Star Trek: Infection is gearing up to deliver a spine-chilling survival-horror experience this December, plunging players into a harrowing battle against a mysterious infection that has transformed the crew of a Starfleet ship into deadly mutants.
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Embark on a treacherous journey aboard the U.S.S. Lumen as you assume the role of a Vulcan Starfleet officer entrusted with a covert mission, only to find yourself entangled in a nightmarish ordeal that tests both your mental and physical fortitude, as revealed by developer Played With Fire.
In a bid to combat a malevolent entity that preys on your fears by mutating your body, players must strive to retain their Vulcan logic amidst the chaos, the studio disclosed back in August.
According to a recent Bloober Team investor relations announcement (via UploadVR), Star Trek: Infection is slated for release on December 11th, making its debut on the Horizon Store for Quest 3 & 3S and PC VR headsets via Steam.
Initially announced in August, the launch is expected to be staggered, with Quest receiving the game this year followed by a release on SteamVR headsets at a later date. Further details on the broader release schedule are still pending from the studio.
Personal Thoughts
There has been some apprehension among fans regarding the decision to delve into the survival-horror genre for the next Star Trek VR installment, with concerns about its compatibility with the franchise’s overarching themes. While I acknowledge these reservations, I believe that the rich narrative tapestry of the series offers ample room for such a departure.
As a die-hard Trek aficionado raised on Star Trek: The Next Generation, I am confident that the franchise’s storytelling versatility can accommodate diverse genres, including horror. Episodes across The Original Series, TNG, and Strange New Worlds have explored darker themes, making the premise of Infection not entirely out of place in the Trek universe.
While Infection may not align with everyone’s vision of a Trek game, its potential to capture the essence of the franchise through its atmosphere, lore, and intricate ship design should not be underestimated. Moreover, the narrative arc of a typical Vulcan character grappling with repressed emotions mirrors the struggles of iconic figures like Spock in Strange New Worlds, adding a familiar yet compelling dimension to the gameplay.
From an immersive VR perspective, the concept of body modifications as a strategic gameplay element offers a refreshing twist to the traditional shooter experience. Regardless of initial reservations, I am eager to approach Star Trek: Infection with an open mind upon its release in December, as I believe in giving every Trek adventure a fair chance to captivate and surprise.
