Just prior to E3 2016 in June Ubisoft made a surprise announcement via its Twitter account that it was working on a virtual reality (VR) title based on Star Trek. Star Trek: Bridge Crew is interactive four player experience set in the JJ Abrams version of the Star Trek universe and was due to launch on 29th November 2016 for PlayStation VR, HTC Vive and Oculus Rift. This week developer Red Storm Entertainment issued an update saying the title is now delayed until 14th March, 2017.
In the statement on Ubisoft’s blog, the developer said: In order to deliver the best game experience possible at launch, we have decided to push the release of Star Trek: Bridge Crew to March 14, 2017. Star Trek: Bridge Crew is designed exclusively for VR and we want to offer a compelling and engaging experience. Command of the USS Aegis is right around the corner!” So its not too much of a delay but for Star Trek fans wanting to explore strange new worlds, they’ll have to wait a few more months.
When Ubisoft released the first footage of Star Trek: Bridge Crew the publisher did so with a bang. Enlisting the help of Levar Burton (Next Generation’s Jordi LaForge), Jeri Ryan (Seven of Nine), and Karl Urban (Dr. McCoy in the rebooted films), the trailer had the stars playing the title on Oculus Rift’s using Oculus Touch controllers.
Very much like all the films and TV shows Star Trek: Bridge Crew is about team work with players able to take on the roles of Captain, Engineer, Tactical Officer, or Helm Officer on the U.S.S. Aegis Starship. As officers of the Federation every action and decision they make together will determine the fate of the ship and crew.
Working together its up to the crew of the Aegis to head into an uncharted sector which Red Storm Entertainment details: “Your mission: explore a largely uncharted sector of space known as The Trench, in hopes of locating a suitable new home world for the decimated Vulcan populace. The Trench contains stunning beauty and undiscovered wonders, but also strange anomalies and dangers yet unknown. The Klingon Empire is also active in the region, and their purpose is undoubtedly a threat to the Federation’s plans. It’s up to you and your crew to chart the sector to determine the Klingons’ aims, and to secure a peaceful Federation presence.”
VRFocus will continue its coverage of Star Trek: Bridge Crew, reporting back with any further updates.