Star Trek Starfleet Academy 32x and SNES review and comparison. Is this a 32X hidden Gem?

[@christianna3561]

Great job! I really appreciate the fact you gave this game the respect it deserves. The insight on the better 32X sound quality was very well done! This game is another reason why I am a proud 32X owner! Keep up the great work.

[@Jenovi]

Thanks!

[@Lightblue2222]

The 32X might be my favorite sounding system ever. It's the last of the chip tune generation, past NeoGeo. Adds decent quality samples to the already great sounding Genesis. Allowing the FM to focus all its power on particular spots rather than juggling sound fx, drums, n' everything at once. The Master System chip is still in there for some measure too. The sound test menu for Knuckles Chaotix is a treat, it shows what all 3 chips are doing and even allows you to mess with the tempo for fun. My fav sounding games are the Sega Arcade Super Scalers.. and they are a mix of FM and Samples. Which is what the 32X is and why After Burner and Space Harrier sound almost arcade perfect. When things went to CD there was no more limitation. The limitation musicians had with retro game consoles forced them to create in a certain way. They put heart in if they wanted it to sound good.

[@zacharyjochumsen9677]

@@Jenovi hey kenobi did you ever ever hear of the star trek stafteeta academy pack in CD roms that came with the star fleet acdemy a thion figures that like had info and bacground innthe chrectoorsc a d like lor and backstory

[@ROOKTABULA]

"This game is another reason why I am a proud 32X owner!" Wow. Lmao! I've been buying home consoles since the release of the 1st Pong (!) home system from Coleco was released. I was alive (and suckered) by Sega into buying the ABYSMAL 32X console (after getting slightly less burned on the Sega CD). Of the 18 consoles I've bought over the decades: The 32X is EASILY, in terms of failing to live up to the hype and the most atrocious collection of software, the WORST mass market console brought to the market by a major manufacturer.

[@Bird_Dog2099]

Another proud 32X owner here! I agree the 32X was capable of really great music. I wish more people would have bought it. I've heard before many many times (and I understand & agree w) all the criticisms of it, however I like to think about what if it had actually sold fairly well. I would have loved to see some of the cancelled games that were either in planning or in development come out. For it's small library I think it actually has quite a few gems. As for consoles that came out that did poorly I would say the Virtual Boy (which I love and own, not hating), Jaguar CD, and N64 Disc Drive thingy all did as bad if not worse than the 32X, and there are a few others I'm forgetting. I'm hopeful that we see start seeing more homebrew for the 32X and the CD. The massive overhauling of Doom on 32X recently is truly an amazing achievement.

[@LoveatFirstHike]

"The best pool experience on the 32X".. are there others?? haha. Love the review, great game!

[@Jenovi]

It's also the only pool experience on the 32X.

[@emmettturner9452]

The controller is the wireless 6-button “Remote Arcade System” (includes receiver) or “Remote Arcade Pad” (remote-only for 2nd player) controller from SEGA. I bought them new and still have them boxed. They’re still relatively new since I also got a used Remote Arcade System/Pad set and even a third loose Remote Arcade System. They may be IR but they’re easily my favorite controllers on Genesis!

[@Jenovi]

Never seen those in person.

[@emmettturner9452]

Jenovi somehow I just keep finding them in the wild. :)

[@hadessuk]

Agreed, they’re better sized than the US/Euro 6-button controller. segaretro.org/Remote_Arcade_System

[@FallicIdol]

I really would love a Star Trek game that felt like an episode, where thought, communication and strategy superseded action.

[@Jenovi]

I highly recommend the Star Trek Horizons mod for Stellaris. IMO it’s about as close to the experience your looking for.

[@FallicIdol]

I will definitely check it out. Thanks

[@roguerifter9724]

If you don't mind point and click adventures you could try the 25th anniversary PC game or Judgment Rights though those are more a few episodes rather then one.

[@TheGunmanChannel]

I noticed a typo haha. I don't know if it's just me but there's something cool about the SNES audio, I know it's better on the 32X but I love the SNES style audio. Awesome video again Jenovi cheers mate 👊

[@evilinsecticon3813]

No. The audio is better on the SNES. Hook them both through a stereo system and you'll hear the 32X has added noise. The SNES sounds pleasant. But, the 32X is definitely steps up in graphics and gameplay.

[@Lightblue2222]

@@evilinsecticon3813 SNES is a bit muffled. I have however noticed some 32X games "and Genesis" have unwanted noise. But it's usually not bad and still sounds crisper than many SNES games.

[@townlinetim876]

Another great video! Both fun and informative. I remember playing that game constantly when it came out. It was fun and punishing at the same time. Make sure to share this video. Help this channel grow.

[@Jenovi]

Happy to hear you liked it. What version did you own?

[@groundtank]

I owned the SNES version and I evangelize the hell out of it as a hidden gem to this day. I had no idea there was a 32X port, and based on this review it looks really awesome. Star Trek Pool Table simulator isn't something that I thought I needed until now.

[@freddiejohnson6137]

I didn't have any clue the 32X version existed until years later because by that time I had lost all interest in anything Sega when they had so many different systems on the market at the same time that they were releasing games for and anything that came out on the 32X completely passed me by until I seen the rom listed on a site in the mid 00s.

[@Disthron]

Really nice review. I have to say, as someone who owned the SNES version back in the day, I think the non-textured polygons of the SNES original have their own particular charm. These days I would play the 32X version just for the higher frame rate, but part of me wishes I could go back to the old SNES style graphics.

[@Lupinthe3rd.]

there emulators of the game so you can play it on youe computer just get a game controller and you will be a kid again

[@Catmato]

Star Track

[@Jenovi]

😂 I admit it, its a mispronunciation carried over from childhood that I can't seem to correct.

[@theblankachannel]

No it's Trek...

[@TightPantsJack]

I came to the comments looking for this.

[@IzludeTingel]

almost all star trek fans say track for some reason lol.. i've NEVER heard anyone say tr-eh-k xD

[@evilinsecticon3813]

Star track. Like space music or like space sprinting?

[@datswissguy5387]

Well done video. Good narration, i personally like it.

[@Jenovi]

Thank you very much.

[@andersdenkend]

I just want to let you know, that my comment would have looked exactly the same.

[@scottks6sd]

Lol wow thank u for this video brought back so many memories to be honest I actually like the Super Nintendo version better that's the one every I actually had a piece of paper and I wrote down every password so that way I can go back to where I need to go. I still have that book with all the passwords in it but it's nice to see people review this game thanks man for bringing back my childhood memories

[@Jenovi]

Thanks for watching. 😁

[@grahamdwells]

Great video. Nice review. I had that controller and yes the start button is there.

[@Jenovi]

Thanks Graham, appreciate the view and comment.

[@hannes896]

Yes, it is the wireless controller, but it actually doesn't have the second start button pictured in the manual.

[@Julian_Pepper]

5:58 In fact I'd say the 32x visuals have aged beautifully, great 2D artwork and a nice minimalist approach to 3D objects , the only issue I see for modern standards is a low framerate on 3D objects.

[@a2pha]

This is news for me there was a 32x version. I have played the original SNES cart for many months now. Nice to see there's a smoother and enhanced graphic and audio version on the Sega Genesis. I will definitely check it out.

[@Jenovi]

Very much worth a play though.

[@jamesstaggs4160]

"I would call it the best pool experience on 32X." Ah yes 32X pool simulators. A long and distinguished list of games I'm sure.

[@infinitecanadian]

When I first listened to the audio of the 32X version, it was on an emulator. It seems that the digital audio was not emulated correctly. Now that I know what it _really_ sounds like, I am amazed!

[@Jenovi]

That's one reason I only play on real hardware. If I'm going to spend my time, I want the full unadulterated experience.

[@infinitecanadian]

@@Jenovi I just tried it on an emulator. They must have improved the emulation, for it sounds _amazing!_ When I first saw the game, I was like, 'meh', but now that I have seen this improved emulation, I am in awe!

[@roetemeteor]

This honestly makes me think that someone could probably go to the SNES version and patch it to run in a similar sense to the 32x version. Give it a super FX2 patch and Redbook audio for CD quality sound.

[@theobserver4214]

The issue is that the Genesis 32X is dramatically more powerful than the SNES with a SuperFX chip. Would be a lot of work.

[@albdamned577]

Starfleet Academy for the pc was one of those purchases I got from the bargin Bin and was totally worth it! I couldn't imagine the game being as good without the FMV though.

[@4Legacy]

Growing up, this was one of the few games I had for 32X. I had never seen anything Star Trek (still haven't, but I'm starting to become curious lol), so I basically had NO idea what I was doing. Still, I had always been a fan of point and click games, so I would pop this in on occasion, hoping to figure it out.

[@Jenovi]

I don’t think this was a common game. I had a ton of 32X games and don’t ever remember seeing this in stores.

[@robertthomas5736]

Thank You Interplay

[@OpenMawProductions]

Trek. Star Trek. It's not a track. It's a Trek. An adventure through the Stars.

[@MsBee]

I can't believe there are not more people calling this out lol I don't care what you're "used" to saying, say it right!

[@paulmccarthy508]

I’m not a huge fan of Star Trek, and have always steered clear of this game. However, after watching this, I might have to give it a go. I liked the side by side comparison with the SNES, those 32X graphics during that dialogue sequence were what I used to call “32X graphics”..... and that there would never be anything better. Great video sir. I look forward to the next one.

[@Jenovi]

I think "32X graphics" are a great way to describe it. Enough power to really make things look nice, but not enough to do the terrible early 3D that just doesn't hold up today. As always Paul, thanks for stopping by.

[@Lightblue2222]

And if you don't like it, you at least have Pool for 32X. Who doesn't like a good game of 3D pool?

[@joeroeder3742]

I'm playing this game on my SNES right now and I'm so happy. Like, dude, I'M A STARSHIP CAPTAIN!

[@mikel6989]

best pool on the system cause i think its the only pool game on the system haha

[@Jenovi]

It's almost the best Pool experience on the Genesis/32X/and Sega CD.

[@robertthomas5736]

This Game has it's own,Very Cool Pool Game!

[@PixelSlayers]

Looks good! Never played this one before. I might look into it! If you're looking for other good Star Trek games, I'd suggest A Final Unity (DOS) and Elite Force (PS2/PC). Also, I am LOVING that rendition of the Wrath of Khan score. Right in the feels!

[@Jenovi]

I'll been on the look out for that PS2 game.

[@taurezfrankie7322]

Jenovi It’s a pretty solid FPS. Plus it’s got most of the voices from the Voyager cast.

[@f.k.b.16]

2:37 is exactly how I did it in the 90's but thanks for the tip!

[@IzludeTingel]

oh yes, i remember there's a code on the SNES that lets you play all ships in VS mode.

[@Jenovi]

Interesting

[@zachreddy]

The SNES version had higher poly, more-accurate ship models, and the lights panning across under the view screen were missing in the 32x version. Also those textures were pretty atrocious. I’d love to see a modern remaster of this game, keeping the higher res art from the 32x version but giving the gameplay a 60fps higher-poly 3D look. So basically a Saturn/PS1 port.

[@Jenovi]

Man, I would love to see a Saturn port.

[@MoonSarito]

These graphics are pretty impressive for a SNES game without the Super FX chip and looks even better on the 32x.

[@robertthomas5736]

The 32 X Version is Totally Awesome

[@VulpisFoxfire]

I forget, was this before or after Sega's Star Trek arcade game?

[@Jenovi]

The arcade game was released in 1982, this game was released in 1995.

[@marklechman2225]

I loved the Mac version of this. It's one of the few games I've actually completed. I recently picked up the 32x version but I haven't really spent much time with it yet. Think I'll give it another try tonight.

[@Jenovi]

How did it go?

[@fakereality96]

Talk about a blast from the past! I got this game when I was in either the 3rd or 4th grade for Super Nintendo. It was way better than the Next Generation game with its stupid mining mission that seemed to take forever. My only knock against this game was never being able to play as a Klingon Bird of Prey. I wanted to cloak and sneak up on starships.

[@OneMeanDragon]

its to bad the source code for this game was lost.

[@jesuszamora6949]

This game would have ROCKED on the Saturn and PlayStation.

[@Mekanaizer]

What game-pad within the 32X manual is/was the wireless game-pad by SEGA. The Neptune was going to be packed with one, at least the idea was well spoken.

[@Jenovi]

I've never used Sega's Wireless controller, but I don't think a good one hit the market until the Logitec for PS2 released.

[@Mekanaizer]

Try the new Genesis Wireless game-pad by krikzz. That is the newest blast.

[@dl211981]

Do review Mortal Kombat II for 32X and SuperNES.

[@Jenovi]

It's planned. I don't know when, but I'll eventually get to every 32X game.

[@Ladderthief1]

I had the SNES version and I loved it. Sunk many hours into it but never could get 100% on every mission.

[@Jenovi]

These are solid games.

[@freddiejohnson6137]

One thing about the extra ships in the 32X version is they were unlockable were a cheat code on the ship section screen so they were all there. The SNES version was probably more impressive overall considering it didn't use any additional chips to do the polygon models so probably would have been much closer to the 32X version if it had used the Super FX chip. I never actually owned this at the time but had a friend that did and borrowed it off of him and remember beating it multiple times and playing the combat simulator for hours to see how I did against more opponents with weaker ships. I only ever seen one good review of it here in the UK at the time giving it a score in the 70s all others panned it. I thought it was great for the time and often wished there were far more missions per year to extend the experience.

[@Jenovi]

Fair assessment for sure.

[@DissociatedWomenIncorporated]

Live long, and prosper 🖖

[@SomeOrangeCat]

Well, one would expect a 32-bit game to perform better than a 16-bit one. Just saying.

[@Jenovi]

Honestly most ports coming from a home console rarely stack up against their original counterpart.

[@Taorakis]

I can't be the only one noticing that the Starships look way more.... non Canon in the 32bit Version. Weirdly blocky, with wrong dimensions etc. I came here from a different Video about the 32bit Version and thought this was just the Style of the game but 7:39 you can clearly see how the Oberth Class looks just right in the Nintendo Version. Strange! Even the Shuttle at 9:00 looks just plane wrong in the 32bit Version. What's going on there? o.Ô

[@LaVictoireEstLaVie]

You are not the only one. The "Excelsior" class and a couple of others in the 32X version look atrocious. The SNES had definitely far better geometry for their ship models.

[@VisualTedium]

Track. Ah no biggie. Good vids you got here. Subbed

[@Jenovi]

+Drew Nichols thanks. :)

[@yatsey007]

Always swerved this due in part to actually hating Star Trek with a passion. It just wasn't my thing yet my mum always insisted on watching it when it was on the TV. But,after this video,it actually looks pretty fun. Thanks for the video Jenovi,you may have just changed my mind.

[@Jenovi]

Hey Allan, I've actually owned this for years and never felt tempted to try it before now. It was quite a shock experiencing a great game that is completely off the radar. As always, thanks for watching and for the comment.

[@ChozoSR388]

It's a short E sound, not a short A sound. Trek, not Trak

[@Jenovi]

🤔 you sure about that?

[@robertthomas5736]

Incredibly Good Try To This Game, Incredible Music and Graphics, by Sega and High Voltage, With A Pool Table Game!

[@TheDukeOfZill]

snes had softer music, but better instruments. 32x had this almost DOS midi sound to it, not sure i liked it. 32x was faster and had texturing for the ships, that was a nice feature. they're both fine.

[@MsBee]

Star "Track"? you're killing me

[@robertthomas5736]

The Kobayashi Maru Battle

[@madmax2069]

Frontier: Elite II would have been a great game to have on 32x.

[@hatednyc]

Star TREK not Track.

[@qqq1701]

I loved the PC version when I was a kid.

[@OneUponADime]

I prefer the snes version because the ships are far easier to make out against the starry background

[@orderofmagnitude-TPATP]

Best pool on 32x aye?!

[@Gotchism4Life]

I loved the SNES version.

[@josephlasonde9427]

it's called Star Trek

[@Jenovi]

Star Track?

[@josephlasonde9427]

Star Trek. Not Star Trak.

[@iHusk]

Do people pronounce it Star Track just to piss me off?

[@Jenovi]

Yes 😂

[@doublestarships646]

The SNES version seems more charming to me

[@robertthomas5736]

Don't Make fun about The 32x Sega genesis Version, it is Incredible

[@kevinatkinson7155]

Why do you say "Star T-R-A-C-K" throughout this entire video? I'm not even a fan of the series, but I mean...knowing how hardcore its fans are, this seems like quite the gaff, no? [comment edited to add] ...But otherwise a great video, as the majority of yours are.

[@Jenovi]

It's unfortunately carried over from my childhood. There are a few words that I can't help but mispronounce.

[@kevinatkinson7155]

Well, I certainly can't & won't knock or argue with that answer.

[@InkySquid17]

When he says Star "Track". Blech

[@Jenovi]

I know, right!?

[@robertthomas5736]

The U.S.S Enterprise, Vs The U.S.S Reliant, The Kobayashi Maru

[@kyler247]

STAR TRACK

[@Jenovi]

You know, like an 8 track, but in space.

[@trazyntheinfinite9895]

the game was great but the PC version really was the best, then got topped by Klingon Acdemy.

[@Kibogu]

You know I have to say... I think the SNES version looks better. The ship models in the 32x version look.. weird.

[@LaVictoireEstLaVie]

Yes, they do look weird/bad. It is odd that they did not port the starships geometries and retextured them.

[@JoLiKMC]

… I wanna watch this review. But… every time this guy says "track" instead of "trek," it's like a record skip in my brain.

[@Jenovi]

Country boy vernacular.

[@JoLiKMC]

Was not expecting a reply. However, I'm glad you weren't fussed about what I said. Thanks for being cool, man. And, thanks for the video about this hidden gem! I only became aware of this version after someone commented on a idea of mine about the Super NES version. Unrelated: anytime I read "vernacular," I immediately think of Android 13 from _Dragon Ball Z,_ who is very much a "country boy." This personality trait got amped up to 11 in a parody/redux.

[@SomeOrangeCat]

My opinion of both versions was soured, because I had played the PC version first.

[@Jenovi]

Interesting fact, the game was remade for PC. It's not the same game though it contains the same name.

[@howitusedtobe]

Trek ! not Track !