff | date=December 30, 2002 | work=[[GameSpot]] | archivedate=February 7, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

Ivan Sulic of [[IGN]] said that ''Bridge Commander'' was "the single most engaging Star Trek experience yet in gaming" and the "undisputed king of all that is starship combat",<ref name=ignbc /> but appreciated that some players may feel that it isn't as [[Nonlinear gameplay|nonlinear]] as they might like. He added that the missions were well paced, although he complained of the [[Difficulty level|difficulty]] of a [[Stealth game|stealth]] based level.<ref name=ignbc />

In 2009, [[Kotaku]] ranked ''Bridge Commander'' as one of the top three ''Star Trek'' games.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fahey|first1=Mike|title=The Best And Worst In Star Trek Video Games|url=http://kotaku.com/5243995/the-best-and-worst-in--star-trek-video-games|accessdate=June 28, 2015|work=Kotaku|date=May 7, 2009|archive-date=July 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713191926/http://kotaku.com/5243995/the-best-and-worst-in--star-trek-video-games|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2016, [[Tom's Hardware|Tom's Guide]] ranked ''Bridge Commander'' as one of the top ten ''Star Trek'' games.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tomsguide.com/us/pictures-story/819-best-star-trek-games.html|title=Top 10 Star Trek Games|date=2016-07-21|website=Tom's Guide|language=en|access-date=2019-06-08|archive-date=2019-06-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608211233/https://www.tomsguide.com/us/pictures-story/819-best-star-trek-games.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, ''[[PC Gamer]]'' ranked ''Bridge Commander'' among the best ''Star Trek'' games.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-best-star-trek-games/|title=The best Star Trek games|last=Cobbett|first=Richard|date=2017-09-25|website=PC Gamer|language=en-US|access-date=2019-07-20|archive-date=2019-07-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720140054/https://www.pcgamer.com/the-best-star-trek-games/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2020, [[Screen Rant]] ranked ''Bridge Commander'' as the fifth best ''Star Trek'' game.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Goodwillie |first1=Ian |title=10 Best Star Trek Video Games, Ranked |url=https://screenrant.com/best-star-trek-video-games-ranked/ |website=[[Screen Rant]] |publisher=Valnet Inc. |access-date=1 July 2022 |date=3 April 2020 |archive-date=1 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701113355/https://screenrant.com/best-star-trek-video-games-ranked/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2023, [[Space.com]] ranked ''Bridge Commander'' as the second best ''Star Trek'' game.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ruiz |first1=Fran |title=Best Star Trek games of all time |url=https://www.space.com/best-star-trek-games#section-2-star-trek-bridge-commander |website=[[Space.com]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |access-date=7 July 2024 |date=8 August 2023}}</ref>
{{Clear}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Refbegin}}
*{{cite book|last1=Rodriguez y Gibson|first1=Sion|title=Star Trek: Bridge Commander Official Reference Guide|date=2002|publisher=Brady Publishing|location=Indianapolis|isbn=0-7440-0070-X|ref=Gibson2002|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/startrekbridgeco00rodr}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20040726082649/http://www.bridgecommander.com/ Official website] via [[Internet Archive]]
* {{moby game|id=/windows/star-trek-bridge-commander}}

{{Star Trek video games}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Star Trek: Bridge Commander}}
[[Category:2002 video games]]
[[Category:Activision games]]
[[Category:Gamebryo games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer online games]]
[[Category:NetImmerse engine games]]
[[Category:Space multiplayer online games]]
[[Category:Starship simulators based on Star Trek|Bridge Commander]]
[[Category:Video games based on Star Trek|Bridge Commander]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Windows-only games]]
[[Category:Video games based on Star Trek: The Next Generation]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Totally Games games]]