Star Trek: Infinite

The gameplay of "Star Trek: Infinite" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting its heavy reliance on the mechanics of "Stellaris," leading to a perception of it as a re-skinned version rather than a unique experience. While some appreciate the streamlined mechanics and the incorporation of Star Trek lore, others criticize the lack of depth, balance issues, and bugs that hinder the overall experience. The game offers a slower-paced, mission-driven approach, but many feel it lacks the complexity and variety found in its predecessor, resulting in a gameplay experience that can feel repetitive and shallow.

The game's stability has been widely criticized, with users reporting it as a "buggy mess" and "unfinished" since its launch. Many players have experienced frequent crashes, game-breaking glitches, and incomplete features, leading to frustration and disappointment. Additionally, the game's development appears to have been abandoned, leaving it in a persistently unstable state with little hope for future improvements.

The music in the game has received widespread criticism for its lack of recognizable Star Trek themes and sound effects, with many players expressing disappointment that it features generic sci-fi compositions instead. While some users found the original soundtrack to be competent, it often fails to evoke the iconic feel of the Star Trek franchise, leading many to mute the in-game audio and seek out fan-made mods for a more authentic experience. Overall, the absence of licensed Star Trek music is seen as a significant oversight in a game that is otherwise tied to the beloved franchise.

The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many praising the beautiful artwork, ship models, and overall aesthetic that captures the Star Trek universe. However, some players criticize the graphics as outdated or lacking depth, comparing them unfavorably to other titles like Stellaris. While the visuals contribute to an immersive atmosphere, they are often seen as insufficient to compensate for gameplay shortcomings.

The monetization aspect of the game has been overwhelmingly criticized as a blatant cash grab, with many reviewers expressing disappointment in its lack of content, unfinished state, and rapid abandonment by the developers. Players feel that the game was rushed out to capitalize on the Star Trek franchise without adequate support or development, leading to a perception of it being a soulless product aimed solely at profit. Overall, the consensus is to avoid purchasing the game, as it is seen as a poor investment.

Overall, "Star Trek: Infinite" has been criticized for its limited replayability, primarily due to the small number of playable factions (only four) and a static game map that lacks dynamic events. While some players appreciate the unique playstyles of each faction and the variability in resource distribution, many feel that the game lacks depth and variety, leading to a repetitive experience after the initial playthrough. Without significant updates or additional content, the game's replay value is seen as minimal compared to other titles like "Stellaris."

The optimization of "Star Trek: Infinite" has received mixed reviews, with some players experiencing significant performance issues, including stuttering and poor late-game performance, leading to refunds. Others report satisfactory performance, particularly in comparison to "Stellaris," noting that while there are areas for improvement, the game runs smoothly for them. Overall, there is a consensus that the game requires further updates for AI performance, faction balancing, and technical optimization to enhance the overall experience.

Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessively tedious, with many expressing frustration over the micromanagement of fleet upgrades, planet management, and research. The gameplay often feels like a repetitive grind for minimal rewards, leading to a lack of satisfaction and engagement. While some quality of life improvements have been noted, the overall experience remains bogged down by the sheer volume of tasks required to manage an empire effectively.

The game's atmosphere receives mixed reviews, with some praising its ability to recreate the TNG-era galactic feel and beautiful graphics that enhance the mood. However, many players criticize the lack of iconic Star Trek soundtracks and effects, leading to a perception of a rushed development that detracts from the overall experience. While some find the atmosphere engaging, others feel it falls short compared to expectations, particularly in comparison to other titles like Armada II.

The humor in the game is often derived from its absurdities and inconsistencies, such as the misrepresentation of Star Trek lore and the comedic scenarios that arise from gameplay mechanics, like facing overpowered pirates. Players find amusement in the game's quirky events and dialogues, particularly references that resonate with Star Trek fans, while also laughing at the game's shortcomings and the irony of its comparisons to Stellaris. Overall, the humor is a mix of intentional jokes and unintentional hilarity stemming from the game's flaws.

Players express a deep emotional connection to the Star Trek universe, feeling a sense of heartbreak due to the game's inability to fully capture its emotional depth and polish. Despite enjoying certain aspects, many reviewers find the experience lacking, leading to feelings of disappointment and longing for a more immersive and refined gameplay experience.