star trek the next generation game

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All 15 star trek: the next generation games (& when they take place).

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I Forgot Guinan Had Children On Star Trek: TNG

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Star Trek: The Next Generation spans fifteen years, seven television seasons, four movies, and fifteen video games, which can make it difficult to determine the chronology of events. Beyond Captain Picard and his crew, there’s an entire galaxy full of alien civilizations and complicated interplanetary politics that are hard for even the biggest Trek fans to keep straight.

The Next Generation was a cultural phenomenon that resurrected the Star Trek franchise and created a whole new generation of Trekkies. The television series was set in the years 2364-2370 and then was followed by the movies Star Trek Generations (set in 2371), Star Trek: First Contact (2373), Star Trek: Insurrection (2375), and Star Trek: Nemesis (2379).

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Many of the Star Trek: The Next Generation video games fill in the gaps between movies, with several games tackling the Dominion War that occurred after Insurrection . Other TNG games explore alternate timelines or let players serve aboard the Enterprise-D under Captain Picard himself. Here are all fifteen Star Trek: The Next Generation games and when they take place.

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Birth of the Federation

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Birth of the Federation is a 1999 PC game developed by MicroProse and published by Hasbro Interactive. This turn-based strategy game gives players control of the Federation, Klingon Empire, Romulan Star Empire, Ferengi Alliance, or Cardassian Union and features empire-building mechanics similar to the Civilization games. Though this game ties into TNG , the actual timeline is all over the place because players are controlling empires from their first inception through to the events of The Next Generation .

Star Trek: Conquest

Star Trek: Conquest is a 2007 strategy game for the Wii and PlayStation 2 developed by 4J Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. Players can command the Federation, Klingon, Romulan, Cardassian, Dominion, or Breen fleets and are responsible for building support structures, managing admirals and other officers, and commanding ships during combat. Star Trek: Conquest takes place in a non-canon alternate reality, but it's set in the year 2364 which places it during the first season of The Next Generation .

Star Trek: Borg

Star Trek: Borg is a 1996 point-and-click adventure game from Simon and Schuster for Windows and Mac. The player is a Starfleet cadet who encounters Q and is sent back in time to the Battle of Wolf 359. This battle took place in the two-part episode “The Best of Both Worlds” at the end of season 3 and beginning of season 4 of TNG, in which Picard is assimilated by the Borg and leads an attack on a Starfleet armada.

Star Trek: The Next Generation (1993)

Star Trek: The Next Generation is a 1993 Game Boy and NES game by Absolute Entertainment in which the player takes the role of a Starfleet cadet participating in a training simulation.

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The game takes place on board the Enterprise-D, and though there’s no specific date mentioned, the bridge officers on duty in the game line up with the command structure during seasons 2-7 of The Next Generation .

Star Trek: The Next Generation (1994)

In 1994, Spectrum HoloByte developed a Star Trek: The Next Generation game that was published under the subtitle Echoes from the Past for Sega and Future’s Past for Super Nintendo. It’s an adventure game in which players are investigating a temporal device being sought after by the Romulans and the Chodak. Echoes from the Past / Future’s Past doesn’t mention a specific date or year, but it takes place onboard the Enterprise-D with the same crew and bridge officers as seasons 2-7 of The Next Generation .

Star Trek: The Next Generation – A Final Unity

Star Trek: The Next Generation – A Final Unity is a 1995 point-and-click adventure game developed by MicroProse and published by Spectrum HoloByte for PC and Mac. Players control Captain Picard and the crew of the Enterprise-D who are all voiced by the original cast of The Next Generation . The storyline of A Final Unity takes place around the year 2370, between the first two episodes of season 7 ("Descent" and "Liaisons").

Star Trek: Klingon

Star Trek: Klingon is an interactive movie/RPG released by Simon & Schuster Interaction in 1996 for PC and Mac that was directed by Jonathan Frakes. The player is a young Klingon about to pass his Rite of Ascension when there is an assassination attempt on Chancellor Gowron, forcing the player to embark on a blood oath to avenge the Klingon High Council.

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The exact timeline of Star Trek: Klingon is unknown, but it has to take place during Gowron’s chancellorship, placing it sometime between his election in season 4 of  The Next Generation and his death in season 7 of Deep Space Nine .

Star Trek: The Next Generation – Klingon Honor Guard

Star Trek: Klingon Honor Guard is a 1998 first-person shooter for Mac and PC released by MicroProse. This game is very similar in concept to Star Trek: Klingon , with the player in the role of a young Klingon investigating a plot to assassinate Chancellor Gowron. Klingon Honor Guard also takes place at some unspecified point during Gowron’s chancellorship.

Star Trek: ConQuest Online

Star Trek: ConQuest Online is an online strategy game for PC developed by Genetic Anomalies and published by Activision in 2000. The player is a member of the Q collective fighting against other Qs for control of the galaxy using game mechanics similar to Hearthstone or Magic: The Gathering . As with anything relating to the Q, the timeline of ConQuest Online is hard to pin down, but it loosely takes place during The Next Generation .

Star Trek Generations

Star Trek Generations is a 1997 first-person shooter developed for the PC by MicroProse. Star Trek Generations essentially just follows the plot of the 1994 movie by the same name, so it takes place in the year 2371, shortly after the events of The Next Generation .

Star Trek: Hidden Evil

Star Trek: Hidden Evil is an adventure game for the PC developed by Presto Studios and published by Activision in 1999. The player takes the role of Ensign Sovok, a human raised by Vulcans who must foil a plot to use a rare genetic seed’s destructive powers to control the galaxy.

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Star Trek: Hidden Evil was marketed as a direct sequel to Star Trek: Insurrection , which took place roughly five years after the end of The Next Generation .

Star Trek: Invasion

Star Trek: Invasion is a 2000 space combat game developed by Warthog Games and published by Activision for the PlayStation. Star Trek: Invasion takes place during 2377, after the end of the Dominion War, which means it occurs after  TNG and between the S tar Trek: Insurrection and Star Trek: Nemesis movies.

Star Trek: Armada and Star Trek: Armada II

Star Trek: Armada and Star Trek: Armada II are PC games from Mad Doc Software and Activision that were released in 2000 and 2001 respectively. The Armada games are real-time strategy games in which players build and maintain fleets as either the Federation, Klingon Empire, Romulan Star Empire, or Borg Collective. Star Trek: Armada takes place in 2376 and Armada II occurs in 2377, placing both games in between the events of Star Trek: Insurrection and Star Trek: Nemesis .

Star Trek: Away Team

Star Trek: Away Team is a 2001 PC strategy game from Reflexive Entertainment and Activision. Players serve aboard the USS Incursion, an experimental Starfleet ship equipped with holographic technology that allows it to impersonate any vessel. Star Trek: Away Team takes place after the end of the Dominion War in 2377, after Star Trek Insurrection , and before Star Trek: Nemesis .

Star Trek: Bridge Commander

Star Trek: Bridge Commander is a space combat simulation game for PC developed by Totally Games and published by Activision in 2002. The player is a newly promoted captain who is assigned to investigate an exploding star. Star Trek: Bridge Commander occurs just after the Dominion War, which means it’s in between Star Trek: Insurrection and Star Trek: Nemesis .

There are Star Trek: The Next Generation video games in every major genre, spanning across the entire fifteen-year run of the TNG era, providing fans with a variety of ways to interact with Gene Roddenberry's vast and complicated universe.

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Star Trek: Resurgence is a story-driven game from former Telltale devs coming in 2022

Dramatic labs was started by telltale games founder kevin bruner.

By Ash Parrish , a reporter who has covered the business, culture, and communities of video games for seven years. Previously, she worked at Kotaku.

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Hot on the heels of Star Trek: Discovery , Picard , and The Lower Decks , the Star Trek franchise is getting a new video game. Dramatic Labs, a brand new studio composed of former Telltale Games developers, announced during The Game Awards that it’s working on Star Trek: Resurgence , a story-driven game reminiscent of Telltale’s The Wolf Among Us and The Walking Dead .

According to the game’s press release, “Star Trek: Resurgence is an interactive narrative video game that tells an original story set in the era shortly after the events of Star Trek: The Next Generation.”

Players will control two characters aboard the U.S.S. RESOLUTE as they work to unravel a mystery in order to prevent a galactic war. Spock made an appearance in the announcement trailer and Dramatic Labs has confirmed players will get to meet other “new and returning characters through a variety of dialogue and action gameplay to determine the course of the story.”

Dramatic Labs was founded by Kevin Bruner, co-founder of Telltale Games and, according to some sources, part of the reason for Telltale’s disastrous end . Despite this, Dramatic Labs became a home for over 20 former Telltale Games employees. Star Trek: Resurgence features Telltale’s lead writer, creative director, and cinematic director, which might signal the studio’s commitment to making the same kind of games Telltale was famous for.

As in previous Telltale games, player choice will drive the experience and affect the story’s outcome.

“As fans of Star Trek , it’s truly an honor to be crafting a story which puts players right in the heart of the action, where significant choices and decisions will affect the entire narrative,” said Bruner in the press release.

Star Trek: Resurgence launches in Spring 2022 for Xbox, PlayStation, and on the Epic Games Store exclusively for PC.

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Star Trek: The Next Generation – Guide and Walkthrough

Nes 3do game boy.

Guide and Walkthrough (NES) by AWing_Pilot

Version: Final | Updated: 06/17/2008

View in: Text Mode

Download Star Trek: The Next Generation - "A Final Unity"

• My Abandonware

Star Trek: The Next Generation - "A Final Unity"

Also available on: Mac

Description of Star Trek: The Next Generation - "A Final Unity"

1995, the year Star Trek: The Next Generation - "A Final Unity" was released on DOS, as well as Mac. Made by Spectrum Holobyte, Inc. and published by MicroProse Software, Inc., Spectrum Holobyte, Inc., MicroProse Ltd., this adventure and strategy game is available for free on this page.

External links

How to play star trek: the next generation - "a final unity".

For the Windows portable version, follow the instructions in _ReadMe.txt file, kindly provided by the repacker ThisGuyYouKnow

This is the installation part:

INSTALLATION: The "STTNG" folder must be placed in the root directory of any drive you wish to install it on. Ergo, if on your system drive the path must read C:\STTNG\ The game will fail to load properly if you place the STTNG folder within any subdirectory or other folder, unless you make path changes to the sttng.ini file & the [autoexec] section of dosbox.conf file.

Captures and Snapshots

Comments and reviews

Dave 2023-05-06 1 point

When I think that I have throw my original copy to garbage. Had to clean the garage.

Bob 2022-12-18 0 point

The link for nrgtoiso is down, you can use the google cache to fetch it back the download link for the program is http://www.softsea.com/download.php?id=838298351

shatner sulu 2022-12-16 2 points

im trying to run this in d-fend reloaded (it still runs it through dos box). but when i save, it doesnt actually save. any idea what i can do to fix this?

Mac 2022-09-06 0 point DOS version

I'm one of the 500k lucky ones to still own an original copy.

Chantibob Schiggler 2022-04-25 2 points

Thank you verry mutch :-) it is great, a travel into my childhood

Beavis & Butthead 2021-05-17 1 point DOS version

Lmfao it's an NRG file that get's downloaded. Need to use something like winimage to convert it to ISO file that dosbox can recognize.

Schaeefer 2021-01-31 1 point

So I had the same "fatal error. could not find resource file check resource file - check CD path in sttng.ini." after following QUEEN K JUUL's instructions for the auto config (if you go through the normal steps everytime it works but as they said its a hassle) Put the below in your auto config mount c C:\DOS C:\ imgmount d -t iso startr~1.iso cd sttng sttng

TLOBDOG3000 2020-10-17 -1 point DOS version

Hi i'm trying to get this to work I get as far as installing the game step 11 when it asks me to insert the CD rom into my device. When i try to run the game it gives me "fatal error. could not find resource file check resource file - check CD path in sttng.ini." please help

Okiram87 2020-07-31 2 points DOS version

Hi, Thank you for the thorough explanations. I was able to get D-Fend DOSBox, install the games, and also set the AutoExec command using the correction at the top. but it restarted from the beginning. How do I set it so it will used my saved game?? Any help is very appreciated.

Hockey9314 2020-07-07 3 points DOS version

Thanks to "QUEEN K JUUL" I haven't played this game in 20 years and just spent hours playing it on my Windows 10 device. Everything worked fine up to direction #18 (editing DosBox options for easy start up of the game) Some of the directions were out of order and wouldn't let the game boot up. I figured it out and have the correction #18 coding below: mount c C:\DOS c:\ imgmount d -t iso STARTR~1.ISO cd STTNG STTNG.EXE

CluelessDOS 2020-05-12 4 points DOS version

Thanks QUEEN K JUUL for the details. On point 9, it says "image file not found" when I put in the command imgmount d -t iso STARTR~1.ISO. Any ideas? :( Thanks

Kilford Brimley 2020-05-10 0 point

Note to new players, holding Shift speeds up the interminable walking speed. Found it by accident, and have since bound it to a mouse button. So playable now!

queen k juul 2020-04-08 26 points DOS version

Guide for Windows folks (Win10, brand new DOSbox install): 1. Download file from here 2. Go to nrgtoiso.com and download the utility, convert the file from here to ISO format (afaik DOSbox will not read NRG images) 3. Install latest DOSbox 4. Create a DOS directory (I just used C:\DOS, you can use whatever) 5. Put the ISO in the DOS directory 6. Run DOSbox 7. In DOSbox, run "mount c C:\DOS" or whatever your DOS folder path is 8. Switch to C:\ (just type C: in DOSbox and hit Enter) 9. type "dir" and hit enter, you *should* see an entry like "STARTR~1 ISO". If you do, run "imgmount d -t iso STARTR~1.ISO". If you don't make sure the ISO is in your DOS folder and that if your DOS folder is not C:\DOS that you replace that with your folder in the mount command above 10. With the image mounted, run "D:" to get to the CD drive, then run "INSTALL.EXE" 11. Click Install Game. Choose the Optimal install in the installer. It should auto-detect everything as fine with stock DOSbox settings. Continue, and install to drive C:. It will look like it is stalled out, but give it time. Took about 10 minutes before I saw any progress on the installer screen for me. **NOTES HERE** You can press Control+F12 to increase the cycle count (shown in the window titlebar) and install faster. I pushed mine to ~75,000 and it finished in a few seconds. Use Control+F11 to set it back to ~3000 when you're done. SET IT BACK WHEN YOU ARE DONE. Control+F10 gets your mouse out of the DOSbox window. 12. Eventually, it will be done. Select "Configure Hardware" from the next menu, then "Configure Sound Card". Select "Auto Detect" at the top and hit OK. It should detect the default DOSbox sound device with no problems. Click "Sound Test" then "OK" to make sure you can hear Sir Patrick's soothing voice before continuing. 13. Select Set Up Video Mode and continue. You can use Auto Detect, but you should already have "640x480 65000 colors" in the list, and you can just pick that, too. Hit OK. You may receive a warning about movies playing at the wrong speed, so far I've found it safe to ignore that. 14. Set Fullscreen to ON (even if you're playing in a window!) Leave UniVESA Off. 15. Continue, it should run a test and show you a beautiful picture of the Enterprise-D to confirm. If you set 640x480 and Fullscreen On, it should fill the whole window. press Enter to continue. 16. You're set. Hit "Return to previous menu" then "Exit and save game configuration" then "Exit Installer" 17. You should now be in the "C:\STTNG" folder where you can run the game just by running "STTNG" from the prompt. 18. When you go to run the game next time, you will need to mount C and D again. You can go to StartDOSboxOptionsDOSbox Options, scroll all the way to the bottom, and add the following in the "AUTOEXEC" section: mount c C:\DOS imgmount d D:\STARTR~1.ISO -t iso C: cd STTNG STTNG.EXE NOTE: if you want to be able to play other games than this one in DOSbox, only put "mount c C:\DOS" and "C:" in autoexec. I wrote a little bat file to mount the CD and start the game for me instead DOSbox config can be set to your liking, I've had good luck with So yeah, there you have it folks! The almost all-too-complete guide! Oh yeah, to adjust the hardware settings later, use "setup.exe" from the STTNG folder. Live long and prosper, loves!

Zakomac 2020-03-26 0 point

Hello. I downloaded the game from this site and tried to run it through DosBox, but was unable to do so successfully. Can someone please help me and explain how to do it? I would really sincerely appreciate it.

Jon 2020-03-23 2 points Mac version

Does any have a tip for running this on a Mac? I've downloaded it and unzipped through Stuffit but I get a message saying it can't open because the Classic environment is no longer supported. Thanks in advance!

LtCommanderBorf 2020-01-07 1 point

I was able to get this to run just fine on Win 10 using Power ISO and D-Fend Reloaded as suggested in the comment by IMAMIXOLOGISTNOTADOCTOR. I found the tutorial on youtube here: https://youtu.be/2Weo7xJCtvM

Imamixologistnotadoctor 2019-12-11 2 points

Power iso will read & mount .nrg xtensions. Free program. Also recommend dfend reloaded, dosbox included therein. Equally priced. ☺ happy holidays & thanks for the upload (s).

Q 2019-09-13 0 point DOS version

This game work on windows 10.I saw running offcorse with emulator. I recommend a lot this game and Star Trek Hidden Evil and (25th and 25th Judement Rites enhanced versions) and away team and ds9 and ds9 the fallen and klingon honor guard.

Wop 2019-09-02 0 point DOS version

Hey, this isn't the iso version. This is a .nrg and dosbox won't play .nrg.

Jimbo 2019-04-26 -3 points DOS version

To Infinity and beyond.

EasyChair 2019-03-12 0 point DOS version

I remember playing this game through back in the day when it was new. I really liked it then. So I started it again with Dosbox. But this time I encountered a game breaking bug on Frigis. I just can't open the door to the Fifth Scroll. Each time when I try to insert the blue talisman into the niche there it says "It didn't work." No chance to open the door. Has someone here a solution for this or at least a cheat to get over this?

Holonet 2019-02-17 0 point DOS version

For Windows 10 (or any, really), try DosBox SVN Daum or DosBox-X. The "official" DosBox isn't maintained anymore (since 2010), but there are forks that have far exceeded the original, and consequently, much less of a PITA to get this gem running on.

shw 2018-09-14 0 point DOS version

Hey Doug, Would love to get the manual. I had the game long time ago and for some stupid reason decided to throw it away with some other old CDs from magazines.

Doug M. 2018-08-21 4 points DOS version

Love this game! I own this game, still have the box, CD-ROM, manual, and copy of original registration card in tact yet I'm forced to seek out a version from an abandonware site (am assuming this is a volunteer-run site as opposed to some scam site, based on the positive comments I've been reading). :) I'd be happy to scan the manual, if you don't have a copy. Let me know. Reach out to me on Twitter @dmehus. Thanks, Doug

italmike2k2 2017-12-16 -3 points

Mount the image. Lets say your E drive. Mount the image in Dosbox as D, i believe you need -t cdrom at the end of it. Mount the game directory as C in dosbox. I normally don't get specific and mount right into the game directory. The games don't like that. I just mount the drive and navigate my way there.

italmike2k2 2017-12-16 2 points DOS version

This is the best star trek game ever made.

Anonymous 2017-11-12 0 point

There's a video on YouTube on how to do it. I don't have the link but its there. You have to mount img.iso Or something there abouts.

anonymous 2017-09-08 -5 points

How do you get this to work on Dosbox? I mean ISOs?

derpington83 2017-07-21 -1 point DOS version

Codga 2017-06-05 2 points DOS version Anyone give me some help on how to run this game on Windows 10? Sure! I will helpfully tell you that you are boned! Yeah windows 10 does not play well with old games. 8.1 runs everything...even the ol tie fighter game.

Codga 2017-06-05 1 point DOS version

Anyone give me some help on how to run this game on Windows 10?

Treacherous Romulan 2017-04-13 1 point

Loved this game as a kid. The TNG cast voiced this adventure and it's entertaining. I remember being stumped by some of the puzzles but now days we have the internet to help. I loved manning all the enterprise stations and ordering the crew to do hazardous tasks while tracking down answers to a mysterious new alien race.

omegazeo 2016-11-04 -11 points DOS version

this game is good but i prefer 25th aniversary editon and judgement rights i love riker and picard n worf but rest of cast of next generation chars suck while orginal star trek is friggin epic

Holonet 2015-09-13 5 points

I can't believe there are no comments by this game. Out of all the Star Trek games I ever played, this is the only one I had good things to say about. For the time, the graphics are enchanting, it has the full main cast voice acting it, and the story, in the form of a long episode, is as good as any actual episode in the series.

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Share your gamer memories, help others to run the game or comment anything you'd like. If you have trouble to run Star Trek: The Next Generation - "A Final Unity", read the abandonware guide first!

We may have multiple downloads for few games when different versions are available. Also, we try to upload manuals and extra documentation when possible. If you have additional files to contribute or have the game in another language, please contact us!

DOS Version

Mac version.

• Publisher: Spectrum Holobyte, Inc.
• Developer: Spectrum Holobyte, Inc.

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Star Trek: The Next Generation Guides and Walkthroughs

Star Trek: The Next Generation is a video game based on the popular science fiction TV series of the same name, developed by Absolute Entertainment and published by Spectrum HoloByte. The game was released for the SNES (Super Nintendo Entertainment System) console in 1994. In Star Trek: The Next Generation for SNES, players take on the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard and command the USS Enterprise-D as they explore space, engage in starship battles, and interact with various characters from the TV series. The game features a combination of space combat and adventure gameplay, with players navigating the starship, managing crew, and engaging in strategic battles against enemy ships.

The game features multiple missions, each with its own storyline and objectives, as well as familiar characters from the TV series, including Picard, Riker, Data, Worf, and more. Players can control the Enterprise's systems, manage resources, and engage in tactical combat against hostile alien species. Star Trek: The Next Generation for SNES features graphics and sound that were typical for the era, with 2D sprite-based visuals and synthesized music. It offers a unique gaming experience for fans of the Star Trek franchise and those who enjoy space exploration and combat games.

Star Trek: The Next Generation Game Genie Codes (USA)

Star Trek: The Next Generation Pro Action Replay Codes (USA)

Level Passwords

When the Star Trek Logo appears press the following buttons: Y, Y, X, X, A, A, B, B and begin the game then pause and press Y.

Appearance of the IFD: LQTTCTBB

Collect mineral samples on Orientis Gamma III: BKFTCTBB

Crystal Shard 1: LHTTMTBV

Crystal Shard 2: MGTTMTBV

Crystal Shard 3: NNTTHTBB

Eunacian's Derelict Spacecraft: CGTTBTBB

Orientis Alpha IV Epidemic: BGTTBTBU

Rescue captured Nakamoti Freighter: JFTTCTBV

Trapped Miners on Orientis Gamma II: BDTTCTBV

Trip to Codis Mu IV concerning the Tavad: GCTTCTBV

The Final Test: PHTTNTBV

Return to Snes Walkthroughs Home Page

The Game (episode)

• View history
• 1.2 Act One
• 1.3 Act Two
• 1.4 Act Three
• 1.5 Act Four
• 1.6 Act Five
• 1.7 Log entries
• 2 Memorable quotes
• 3.1 Story and script
• 3.2 Production
• 3.3 Cast and characters
• 3.4 Sets, props, special effects, and costumes
• 3.5 Continuity
• 3.6 Reception
• 3.7 Video and DVD releases
• 4.1 Starring
• 4.2 Also starring
• 4.3 Guest stars
• 4.4 Co-stars
• 4.5 Uncredited co-stars
• 4.6 Stand-ins and photo doubles
• 4.7.1 Library computer references
• 4.7.2 Deleted references
• 4.8 External links

Summary [ ]

" What is this? " " It's a game. "

Commander Riker is on shore leave on Risa , where he's been spending time with a Ktarian woman named Etana . In his room at the resort he is staying at, she teases him by taking his combadge , and then, to his disbelief, throws it out a window. While they lie down together, Etana introduces to him a game involving a device that fits over the ears and projects signals into the eyes. This creates in the wearer's field of vision an image of discs going into funnels. When a disk goes into one of said funnels, the player is "rewarded" by receiving pleasure signals from the device. Etana says that the game can go as far as the player will take it, and Riker decides to continue playing.

Act One [ ]

Riker enters the bridge and notices that things are starting to get busy around the Enterprise . He says that five new science teams have just beamed in from the USS Zhukov with quarters filling fast. Captain Picard adds that on top of everything else, they only have two weeks to complete the exploration – something that Riker doesn't like, as he thought they had five weeks. This is due to the recent addition of a diplomatic mission to Oceanus IV to the agenda. Picard tasks Riker to ensure that all the science teams have an equal chance to complete their research, which would be a tough juggling act, says Riker. Picard also tells the first officer that they also have a scheduled rendezvous with a shuttle carrying Wesley Crusher , who is on vacation from Starfleet Academy and could provide some much-needed extra help.

In Engineering , Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge is up to his neck in observation schedules and explains to Riker the biggest hurdle would be sensor availability, a task made more difficult since two new exobiologists and three stellar cartographers transferred from the Zhukov . Getting down to the business of availability, La Forge tells Riker that the lateral sensors are booked solid for planetary observation, and the gamma ray scanners are being reprogrammed by Ensign Robin Lefler . La Forge compliments her work in engineering, remarking that she's the specialist for this mission. Lefler explains to Riker that they're increasing the available bandwidth of the sensors so more science teams can use the sensors at once. This is done by multiplexing the array, and Lefler assures the first officer that it will be done before they arrive at the Cluster. Riker tells La Forge that he's brought something back from Risa that he has to try. La Forge reluctantly takes a pass as he is running a full sensor recalibration in ten minutes but promises to see Riker about it later.

In Ten Forward , Riker enters and immediately eyes Deanna Troi , who is sitting at a table enjoying a large chocolate sundae . Jokingly, he asks if she's depressed, to which Troi replies, " I'm fine, Commander. " She offers him a spoonful, but he politely declines, saying he doesn't like fudge . Troi smiles and tells Riker she never met a chocolate she didn't like. Getting technical, she describes the experience by explaining the best way to eat it and enjoy it, a detailed ritual which amuses Riker. " Chocolate is a serious thing ", she informs him. He then tells her about the game he brought back from Risa, which he promises would be " better than chocolate ".

Act Two [ ]

The Enterprise makes a rendezvous with the USS Cochrane , and Wesley is transported aboard and greeted by Chief O'Brien . He congratulates him on the recent birth of his daughter . O'Brien says that she's the spitting image of her father. He informs Wesley that the senior officers are currently in a meeting, and that Wesley can go to his mother 's quarters . At Wesley's request, O'Brien hails the bridge and confirms that it's all right for Wesley to drop into the observation lounge to say hello. Worf tells O'Brien that he supposes that that would be acceptable. Wesley thanks O'Brien and leaves the transporter room with a confused look on his face.

A darkened room awaits Wesley, who looks around in confusion. The lights go on and Doctor Beverly Crusher greets her son with a big hug, followed by Picard. He speaks to him in Latin and Wesley responds back; Picard credits that his Latin has improved. Troi compliments the uniform as he is looking handsome, and La Forge says the uniform probably "drives the girls wild". Worf offers him a Tarvokian pound cake which he made himself. Data then asks if their attempts to make him uncomfortable were effective. Wesley admits they were, having wondered if he was on the wrong ship. Riker asks Wesley to assist the crew with the Phoenix Cluster survey, a request that Wesley accepts without hesitation. La Forge wants him to settle in first and then to see him in engineering to get started. Beverly then asks Troi about the game, and she invites the doctor to come by her quarters to check it out.

Wesley and Data talk about his time at the Academy, which Wesley found surprisingly challenging, as there's much more to know there than starship operations . Data recounts his awkward early days at the Academy, during which his lack of Human understanding put him at a social disadvantage. One example was practical jokes , of which the android was a victim of several. Wesley completely understands and shares a practical joke that was played on him by fellow cadet Adam Martoni . Another social obstacle was the Academy's annual Sadie Hawkins Dance . It was an awkward experience for both. Wesley admits he's not a dancer, and Data shares that he personally learned to dance thanks to Beverly, a talented former dancer. He offers to share what he learned with Wesley.

Getting right to work, Wesley begins to modify the planetary scans while keeping the datalines open for the stellar physicists . Seeing that he's having difficulties with the sensors, Lefler walks over and gives him a hand. They introduce themselves, but before they can chat, Lefler points out that Wesley's neutrinos are drifting, leaving Wesley scrambling to get back to work. Wesley looks at her as she leaves, then turns back to his work. Lefler takes a look back at him as well.

Conflicts arise between the stellar physicists and the planetary evolution team, with both of them wanting to be the first to use the thermal imaging array , Data reports. La Forge suggests they flip a coin , as they won't be able to finish the mission without working together. Data is then called away to sickbay by Beverly, who needs assistance. As he enters, she is working on an experiment using bioactive silicon and needs her tricorder modified to a certain specification. Data agrees to help, but as he works on the tricorder, Beverly shuts him off. Troi and Riker enter sickbay and Riker carries him to a bio-bed , and has the computer secure the doors. Beverly then takes a cutting tool , opens a panel on the back of Data's head, and begins to work on the android.

Act Three [ ]

Enjoying some tea with Picard, Wesley details his instructors at the Academy: Novakovich for anthropology , Walter Horne for creative writing . Picard is pleased to hear that Wesley met Boothby his first week, as he had suggested the year before . When asked how he was doing and mused that Boothby may have told Wesley some stories about Picard in his Academy days, Wesley admits Boothby didn't remember Picard until he saw an old yearbook picture. Boothby was very proud that Picard had become captain of the Enterprise and showed Wesley a grand tour of the gardens – the very same tour Picard got when he was at the Academy. Wesley then asked about the initials "A.F." that Boothby caught Picard carving in his prized elm tree , which Picard admits was an old acquaintance of his. His preoccupation with her cost him a passing grade in organic chemistry . Picard advises Wesley that whenever he meets someone whose initials he would carve in that elm tree, it should not interfere with his studies. Picard is then summoned to sickbay by Beverly.

Beverly explains to the captain that Data was complaining about a servo malfunction , and although her scans came up negative, he collapsed. La Forge determines that his higher signals are intact, but none of them are entering the rest of his body through his positronic brain , leaving him in an almost comatose state. Picard wants to be kept up-to-date on the situation.

In Data's quarters, Riker and La Forge end up with a dead end with no evidence to support a shutdown. The personal , diagnostic , and duty logs all show normal and a standard security sweep shows nothing out of the ordinary. Riker assures the troubled La Forge that Dr. Crusher has everything taken care of, and suggests that La Forge takes a break to unwind. La Forge agrees, which opens the opportunity for Riker to introduce him to the game.

Still working on the sensors, Lefler shares with Wesley her view of conduit configuration quoting her personal Law #36: " You have to go with what works ". The laws are her personal rules: whenever she learns something new, she makes a law so as not to forget it. To date, she has 102 laws . She credits Wesley's reputation for being good. Wesley realizes that Lefler knows more about him than he realizes. She admits she's heard about him from a few friends at the Academy. She also wants to know about the revenge prank he played on Adam Martoni. Wesley mentions there is another side to the story, and then Lefler inquires about his birthmark . Wesley complains he is at a disadvantage, as he hardly knows Lefler. While he needs to work on the sensor relays, he offers a chance to even the score. He invites her to meet him for coffee , but she counters with a dinner proposal, which he accepts.

Beverly clears a challenging level of the game in her quarters , but is interrupted by Wesley, who inquires about it. Embarrassed, she concedes that the game was meant for him, but she couldn't resist trying it out. When offered a chance to try it, Wesley passes and instead asks about Data's condition. She says La Forge has everything under control, and stops Wesley from going to help out, reminding him he's on vacation. Running late for his date with Lefler, Wesley promises his mother he will have time to spend with her while he's on board. She then becomes adamant for her son to try one round of the game, but he insists he needs to get ready for his date. She tells Wesley to have a good time and sets the game down on a table.

Lefler begins to talk about her life in Starfleet ; her childhood involved frequent moving, as her parents were highly in demand as plasma specialists . As a child, she enjoyed playing with a tricorder , as Wesley did with a warp coil . She concedes her parents didn't have much time to spend with her, even when she needed them, which prompted her to make her first law: You can only count on yourself . They begin to discuss the game. Lefler says everyone in engineering are going crazy over it. They glance over at a crewman at another table playing the game in a trance-like state. Lefler dismisses it as a fad, but Wesley wants to find out more before playing it. They team up to look into it, and as they leave Ten Forward, another crewman in a command red uniform begins playing while seated at the bar .

The two begin to study the game, and what it does to the brain . The highest concentration of activity is in the pleasure center of the brain, a key component in the game: it's addictive. Another unusual reading comes from the prefrontal cortex , which handles reasoning. Wesley concludes he needs to inform the captain about this discovery.

In the captain's ready room , Wesley explains to Picard what he and Lefler discovered, having concluded that the game is psychotropically addictive. Picard is even further concerned when he learns the game affects the brain's reasoning center. Picard says that he'll start an investigation immediately, and thanks Wesley for bringing it to his attention, mentioning how good it is to have him back. As soon as Wesley leaves, he turns around, picks up the game he had hidden when Wesley arrived, and resumes playing.

Act Four [ ]

By now, the game has spread through most of the ship. Wesley meets Lefler in Ten Forward and the two discuss how they're constantly being approached by people who are almost desperate to get them to try the game, as Chief O'Brien had a moment ago. Wesley tells Lefler that he's told the captain, however a crewmember interrupts asking them why they're not trying the game and is about to force hers onto Lefler's head before the two leave, but not before deducing that only Data would be immune to the game and how convenient it was that he suffered a mysterious "malfunction" just after it arrived. Wesley and Lefler look over Data's systems and determine that someone has severed a connection between his positronic brain and the rest of his body. Wesley is disturbed and tells Lefler that only two people on board the Enterprise have the training and experience to disable Data in this way: La Forge and his mother. They deduce that he has been deactivated to be kept out of the way so that the game could be spread throughout the rest of the susceptible crew.

The Enterprise arrives at some designated coordinates, and Picard sends the senior staff to see to it that the few unaffected crewmembers left are introduced to the game, reminding them not to forget about Wesley. Worf and Beverly go to see to it that Wesley plays the game, only to find that he and Lefler have already seemingly succumbed to it. Satisfied, they leave, only for Wesley and Lefler to return to normal, having replicated dummy devices to fool the rest of the crew. They agree that no one can be trusted now, however Robin has to leave to report for duty, knowing that her absence could arouse suspicion. Wesley asks her to access the codes for the security tracking system as he has a plan, and she tells him to watch his back.

Now believing the entire crew has played the game, Captain Picard summons all the senior offices to the bridge. Worf tells Picard that an alien ship is approaching and is hailing the Enterprise . Picard asks Worf to put the message on the video screen. It is Etana Jol, the woman from Risa who originally gave the game to Riker during his shore leave . She is in fact a Ktarian commander, and she now asks Captain Picard for a report. Picard answers " The Enterprise has been secured. We await further instructions ".

Act Five [ ]

Etana is delighted with Picard's response, and it is now apparent that her encounter with Riker back on Risa was designed to be more than just a romantic interlude but was part of her plan to addict Riker to the game to the point that he would bring it back to the ship. Over time, the game's addictive and mind control properties would allow Etana to gain control of the Enterprise and its crew. The true intention of the game is also clear now: it is part of a Ktarian "expansion project" and a plot to help the Ktarians take over the Federation . She now orders various members of the crew to visit nearby Federation outposts and installations to distribute the devices there, and also to make sure that all other ships in the sector get the game. In a reference to Wesley, Picard also informs Etana that they may be able to get the devices to Starfleet Academy. Etana closes the transmission by saying the crew will all be rewarded when the "expansion" is completed.

Nurse Ogawa playing the game

Wesley meets up with Lefler in Engineering, where he tells her he's prepared a site-to-site transporter program in case of an emergency and asks how she's been doing with the security system. However, he then notices that she's staring at him blankly. He realizes something is wrong as Lefler reveals she's been exposed to the game and tells Wesley it's his turn. Riker and Worf have been hiding in order to perform an ambush. Wesley manages to escape from engineering and makes a run for it with Riker and Worf in pursuit. When further progress is blocked by a force field , he activates the transport program. He is beamed to Transporter room 3, on Deck 6. In order to prevent the crew from tracking his whereabouts, Wesley ditches his combadge and deactivates it as he flees the room.

After working through some of Wesley's sabotage , the crew tracks him to deck six and traps him with force fields. Wesley takes out a type-1 phaser and sets it to randomly fire on the force field. This activity is detected, tricking the crew into thinking he was trying to cut through it and buying him time to get away. He escapes into the Jefferies tubes , but they scan for his body heat in that quarter of the saucer section . Knowing where he's going, Worf and Riker corner Wesley in a Jefferies tubes junction and capture him. Even though he grabs onto a grate to anchor himself, they eventually manage to drag him to the bridge, struggling the entire way.

Held down into the captain's chair , he is forced to use the game device, his head held still and at Picard's encouraging, his eyes forced open by Riker and Worf. Wesley still fights them while his mother encourages him to just relax and let the game play itself. In fact, the game does play itself: Wesley refuses to throw the disks into the funnels, but the funnels stretch toward the disks and pull the disks into themselves, triggering the same effects that would have been triggered if Wesley had voluntarily thrown the disks into the funnels. It would seem that he is now addicted – and Ktarian control of the Enterprise is now complete.

Data foils the Ktarian plot.

At that moment, the lights on the bridge go out, plunging the room into darkness. Data appears from the turbolift and, using a palm beacon , flashes an optical burst pattern into everyone's eyes which disrupts the games effects and returns everyone to normal. He has the lights turned back on before telling Worf to lock onto the Ktarian ship with the tractor beam . As Worf goes to do so, Data asks Picard if he is alright, and the shaken captain says "I think so, Mr. Data."

As soon as Etana's ship is captured, she angrily hails the Enterprise , demanding an explanation. When Picard says that her plot has failed, she threatens to open fire on the Enterprise , but Worf scans her ship and pointedly reports that with her ship's limited defenses, she is not a threat at all. After making it clear to Etana that she cannot escape, Riker closes the channel on a speechless Etana.

Riker is curious of how Data is working again despite being disabled. Wesley explains that he had managed to reconnect Data's positronic matrix before he went to Engineering. After learning of the situation, Data had set to work in finding a way of counteracting the game's mind control (eventually modifying the palm beacon), while Wesley distracted the crew for as long as possible with his wild goose chase. As for the rest of the crew, Data had programmed the computer to send the same coded burst patterns to all of the display screens, work stations, and terminals throughout the ship, which should cure everyone. With the conspiracy over, Picard decides to take the Ktarian ship to the nearest starbase .

Lefler is helping Wesley prepare to leave the Enterprise . His vacation is over – back to the Academy and his studies. Riker informs Wesley that his ship is waiting, and he should report to the transporter room. Wesley acknowledges that he'll be there shortly. But first he and Lefler say their goodbyes to each other, they kiss , and she gives Wesley a going-away gift – a copy of her 102 laws written down. Wesley decides to add "Law 103… A couple of light years can't keep good friends apart". She nods her approval and Wesley is transported to the USS Merrimac that will return him to Starfleet Academy. Lefler watches Wesley longingly as he leaves.

Log entries [ ]

• Captain's log, USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D), 2368

Memorable quotes [ ]

" You see the disk and the cone? " " Yeah. " " Concentrate. Make the disk go into the cone. " " How do I do that? " " Just let go. "

" Would you like me to leave the two of you alone? "

" I never met a chocolate I didn't like. "

" Chief O'Brien to bridge. " " Bridge here. " " Wesley Crusher has arrived and wants to know if he can stop by the observation lounge to say "Hi." " " I suppose that is acceptable. "

" Wesley… Tarvokian pound cake . I made it myself. "

" Chocolate is a serious thing. "

" No, thanks. I don't like fudge. "

" Quomodo tua Latinitas est? " (Translation: " How's your Latin? ") " Praestat quam prius. " (Translation: " It's better than before. ") " Oppido bonum. (Translation: " Very good. ") Your Latin has improved. "

" Report. " " Welcome, Etana. The Enterprise has been secured. We await your further instructions. "

" Your neutrinos are drifting. "

" It's your turn. Play the game, Wesley. "

" Geordi, a conflict has started between the planetary evolution team and the stellar physicists. Each wishes to be the first to use the thermal imaging array. " " Well, tell 'em to flip a coin . We've got to work together on this mission otherwise we're never gonna get it done. " " A coin. Very good. I will replicate one immediately. "

Background information [ ]

• Final draft script: 23 August 1991 [1]
• Filmed: 28 August 1991 – 6 September 1991
• Additional day of second unit filming: 3 October 1991
• Premiere airdate: 28 October 1991
• First UK airdate: 25 January 1995

Story and script [ ]

• Like " Darmok ", the story for this episode had a somewhat tumultuous path to the screen. It had originally been pitched by Susan Sackett and Fred Bronson during the fourth season . However, as Ronald D. Moore recalled, " 'The Game' kicked around for quite a while and went through lots of permutations. " Many writers had taken many approaches to the story, including two drafts that were abandoned. ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 230-1)
• Bronson recalled, " It was based on the fact that I had a Tetris game on my computer at home. Whenever I wanted to […] distract myself I would play Tetris and it was very addictive. " ( Starburst Special #29, p. 58)
• Michael Piller was convinced the premise couldn't be saved. However, Rick Berman reminded Piller that he had been concerned about the lack of science fiction premises on the show. Berman thus suggested giving the story to Brannon Braga , as his first assignment after joining the writing staff. Braga took the pitch in a darker direction, summarizing his treatment as " Wesley's come home and his family's out to get him. " ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 230-1; Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion  (2nd ed., p. 181))
• Braga compared the plot of this episode to Invasion of the Body Snatchers . ( Intergalactic Guest Stars , TNG Season 5 DVD special features) Jeri Taylor commented, " Through an evolutionary process – without really intending to ape that movie – this insidious spread of a game had its origins in kids being addicted to video games now, and what happens to them. That was the original intent and that's what drove the final story and script. That insight followed the development. " Braga added, " It's ironic to have the adolescent come back to find all the adults are addicted to a game which is something you'd expect the other way around. " ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 230)
• Braga observed, " We were going for fun and high concept. It's an atypical show in some ways and a lot of people had trouble believing Picard would become addicted and all these people would get hooked, but that's the story. Either you tell it or you don't. Not that we didn't give a lot of thought to how the characters became addicted. The characters only become addicted because they were getting the game from people they trusted, which is exemplified in the notorious chocolate scene, which had a very mixed reaction, but I had a lot of fun writing it. " ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 230)
• Braga saw this episode as a chance to make the character of Wesley Crusher "a little hipper", by giving him a girlfriend and by showing him to be a cadet capable of pulling practical jokes. ( Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion  (2nd ed., p. 181)) Braga remarked, " When I was writing the teleplay, I tried to relax him a little bit and took the opportunity to make him a more relaxed character with some personality and some spunk. He's more savvy because he was at the Academy and has gone through some changes and he'll pick up on Robin Lefler. " ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 230)

Production [ ]

Director Corey Allen instructing Brent Spiner and Wil Wheaton

• "The Game" was filmed between Wednesday 28 August 1991 and Friday 6 September 1991 on Paramount Stage 8 , 9 , and 16 . On Monday 2 September 1991 , the production was off for Labor Day Holiday. An additional day of second unit filming was on Thursday 3 October 1991 on Paramount Stage 9 and 16.
• While at Dragon Con 2011, Brent Spiner recalled that during production of this episode, the scene wherein Data is deactivated by Dr. Crusher and falls down onto a bio-bed, Spiner actually hit the bed so hard he cut his chin and had to go to the hospital. After returning to the set, director Corey Allen immediately asked Spiner to do the scene again. [2]
• On Thursday 29 August 1991 , a camera crew from CBS This Morning visited the set and interviewed the cast members.
• "The Game" was the first episode to air following Gene Roddenberry 's death on 24 October 1991 .

Cast and characters [ ]

• This was the second and last appearance of Ensign Robin Lefler ( Ashley Judd ). After her first appearance, in " Darmok ", the writers had been looking for a vehicle for her return, and this story was seen as a perfect fit. ( Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion  (2nd ed., p. 181))
• Wil Wheaton fondly remembered working with Judd, noting that he was Judd's first on-screen kiss. ( Intergalactic Guest Stars , TNG Season 5 DVD special features)
• Brannon Braga admitted that he hit on Judd during filming, and was "dutifully ignored". ( Star Trek: The Next Generation 365 , p. 227)

Sets, props, special effects, and costumes [ ]

The optical extension of the Jefferies tube behind Worf

• The headpieces for the Ktarian game were created by property master Alan Sims , using telephone headsets . ( Star Trek: The Next Generation 365 , p. 226)
• A suite on Risa , as it appeared in " Captain's Holiday ", was recreated for this episode. It has the same architecture and similar decorations (including a horga'hn ) as Captain Picard's room and even features the Risian ocean, seen through the window.
• The engineering laboratory is a re-use of the sickbay lab, also seen as the tactical laboratory . It includes the star chart seen behind Dexter Remmick in " Conspiracy ".
• The Ktarian vessel is a re-use of the Zalkonian warship , which itself was a redress of the Tarellian plague ship .
• Several parts of the bridge of the Ktarian ship, including the chair and the viewscreen, also appeared on Romulan ships.
• This is the first appearance of Wesley Crusher 's cadet -style Starfleet uniform . The Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion  (2nd ed., p. 181) notes that Wesley's cadet uniform lacks pips, as was later established in " The First Duty ".
• The blue-grey shirt that Wil Wheaton wore as Wesley in this episode was sold off on the It's A Wrap! sale and auction on eBay. [3] [4]
• This is the first appearance of a matte painting as optical extension of the Jefferies tube . The call sheet features the note "Art/Graphic – translight backing of tube".

Continuity [ ]

• Data references the events of TNG : " Data's Day " when he tells Wesley that his mother recently taught him how to dance. This also means that Data broke his promise to Doctor Crusher that he keeps this fact between the two of them.
• Deanna Troi 's love of chocolate was established in " The Price ".
• Wesley and Picard also discuss Boothby , who was first mentioned by Picard in TNG : " Final Mission ".
• While in a turbolift , Nurse Alyssa Ogawa comments to Wesley that she is on level 47 of the Game, repeating the theme of including that number in the series.
• This episode was the second time the sonic shower was referenced and the first to mention it by name, though it was several years before one was seen again, on Star Trek: Voyager .

Reception [ ]

• Michael Piller commented, " I thought it was a great episode. That was an episode that dealt with my fascination in watching my two sons with their obsession for video games and doing a show that dealt with a non-world shattering issue but people's obsession, almost addiction, to certain types of games. " ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 230) Piller praised Braga's efforts, and thought it showed that he had promise as a writer. " He delivered that script and did some wonderful things. He wrote scenes that didn't depend on action but went straight to character; and a two minute scene with Troi and a chocolate sundae which was wonderfully written. He has an extraordinary talent to find the moments in [a] script where you can throw in character development and spend the time doing that for the sheer delight of getting to know the character better – and not interrupting the flow. " ( Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion  (2nd ed., p. 181))
• Brannon Braga remarked, " It was corny, even at the time. But I enjoyed writing it. It was fun to realize that Picard had been seduced by the game, and it was fun to watch Beverly Crusher attempt to entice her son. The script was produced exactly as I wrote it, so it was an extremely positive experience for me. " ( Star Trek: The Next Generation 365 , p. 227)
• Jonathan Frakes also enjoyed "The Game", commenting, " That's a fun episode… It was like O.D.'ing on Nintendo . " However, he was disappointed with the computer graphics used to depict the Ktarian game , stating " They told me it was going to be this incredible graphic, and all it was… was a tuba on a checkerboard ". ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 231)
• Writer Marc Scott Zicree was not impressed by how this episode developed the character of Wesley Crusher. Commented Zicree, " He falls in love with a girl and they share chocolate mousse – give me a break. " ( The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years , p. 106)
• A mission report for this episode by John Sayers was published in The Official Star Trek: The Next Generation Magazine  issue 18 , pp. 38-41.

Video and DVD releases [ ]

• Original UK VHS release (two-episode tapes, CIC Video ): Volume 53, 5 October 1992
• UK re-release (three-episode tapes, Paramount Home Entertainment ): Volume 5.2, catalog number VHR 4761, 22 July 2002
• As part of the TNG Season 5 DVD collection

Links and references [ ]

Starring [ ].

• Patrick Stewart as Capt. Jean-Luc Picard
• Jonathan Frakes as Cmdr. William Riker

Also starring [ ]

• LeVar Burton as Lt. Cmdr. Geordi La Forge
• Michael Dorn as Lt. Worf
• Gates McFadden as Dr. Beverly Crusher
• Marina Sirtis as Counselor Deanna Troi
• Brent Spiner as Lt. Commander Data

Guest stars [ ]

• Ashley Judd as Robin Lefler
• Katherine Moffat as Etana
• Colm Meaney as Miles O'Brien
• Patti Yasutake as Alyssa Ogawa
• Wil Wheaton as Wesley Crusher

Co-stars [ ]

• Diane M. Hurley as Woman
• Majel Barrett as Computer Voice

Uncredited co-stars [ ]

• Arratia as Alfonse Pacelli
• Rachen Assapiomonwait as Nelson
• Joe Baumann as Garvey
• Cece Bell as command division officer
• Bowman as civilian
• Michael Braveheart as Martinez
• Camara as operations division officer
• Victoria Cameron as Ten Forward waitress
• Max Cervantes as operations division officer
• Cullen Chambers as command division officer
• Tony Cruz as Lopez
• Denise Deuschle as science division officer
• A. Flores as science division officer
• Goldie Ann Gareza as civilian
• Keith Gearhart as science division officer
• Melba Gonzalez as command officer
• Eben Ham as operations division ensign
• Linda Harcharic as command division ensign
• Grace Harrell as operations division officer
• Melanie Hathorn as sciences officer
• Gary Hunter as science division officer
• Joly as command division ensign
• Kast as command division officer
• Alex Landi as operations division officer
• Mark Lentry as science division lieutenant
• Debbie Marsh as command division ensign
• Michael Moorehead as science division ensign
• Randy Pflug as Jones
• Greg Poole as civilian
• Bill E. Rogers as operations division officer
• Noriko Suzuki as operations division ensign
• Curt Truman as command division officer
• Guy Vardaman as Darien Wallace
• Dru Wagner as Daniels
• Christina Wegler Miles as civilian
• Garvey (voice)
• Male civilian
• Ten Forward waiter #1
• Ten Forward waiter #2

Stand-ins and photo doubles [ ]

• David Keith Anderson – stand-in for LeVar Burton
• Cameron – stand-in for Gates McFadden
• Foster – stand-in for Wil Wheaton
• Debbie Marsh – stand-in for Marina Sirtis
• Tim McCormack – stand-in for Brent Spiner , Wil Wheaton , and Colm Meaney
• Lorine Mendell – stand-in for Gates McFadden , Katherine Moffat , and Ashley Judd
• Diane Reilly – stand-in for Ashley Judd
• Richard Sarstedt – stand-in and photo double for Jonathan Frakes and stand-in for Colm Meaney
• Dennis Tracy – stand-in for Patrick Stewart
• Guy Vardaman – stand-in for Wil Wheaton
• Dana Vitatoe – photo double for Brent Spiner
• Steve Voboril – photo double for Wil Wheaton
• James Washington – stand-in for Michael Dorn
• Anne Woodberry – photo double for Gates McFadden
• Diane York – photo double for Katherine Moffat

References [ ]

" a juggling act "; A.F. ; access code ; addiction ; advice ; alien ; announcement ; anthropology ; antimatter regulator ; astronomical survey ; bandwidth ; bearing ; bioactive silicon ; biosystem ; birthmark ; blade ; body ; Boothby ; bow ; brain ; brain activity ; bypass ; cadet ; calibration ; cat ; chance ; cherry ; chili sauce ; chocolate ; chocolate chips ; chocolate fudge ; chocolate ice cream ; chocolate sundae ; Cleon system ; Cochrane , USS ; coffee ; coin ; coma ; communicator ; computer ( main computer ); conduit ; cone ; coordinates ; corridor ; cortex processor ; course ; course (education); Creative Writing ; Crusher One ; dad ; damage ; dance ( dancing ); " Dancing Doctor, The "; data line ; date ; deception ; deck ; depression ; detector ; device ; diagnostics ; dinner ; diplomatic mission ; disc ; display screen ; duty logs ; ear ; effect ; elm ; Endeavour , USS ; engineering laboratory ; " even the score "; event ; exobiologist ; experience ; experiment ; expert ; explanation ; exploration ; exposure ; eye ; fad ; Federation ; feeling ; first year cadet ; " flip a coin "; friend ; forcefield override ; frontal lobe ; fun ; gadget ; Galaxy class decks ; gamma ray scanner ; gift ; " give me the creeps "; grass ; hail ; higher functions ; higher reasoning ; holodeck ; horga'hn ; Horne, Walter ; Human ; hundred ; ice cream ; illumination ; information ; initials ; instruction ; intercept course ; internal security sensors ; investigation ; Jefferies tube ; junction ; kiss ; Ktarians ; Ktarian game ; Ktarian vessel ; lateral sensor ; Latin ; Lefler's Academy friends ; Lefler's parents ; Lefler's parents' sector ; lesson ; light ; light year ; location ; long-range array ; luggage ; malfunction ; Martoni, Adam ; medical program ; medical team ; meeting ; Merrimac , USS ; Midsummer Night's Dream, A ; minute ; mission ; mission specialist ; mom ( mother ); mud ; multiplexing ; name ; nervous system ; neural output ; neurochemical analysis ; neurological behavior program ; neuroreceptor ; neutrino ; Novakovich ; nurse ; O'Brien, Molly ; Oberth -class ; observation schedule ; Oceanus IV ; online ; opportunity ; optical burst pattern ; optical sensor ; Organic Chemistry ; palm beacon ; panel ; partner ; personal logs ; phenomenon ; Phoenix Cluster ; photo ; physics lab ; place ; planetary evolution team ; planetary observation ; planetary scanner ; plasma specialist ; playing field ; positronic brain ; positronic link ; positronic matrix ; power cell ; practical joke ; prefrontal cortex ; processor ; problem ; psychotropic drug ; quarters ; region ; rendezvous ; research ; reticular formation ; Risa ; ritual ; Robin's Laws ; rumor ; Sadie Hawkins Dance ; scan field ; Science department ; science team ; sculpting ; section 23 ; section 25 ; section 29 ; section 52 ; security alert ; security containment field ; security sweep ; security tracking code ; security tracking system ; senior officer ; senior staff ; sensor array ; sensor pad ; sensor recalibration ; sensor relay ; septal area ; serotonin ; serotonin cascade ; servo ; shutdown ; shuttlebay ; shuttlecraft ; side effect ; signal breach ; signal flow ; site-to-site transport ; site-to-site transporter program ; size ; sleep ; social gathering ; sonic shower ; spoon ; specification ; Spot ; starbase ; Starbase 67 ; Starbase 82 ; starboard ; Starfleet ; Starfleet Academy ; starship operations ; status ; stellar cartographer ; stellar physics ; stellar physicist ; story ; subcommand ; subprocessor ; subroutine ; survey ; synapse ; synaptic activity ; tactical analysis ; Tarvokian pound cake ; taste ; tea ; teaching ; terminal ; testing ; " the spitting image "; thermal imaging array ; thermal sensor ; threat ; three-dimensional chess ; tour ; tractor beam ; tradition ; transporter room 2 ; transporter room 3 ; transporter system ; tricorder ; " try it on for size "; turbolift ; unconsciousness ; understanding ; " up to my neck in "; vacation ; victim ; viewer ; warp coil ; " watch your back "; weapons system ; week ; work station ; year ; yearbook ; Zhukov , USS

Library computer references [ ]

• Federation Star Chart ("The Explored Galaxy") : Aldebaran ; Alfa 177 ; Alpha Carinae ; Alpha Centauri ; Alpha Majoris ; Altair VI ; Andor ; Ariannus ; Arret ; Babel ; Benecia ; Berengaria VII ; Beta Aurigae ; Beta Geminorum ; Beta Lyrae ; Beta Niobe ; Beta Portolan ; Camus II ; Canopus III ; Capella ; Daran V ; Delta Vega ; Deneb ; Eminiar ; Fabrini ; First Federation ; Gamma Canaris N ; Gamma Trianguli ; Holberg 917G ; Ingraham B ; Janus VI ; Kling ; Kzin ; Lactra VII ; Makus III ; Marcos XII ; Manark IV ; Memory Alpha ; Mudd ; Omega IV ; Omega Cygni ; Organia ; Orion ; Pallas 14 ; Phylos ; Pollux IV ; Psi 2000 ; Pyris VII ; Regulus ; Remus ; Rigel ; Romulus ; Sarpeid ; Sirius ; Talos ; Tau Ceti ; Theta III ; Tholian Assembly ; Vulcan

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External links [ ].

• " The Game " at Memory Beta , the wiki for licensed Star Trek works
• " The Game " at Wikipedia
• "The Game" at StarTrek.com
• " The Game " at MissionLogPodcast.com , a Roddenberry Star Trek podcast
• "The Game" script  at Star Trek Minutiae
• " The Game " at the Internet Movie Database
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Recap / Star Trek: The Next Generation S5 E6 "The Game"

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Original air date: October 28, 1991

This episode begins with Riker on vacation to the pleasure planet Risa, enjoying some time with a Ktarian woman named Etana Jol. During the course of their frolicking, she introduces him to a small headset device: a holographic video game, and an incredibly simple one at that—just put the frisbees into the tornados to win. Riker notes the little jolt of pleasure the device gives him, his reward for winning. As Riker's eyes glaze over, the music takes an appropriately dark turn.

After Riker's return, the ship is journeying to the Phoenix Cluster to do some exploration. Wesley Crusher stops by on break from Starfleet Academy and gets welcomed back by a surprise party. At Riker's suggestion, Wes makes it a working holiday and pitches in to help the Enterprise complete its exploration. And so down to Engineering Wes goes, where he meets the pretty and plucky young Ensign Robin Lefler. Sparks start flying, and not from the warp core.

In the meantime, Riker is trying to show The Game to everyone within earshot. Then, in turn, each person who receives The Game tries to shill it to everyone else as well. This cannot be good. Indeed, at one point Dr. Crusher calls Data down to sickbay to assist her with a Technobabble experiment, but while his back is turned she hits his hidden off-switch and starts tinkering with his brain. Later, she tells Picard that Data simply collapsed after a servo malfunction; but La Forge determines that Data's brain is still fully functional, but somehow unable to send control signals to his body. And then Riker gives him the Game.

Later on, Wesley is working closely with Lefler and discovers that she knows all about him. He's something of a celebrity in the Academy. She teases him over some rumors about him, and Wes invites her on a date to get to know him for real. On his way to meet Lefler, Wes barely scrapes past being "introduced" to the Game by his mother. During his date, he and Lefler bond over growing up with parents in Starfleet. They start to notice that everyone on the ship is becoming obsessed with the Game and decide to make it a shared activity to study it.

Wes and Lefler quickly discover that the Game is highly addictive and also affects the reasoning sections of the brain, a sinister combination. Wes goes to Picard to announce his findings, but unbeknownst to him, the captain is already under the Game's thrall. The plucky pair also examine Data and find that someone has severed the connection between his brain and his body, rendering him inert. No one except Dr. Crusher and La Forge know how to do that, and the pair conclude that the Game is somehow behind all this, since Data would be the only crewmember who is not susceptible to its brainwashing effects. Sure enough, Worf and Crusher arrive with a pair of Game devices to force on Wes and Lefler, only to find them already playing. Fake out! Those were phony devices! And so the duo are free to continue their investigation cum resistance .

Meanwhile, a ship approaches and contacts the Enterprise ; it's Etana Jol, only now she's got a decidedly military-looking uniform and hairdo. This device is, in fact, her tool for gaining control of the Enterprise and its crew. But not just the Enterprise ; she gives orders that the Game be spread to various Starfleet and Federation installations as part of her "expansion" project. But first they'll have to deal with Wesley and Lefler, who they now realize are not really playing the Game.

Wes meets Lefler in Engineering, and discovers that she's been compromised (off-screen) when she tries to foist the Game upon him. Wesley initiates a lengthy game of cat-and-mouse with the crew, but is eventually caught, brought to the bridge, and forced to play the Game. At that moment, Data steps onto the bridge, lowers the lights and flashes a strobe into everyone's eyes, bringing them back to normal. Wesley reveals that sometime in the interim, he had repaired Data and played the cat-and-mouse to give Data time to come up with a way to circumvent the brainwashing . The cleansing strobe effect has already been sent throughout the ship, and Dr. Crusher is sent to help the remaining stragglers.

The Enterprise captures Etana's ship, and everything is back to kosher. Wes kisses Lefler goodbye as he prepares to return to Starfleet, proclaiming that a few light years can't keep good friends apart.

This episode contains examples of the following tropes:

• Behind the Black : Picard has a version of the Game sitting on his display mount, just off-camera, during his entire conversation with Wesley. Wesley should have been able to see it from his perspective.
• Big Damn Heroes : Wesley is captured and forced by the senior staff to play The Game, but then a reactivated Data appears on the bridge to reverse the conditioning.
• Bitch in Sheep's Clothing : Etana starts the episode acting like a giggly, lovey-dovey girl before revealing her plans to conquer The Federation .
• Blinded by the Light : Data snaps the crew from their trance by flashing lights in their eyes.
• Boldly Coming : Riker has a dalliance with a Ktarian on Risa, which turns out to be a Honey Pot .
• Busman's Holiday : Even though Wesley's technically on vacation, he still helps out with tech stuff on the Enterprise .
• Data recalls his dancing lessons with Dr. Crusher in " Data's Day ," and Wesley repeats her hated nickname, "the Dancing Doctor."
• Wesley and Picard discuss Boothby the Starfleet Academy groundskeeper, whom Picard mentioned in " Final Mission ."
• Cargo Ship : In-Universe — Riker ships Troi with her chocolate sundae. Her sensual description of eating the sundae reinforces it. Riker: Would you like me to leave the two of you alone?
• The Commandments : Lefler's Laws. Robin has codified a list of 102 rules out of her life lessons to make sure she never forgets them.
• Companion Cube : Robin's first friend was a tricorder; Wesley's was a warp coil.
• "Die Hard" on an X : The climax plays out like this, with Wesley being the only one out of the entire crew not addicted to The Game.
• Does This Remind You of Anything? : The game's euphoric effects and addictive nature are supposed to be reminiscent of narcotic drugs.
• Ktarians are later revealed to be Federation members and the next Ktarian character who is seen (well, half-Ktarian) looks absolutely nothing like Etana Jol in any way.
• This episode features the first official appearance of the TNG-era Starfleet cadet uniform (in "Allegiance", Mitena Haro is introduced as a cadet, but since she wasn't who she seemed, it isn't clear whether she was wearing a legitimate uniform): a predominantly black two-piece jumpsuit with red shoulders, which would resemble the uniforms later featured on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: Voyager . However, Wesley's uniform lacks the pips indicating the cadet's class year seen in subsequent episodes.
• Escalating War : Wesley apparently had one of these with a fellow cadet who had a reputation as a prankster when he first got to the Academy - Wesley's sonic shower was reprogrammed to cover him in mud, so he got the other guy back by programming an antimatter regulator to spray him with chili sauce.
• Failed a Spot Check : Later when Wesley uses a phaser to distract several guards, he enters a room to hide from them as they pass by. The door is open when the guards pass, but they clearly ignore a suspiciously open door to deactivate the phaser.
• Fantastic Drug : The Game. It stimulates the pleasure center of the brain while it also does something to the part of the brain that controls higher reasoning.
• Flash-in-the-Pan Fad : Discussed. Robin Lefler initially thinks The Game is just a passing craze. "It's a fad. This week it's popular, next week we won't even know it existed ."
• Food Porn : Troi enjoys a chocolate sundae in Ten Forward, and goes into surprising detail about how she eats it. Troi: I never met a chocolate I didn't like. Riker: Doesn't it taste good? Troi: Of course it does, but it's not just a matter of taste. It's the whole experience. First of all, you have to spoon the fudge around the rim, leaving only ice cream in the middle. Then, you gently spoon the ice cream around the sides, like you're sculpting it. Relish every bite. Make every one an event. And then, with the last spoonful, close your eyes. Riker: I had no idea it was such a ritual. Troi: Chocolate is a serious thing.
• Forced Addiction : The entire plot hinges on the Ktarians getting the Enterprise crew addicted to the game and becoming unwittingly pawns in their plan to distribute it throughout the Federation.
• From Bad to Worse : The entire senior staff has fallen victim to The Game and is prepared to surrender the ship to Etana. Shortly afterwards, Wesley learns that Robin is also now under The Game's influence.
• Hidden Depths : Apparently Worf can bake; he provides Wesley with a slice of Tarvokian pound cake which he claims he made himself. Impressive in an age where replicated food is the norm and most people could go their entire lives without having to cook.
• Honey Pot : Etana Jol seduces Riker as a means of introducing him to the Game.
• Lotus-Eater Machine : The Game is a head-mounted holographic “game”, which is slowly brainwashing the user to do whatever they’re commanded to do. The more they play, the more entranced they become.
• My God, What Have I Done? : The Enterprise crew are horrified by their actions after they're brought back to normal by Data.
• Wesley goes to Engineering to execute The Plan , sees Robin at her console and starts telling her about it... and then sees the blank look on her face... Wesley: ... Robin? Robin: It's your turn. Play the game, Wesley.
• And then Worf and Riker walk in, forcing Wesley to run like hell.
• Phlebotinum-Proof Robot : Since Data is an android and thus immune to the game due to having no brain per se, Dr. Crusher, while being brainwashed by it, turns him off. Luckily, Wesley Crusher succeeded in re-enabling him before being forced to play the game.
• Pink Means Feminine : Robin wears a pink dress for her date with Wesley.
• Pleasure Island : The Game is promoted by everyone who plays it as the most fun activity imaginable. It not only turns out to be extremely addictive, but is ultimately revealed as the key piece in a plot to take over the Federation.
• Real Men Can Cook : Worf makes Wesley a Tarvokian pound cake.
• Recycled In Space : The episode is very reminiscent of Invasion of the Body Snatchers .
• Rubber-Forehead Aliens : Etana Jol the Ktarian is still human-looking enough to seduce Riker, though her design makes her look a little like Rocky Dennis .
• Serious Business : Chocolate, according to Deanna. Apparently, it's even Better than Sex to her. Then Riker tells her that The Game is even better than chocolate...
• Smart People Know Latin : Picard and Wesley have a few lines of dialogue in Latin. Apparently, it's part of the Starfleet Academy curriculum. Picard: Quomodo tua Latinitas est? note  "How's your Latin?" Wesley: Praestat quad prius. note  "It's better than before." Picard: Oppido bonum. note  "Very good." Your Latin has improved.
• Story-Breaker Power : Data can't be affected by The Game, which is why the affected crew members disable him.
• Sweetie Graffiti : Picard apparently got in trouble with Boothby for carving "AF" into his prized elm tree.
• The Only One I Trust : Wesley and Robin become this to each other once they realize how far The Game has spread. And then Robin gets compromised.
• Unspoken Plan Guarantee : We don't find out until after the plan has succeeded that Wesley was serving as a distraction while Data worked out a way to end the Game's effects.
• We Need a Distraction : Wesley manages to get Data reactivated off-screen and proceeds with the big chase to buy him time to figure out a solution.
• Wham Shot : Just before Wesley enters Picard's ready room to tell him about The Game, we see him put something off to the side but not what it is; after Wesley leaves, Picard picks it up—and it's The Game.
• Star Trek: The Next Generation S5E5 "Disaster"
• Recap/Star Trek: The Next Generation
• Star Trek: The Next Generation S5E7 "Unification 1"
• South Park S18 E6 "Freemium Isn't Free"
• Video Game Stories
• Teen Titans Go! S2 E39 "Video Game References"

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Star Trek: The Next Generation (TV Series)

The game (1991), ashley judd: ensign robin lefler, photos .

Quotes 

[Lefler's Laws] 

Ensign Lefler : Law 1: You can only count on yourself.

Ensign Lefler : Law 17: When all else fails, do it yourself.

Ensign Lefler : Law 46: Life isn't always fair.

Ensign Lefler : Your neutrinos are drifting.

Ensign Lefler : Law 36: You gotta go with what works.

Ensign Lefler : Law 91: Always watch your back.

Ensign Lefler : [about her childhood]  I spent all of my time around technical equipment. My first friend was a tricorder.

Wesley Crusher : Really? My very first friend was a warp coil.

Wesley Crusher : Maybe there's more going on here than we thought. What if someone's trying to use the game for some purpose other than pleasure?

Ensign Lefler : Then Data would be a threat to that plan. And only with Data out of the way would everyone become addicted.

Wesley Crusher : And everyone has... except us.

Ensign Lefler : It's your turn. Play the game, Wesley.

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6 Coolest Weapons From Star Trek: The Next Generation, Ranked

Star Trek: The Next Generation introduced plenty of sci-fi weapons that kept audiences fascinated and kept the action high.

There's a lot of love for virtually every Star Tre k property, no matter how obscure, but The Next Generation seems to be the one series that everyone likes. Its success in the 80s and 90s ensured the popularity that the modern IP still enjoys, including several movies and shows that are direct spinoffs and include many of the same characters.

The Next Generation was popular because of the upgraded 24th-century technology, which includes ships, space stations, and weapons. Some of the coolest weapons in the Star Trek franchise can be found in the hands of Picard, Data, Tasha Yar, and Worf, or mounted on the hull of the Enterprise NCC-1701-D.

8 Coolest Starships From Star Trek: The Next Generation

6 the borg cutter, even the name sounds nasty.

• Appeared In: Star Trek: The Next Generation , S3E16, "Q Who"

Laser weapons appear more often in older Star Trek shows , like The Original Series , but the few that appear during the TNG era are massive constructs as opposed to hand-held weapons or even cannons mounted on the ship's hull. An example of this was the Borg laser cutter. This weapon was designed to have different settings for both large-scale and more precise, surgical destruction.

The Borg laser cutter can slice through a modern starship hull with ease, disintegrating even the toughest of shields. However, it wasn't just a blunt force area-of-effect-type weapon. At lower levels of power, it could be used as a giant precision cutter to rip larger structures apart, a handy ability for salvage or theft as opposed to straight assimilation.

5 Varon-T Disruptor

Powerful, valuable, and devastating.

• Appeared In: Star Trek: TNG , S3E22, "The Most Toys"

Of these banned weapons, only five exist in the whole universe. Obsessive trader, kidnapper, and extortionist Kivas Fajo owns four of them. He used them in the TNG episode "The Most Toys" to kidnap Data and hatch a plot to release a virus in an unsuspecting colony.

Star Trek: The Next Generation Characters Who Appear On Other Series

These aren't the usual phasers that stun, disintegrate, or even put a hole in someone, which is bad enough in itself. The Varon-T Disruptor destroys the target from the inside out, on a molecular level, ripping them apart before they die. It's gruesome, nasty, and for a bad guy who wants to steal an android, kind of cool.

4 Ferengi Energy Whip

Just as cool as it sounds.

• Appeared In: Star Trek: TNG , S1E5, "The Last Outpost"

The Ferengi Energy Whip is comparable to a bullwhip in shape and size, although it appears to be little more than a long blue stick at first glance. This early TNG episode was the first time the Ferengi appeared onscreen, and several of their weapons were featured in a brief clash with the Enterprise crew.

Any kind of Ferengi weapon might be difficult to take seriously, since these aren't exactly known as warlike people. But in addition to being as dangerous as a conventional bullwhip, this weapon also discharges a phaser pulse in the same direction. It's hard not to admit that it still looks pretty cool, even if it isn't that dangerous.

A Poisonous Handshake

• Appeared In: Star Trek: TNG , S1E4, "Code Of Honor"

Certain cultures have unusual or dangerous weapons that are unique in the universe, and the Glavin is a good example. It appeared in only one episode, "Code of Honor," but it was a memorable encounter, even if this episode has aged poorly as a whole.

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The Glavin is like a gauntlet or glove that is worn on the hand. The "fingers" are equipped with sharp claws, while the back of the hand and wrists are lined with poisonous spikes. It was Tasha Yar who had the good fortune to wield it in combat, and Worf kept it in his quarters in her honor along with the other distinct weapons in his collection.

2 The Stone Of Gol

A mysterious vulcan weapon.

• Appeared In: Star Trek: TNG, S7E4, "Gambit"

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The Stone of Gol is a psionic weapon that responds to strong feelings, and when the Vulcans of ancient times learned to control their emotions, it was rendered obsolete. The weapon wasn't so much hidden as just forgotten, upon becoming a glorified paperweight.

1 Quantum Torpedoes

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• Appeared In: Star Trek: Deep Space Nine , S3E9, "Defiant"

Quantum torpedoes are used in Deep Space 9 more often than in The Next Generation , only making an appearance in one of the movies. However, Jonathan Frakes appeared as Riker in the DS9 episode in which they were introduced, making it a crossover of sorts. They were also some of the weapons featured in the TNG movies Star Trek: Nemesis and Star Trek: First Contact.

Quantum torpedoes, as the name states, rely on the quantum energy of the universe, which means that they harness the power of the vacuum of space. They're an upgrade from the photon torpedoes of previous shows, with twice as much destructive power. That's the equivalent of 100 megatons of trinitrotoluene, also known as TNT, which is pretty cool if anyone needs to blow up a Borg cube.

Star Trek: The Next Generation