As the release of Star Trek Voyager: Across the Unknown draws near, fans are buzzing with excitement over the return of beloved characters. This week, it was confirmed that both Tim Russ and Robert Duncan McNeill are reprising their iconic roles as Tuvok and Tom Paris in the upcoming video game. An updated demo, now available, offers a sneak peek at McNeill’s performance, bringing Paris back to life for players to experience firsthand.
The announcement comes as part of a promotional push by developer gamExcite, who have released a new video showcasing McNeill’s contribution. The video is packed with engaging content, highlighting the game’s intriguing “what if” premise. Both Paris and Tuvok will provide personal logs at the beginning of each of the game’s 12 sectors, offering players a recap of Voyager’s journey and setting the stage for new adventures.
Exploring the ‘What If’ Scenarios
In the newly released video, the game explores hypothetical scenarios, allowing players to make pivotal decisions that impact the storyline. One such scenario involves a permanent split of B’Elanna Torres into her human and Klingon halves, a nod to the memorable “Faces” episode from the original series.
“Half of Voyager needs to be repaired,” Paris quips in the video. “Luckily, we have the two B’Elannas working hand in hand.”
Another scenario presents a Voyager crew that includes Seska, albeit at a significant cost. Paris reflects on this twist, saying,
“It was Seska, of all people, who facilitated our access. She’s certainly good at sabotaging things. If only Chakotay hadn’t left because of her.”
These scenarios underscore the game’s unique approach, allowing players to navigate the USS Voyager’s journey home by making critical choices, such as whether to forgive or shun Seska, reintegrate the B’Elannas, or decide Tuvix’s fate.
Updated Demo Features and Availability
The updated demo, available on Windows PC via Steam, includes McNeill’s voice acting in the game’s first sector. According to gamExcite and publisher Daedalic Entertainment,
“The update includes further fine-tuning based on the console demo, as well as the first voice-over content added to the demo mission.”
While Tim Russ as Tuvok is absent from this demo for narrative reasons, his character will appear in later sections of the full game. The demo also features Jerry Goldsmith’s iconic Star Trek: Voyager main theme, enhancing the immersive experience for fans.
The addition of McNeill’s voice is currently exclusive to the Windows PC version via Steam, though the full game release will include both McNeill and Russ across all platforms. For now, players can experience slightly older versions of the demo on Xbox Series S & X, PlayStation 5, and Switch 2.
Anticipation Builds for Full Game Release
Star Trek Voyager: Across the Unknown is set for a February 18 release across multiple platforms, including Windows PC, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, and Switch 2. As anticipation builds, fans are eager to explore the new adventures and alternate realities the game promises.
Steve Wright, a longtime Star Trek aficionado and experienced games journalist, shared his enthusiasm for the game. As the editor-in-chief of Stevivor.com, Australia’s leading independent video games site, Wright noted the game’s potential to captivate both new and veteran fans of the series.
For more information and updates on the game, fans can visit the official website at stvatu.com.
