Star Trek Prodigy: Supernova, developed by Tessera Studios and published by Outright Games, is a charming and accessible action-adventure that draws heavily from the world of the animated series Star Trek: Prodigy. Aimed primarily at a younger audience and fans of the show, it successfully captures the visual style and spirit of the series while offering a cooperative experience that mixes exploration, light combat, puzzle-solving, and narrative-driven gameplay. While it doesn’t break new ground mechanically, it accomplishes its mission with sincerity, delivering a family-friendly experience that remains faithful to the source material.
The story centers on Dal and Gwyndala, two of the show's central characters, as they try to reunite with their crew after a system-wide disaster has separated them. The stakes are high: a supernova threatens to destroy multiple planets, and the crew must prevent catastrophe while unraveling a mysterious new threat. The narrative unfolds across three alien worlds—Orisi, Mirios, and Taresse—each with its own unique environments, obstacles, and alien species. While the plot doesn't dive too deep into complex lore, it’s compelling enough to sustain interest across the game’s runtime, particularly for those familiar with the characters and dynamics of Star Trek: Prodigy. The presence of the original voice cast, including the return of Captain Janeway’s hologram, adds an extra layer of authenticity and helps bring the universe to life in a way that’s rare for franchise tie-ins.
Gameplay is straightforward and clearly designed with accessibility in mind. Players can switch between Dal and Gwyn, each with their own abilities—Dal is better suited for ranged attacks and tool use, while Gwyn excels in close combat and unlocking paths. The game relies on this dual-character dynamic to structure many of its puzzles and combat encounters, though everything remains fairly light in complexity. Puzzle segments often involve activating platforms, aligning symbols, or navigating through environmental hazards, and these are generally satisfying, even if they're never particularly challenging. Combat, on the other hand, is one of the game's weaker aspects. It’s serviceable but basic, with encounters that tend to repeat the same enemy types and strategies, lacking much depth or variation as the game progresses.
One of the game’s highlights is its local cooperative mode, which allows two players to team up and control both characters simultaneously. This feature enhances the experience considerably, especially for parents playing alongside younger children. It encourages communication and shared problem-solving, and the game’s non-punishing difficulty ensures it remains enjoyable for players of all skill levels. In single-player, the AI-controlled partner performs adequately, but some puzzle sequences feel more cumbersome without a human partner. The controls are responsive for the most part, although some players may notice occasional hiccups, such as imprecise jumping or characters getting stuck on environmental geometry.
Visually, the game does a good job of translating the look and feel of Star Trek: Prodigy into a 3D environment. The art direction is colorful and expressive, with environments that, while modest in scope, are clearly crafted with care. Each planet features distinct biomes and backgrounds, which helps keep exploration feeling fresh across the roughly six- to eight-hour adventure. That said, animations can sometimes feel stiff, and there are minor performance issues on certain platforms, including frame drops or short-lived glitches. None of these are game-breaking, but they can momentarily detract from the otherwise immersive atmosphere.
Audio design complements the visuals effectively, with a score that matches the tone of the show and sound effects that give life to the environments and alien technology. The highlight here is the voice acting. Having the original cast reprise their roles elevates the experience significantly, helping to immerse players in the narrative and maintain continuity with the series. The dialogue is geared toward a younger audience, but it remains engaging for all ages thanks to the character dynamics and polished delivery.
While Star Trek Prodigy: Supernova clearly targets a younger demographic, it doesn’t talk down to its players. The story is told with respect for its audience, and the game avoids the pitfalls of many licensed games by not rushing its design or relying solely on name recognition. The collaborative effort with the show's creators is evident throughout the experience, especially in how the story feels like a genuine narrative arc within the Prodigy universe rather than a tacked-on side mission.
However, the game is not without its limitations. Its simplicity, while ideal for newcomers or younger players, might leave seasoned gamers wanting more depth. The combat becomes repetitive quickly, and the puzzles never scale up in complexity. There's also a lack of variety in enemy types and combat tactics, which can make some segments feel like filler. In addition, the game’s relatively short length might be a downside for those expecting a deeper, more expansive Star Trek experience. That said, for its intended audience, these concerns are minor.
Star Trek Prodigy: Supernova stands out as a rare example of a licensed game that understands its source material and respects its players. It doesn’t try to be everything to everyone—it’s a focused, well-made experience tailored for younger fans and families who want to share an adventure in the Star Trek universe. Its cooperative gameplay, faithful presentation, and heartfelt story make it a solid introduction to both gaming and science fiction for kids, while still offering just enough substance to entertain older fans as well. It may not redefine the genre, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a thoughtful, polished tie-in that delivers exactly what it promises: a fun, accessible, and authentic journey through the stars.
Rating: 6/10
