Elite Force on the PS2 proves that sometimes games are better left unported.

User Rating: 6 | Star Trek: Voyager Elite Force PS2
Star Trek Voyager Elite Force is a fun game in it's own right. Let's get that out of the way. It does a nice job of rcreating the atmosphere from the TV series, and does an outstanding job of creating an entertaining shooter.

That being said, it should've stayed put on the PC/MAC platforms. Quite simply, the PS2 doesn't have the power for many of the larger battles which are also in large environements resulting in a ridiculous slow-down. Another graphics-related issue it has is that some textures appear muddy and will look out of focus at a ridiculous distance.

Like any shooter, atmosphere is key, and while the music doesn't impress to any degree (not a recognizable Trek score in the bunch), it does contain authentic voice overs from principal cast members as well as a bevy of familiar and new sound effects. You start out on a Borg cube where you must rescue your teammates and recover an I-MOD (one fo your weapons) from the Borg's clutches. Once that scenario plays out, Voyager is atacked and whisked away to a starship graveyard of sorts. From then on, all of your missions have one simple goal: Make out alive to get out. It's not that complicated of a plot, but it makes for a good excuse to shoot things in an otherwise diplomatic universe.

The controls are okay, and the default control scheme takes time to get used to, a bit too much for my liking, but it is possible to change the scheme to your liking. Also, it is possible to use a USB keyboard and mouse. A good move on the developers part, and I recommend that control scheme if you're going to play.

Difficulty is never too hard, but at the final boss there is a sudden surge in difficulty. Sure, it's the last boss, but previous missions are just a bit too easy in comparison.

There is a Multiplayer mode available (the game calls it "Holomatch") for up to 4 players through the use of a multitap. There isn't an online option, due to the game being out before online gaming was an option oin the PS2, and this probably works out for the best. Given the graphic issues, it might have made for a very sup-par mulitplayer mode.

In the end, if you enjoy shooters in Star Trek. by all means get this, you won't be disappointed. Otherwise, it's your everyday shooter with a Star Trek skin on it.