Star Trek Deep Space Nine: The Fallen

Deep Space Nine: The Fallen contains three interrelated stories that tell a larger tale. On the titular space station--back when it was under the control of the sinister Cardassians--an experiment went awry. Later, Sisko and the crew find the remnants of the laboratory and experiment. As if on cue, a Bajoran religious figure comes forward and the Cardassians return to make trouble. It's a story worthy of the canceled series, but what's important is how it's told.

Alternatively, you play as Major Kira, Captain Sisko, and everyone's favorite grumpy Klingon, Worf. Each story is connected in that, as Sisko, you might need to have a power grid disabled. In Kira's version of the same chapter, she may be the one disabling that grid for the Captain. You can play each chapter three times, and while they all might end in the same place (chapter one ends in the Captain's quarters for example), they feature the characters doing different things in different places. It's a well-done storytelling device that allows players to uncover the plot with the character that suits his or her individual playing style.

Another plus is that the game's obstacles can be overcome through means other than a fully charged phaser; players can also use the tricorder (by scanning shield frequencies, etc.) or the communicator (calling Dax and O'Brien for a few tips). Naturally, phasers and other Trek weaponry do come into play during combat sequences. All the Trek gear benefits from the excellent game graphics, sound, and controls, as well as the dramatic over-the-shoulder camera perspective.

The Fallen has almost everything going for it, but it should be mentioned that Avery Brooks doesn't voice the captain here, which may be hard to take for some die-hard fans (the other characters are voiced by their actors). Look at it this way: if you miss the series, here's your chance to star. --Bob Andrews

Pros:

• Slick controls
• Gorgeous graphics
• Exciting story that's faithful to the spirit of DS9
• The actors from the show, with one glaring exception, lend their voices to the game

• No Avery Brooks
• Difficult puzzles