After putting in around a dozen hours into this game, I feel I can come away saying that I mostly enjoyed myself with this space-based travelling simulator. As I had briefly mentioned before, the space-based combat is really the most enjoyable part of the whole game, the combat mechanics have you managing multi-directional shield strength, buffs and powers from your multiple bridge consoles (these are denoted by the Bridge Officers that you have manning particular subsystems, a science officer in command of a science console will give you access to the Tachyon Beam power, which will help drain enemy shields), your Captain skills to help boost damage or speed, the 3D positioning of your ship in relation to your opponent/s. And all of things are accompanied by above average sights and sounds, the sense of space and scope in these battles is impressive and works well with the naval-style engagements. For example, you are letting loose with your phaser arrays at distances of around 10km or so, before closing in for barrages of photon or quantum torpedoes, all the while engaging small fighter style craft as well as bigger frigate and cruiser style ships.
The other parts of the game are mostly just average, utilitarian, they serve their purpose just fine, but nothing in the plot is grabbing me to the degree of a finely crafted Bioware RPG, for example. That is, of course, not exactly a fair criticism to level at a large scale server-side focussed game (except Bioware have just come out with this other Dreams into Old Knights Republic MMO thingy). The gear in this game is also great for those wanting to get all up in the differences between Mk II and Mk III twin phaser arrays, the techno-babble side of Star Trek fits in perfectly with the specifics of the loot.
It takes a loooooong time to fly around the environments, but in many cases it's a pleasure to do so!
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