Genre: Shoot ’em up
Developer: GCE
Publisher: GCE
Year: 1982
System: Vectrex
Star Trek: The Motion Picture is a vector-based shoot ’em up game for the Vectrex console, released in 1982. Despite its title, the game does not follow the plot of the 1979 film but is loosely inspired by the Star Trek franchise as a whole. Players assume the role of a Starfleet captain navigating a starship through hostile space.
The game is played from a first-person perspective, simulating a 3D view of space. The player’s primary objective is to protect friendly starbases while eliminating enemy ships. A radar display shows nearby threats, and players must warp between sectors to intercept enemies and prevent them from destroying allied bases. The ship is equipped with phasers and torpedoes, each with limited use, adding a strategic element to combat.
The title makes use of the Vectrex’s vector graphics to present a unique visual style, with wireframe graphics representing enemy vessels, bases, and the player’s ship interface. It also makes use of the Vectrex’s built-in sound capabilities to deliver basic audio feedback during battle.
