DESCRIPTION

Star Trek: The Next Generation — Birth of the Federation, the first turn-based strategy game set in the vast Star Trek universe, gives the player the option to control any one of five distinct empires. Elements of strategy include combat, diplomacy, and resource management, as you take command of the Federation, Klingon, Romulan, Ferengi, or Cardassian forces.

As well as featuring the five major Star Trek empires, each with specific strengths and weaknesses, Birth of the Federation contains over 30 different races to confront during gameplay. The Borg contingent hasn't been forgotten, as it poses a major threat to all players. Interaction with other races can lead to war or alliance, depending on the player's strategic approach.

The game also features evolving technologies (either learned or acquired through conquest), economic issues spanning entire solar systems, trade routes, complete reign over your starship fleet (construction, upgrade, mobilization, etc.), and three specific victory conditions (two for solo play, one for multiplayer contests). Birth of the Federation supports up to five players over the Internet or a local network.

There are five levels of difficulty (Simple, Easy, Normal, Hard, and Impossible) as well as options for random events, strategic and tactical time limits, configurable galaxy size, and five starting civilization levels (Beginning, Early, Developed, Expanded and Advanced) from which to choose. The game also includes four tutorials to help lower the learning curve. ~ Michael L. House, All Game Guide