Star Trek: Infinite Review: A Voyage With Room for Improvement
Star Trek: Infinite offers a promising yet imperfect journey into the cosmos, blending grand strategy gameplay with the richness of the Star Trek universe. Developed by Nimble Giant Entertainment and published by Paradox Interactive, this 4X strategy title lets players take command of one of four iconic factions United Federation of Planets, Klingon Empire, Romulan Star Empire, or Cardassian Union each with its own unique playstyle and goals.
Key Information
Genre: 4X Grand Strategy
Developer: Nimble Giant Entertainment
Publisher: Paradox Interactive
Platforms: PC
Release Date: October 12, 2023
Completion Time: Depends heavily on playstyle
Minimum System Requirements:
OS: Windows 7 SP1 64-bit
Processor: Intel Core i3-530 or AMD® FX-6350
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Graphics: GeForce GTX 460 / Radeon HD 5870
DirectX: Version 11
Storage: 9-15 GB available space
Gameplay and Mechanics
The game builds on Stellaris-inspired mechanics, streamlined and adjusted for a Star Trek experience. Fans of grand strategy will find familiar systems: exploration, colonization, diplomacy, and warfare. Each faction has its own narrative-driven mission tree reflecting its philosophy: the Federation thrives on diplomacy, research, and cultural influence; the Klingons pursue honor and dominance through military conquest; the Romulans excel in secrecy, intelligence, and subterfuge; and the Cardassians focus on control, expansion, and exploitation. A standout feature is the ship designer, which allows players to customize vessels with different modules and components inspired by the Star Trek universe. This gives fleets a sense of individuality and adds tactical depth when preparing for conflicts. The game also incorporates scripted story events tied to Star Trek lore such as the Borg Collective’s arrival or the Bajoran independence struggle which shape each playthrough in unique ways. Unlike Stellaris, however, Star Trek: Infinite is more narrowly scoped. It limits players to the Alpha and Beta Quadrants and does not support creating custom factions or randomized galaxies. While this focus ensures a more authentic Trek setting, it also restricts replayability compared to Paradox’s flagship space strategy title.
Narrative and Immersion
The game attempts to immerse players in the richness of Star Trek canon. Scripted and emergent events rooted in lore appear throughout the campaign, including major threats like the Borg. While these moments add atmosphere, some feel underwhelming and fail to deliver the dramatic impact long-time fans might expect.
Challenges and Limitations
Despite its strengths, Star Trek: Infinite faces notable limitations. Restricting gameplay to four factions narrows the universe for players who hoped for a broader scope. Additionally, the game’s complexity may intimidate newcomers to the 4X genre, as managing systems, balancing economies, and waging wars requires patience and learning. Another drawback is the lack of long-term support: both Paradox and Nimble Giant have confirmed that development has ceased, meaning no future updates or expansions are planned.
Conclusion
Star Trek: Infinite represents a bold attempt to bring the beloved Star Trek universe into the realm of 4X grand strategy. On one hand, the game succeeds in delivering an authentic experience for fans of the franchise. The four playable factions United Federation of Planets, Klingon Empire, Romulan Star Empire, and Cardassian Union each offer unique mission trees, mechanics, and playstyles that reflect their on-screen philosophies and cultures. The ship designer, narrative events rooted in canon, and the use of recognizable ships and technologies all help immerse players in the Star Trek setting. However, the game’s shortcomings are difficult to ignore. The scope is far narrower than many players anticipated, restricted to only four factions and limited regions of the Alpha and Beta Quadrants. Events like the Borg invasion or Bajoran independence appear in the narrative but often feel underdeveloped, leaving them less impactful than fans might expect. The steep learning curve can also discourage newcomers, while veteran grand strategy players may find the mechanics somewhat simplified compared to Stellaris, the Paradox title it draws inspiration from. Perhaps the most significant limitation is the lack of ongoing development. In early 2024, Paradox confirmed that no future patches, expansions, or long-term support are planned. This effectively leaves the game in its launch state, which may deter players hoping for regular updates or improvements. In the end, Star Trek: Infinite offers a solid, lore-rich experience for fans eager to command their favorite faction in a grand strategy setting. Yet, with its restricted scope, occasional narrative weaknesses, and absence of future support, it feels more like a one-off experiment than a long-term staple in Paradox’s strategy catalog. For dedicated Star Trek fans and curious strategy gamers, it can provide dozens of enjoyable hours, but expectations should be tempered regarding replayability and long-term growth.
Advantages
Faithful representation of the Star Trek universe
Distinct faction playstyles
Customizable ship designs
Disadvantages
Limited scope (only four factions)
Steep learning curve
Occasionally underwhelming events
No post-launch support
