Remember the golden age of PC gaming? When first-person shooters were king and Star Trek was boldly going where no game had gone before? Star Trek: Elite Force 2 might not have set sales charts ablaze back in June 2002, but it’s become a beloved classic for its blend of puzzle-solving, intense action, and engaging dialogue. But what many fans don’t know is that the game’s story took a dramatic turn due to the tragic events of September 11th, 2001.
A Shuttle Where Buildings Once Stood
In a fascinating new interview with FRVR, Benson Russell, the lead scripter and level designer for Star Trek: Elite Force 2, revealed how the terrorist attacks fundamentally altered the game’s narrative. “I remember, we were making Elite Force 2, and 9/11 happened at that time,” Russell explained. “One of the original scenes was, when you were at Starfleet Academy, it was supposed to get an attack, and we actually had a shuttle fly into a building and stuff like that.”
The implications are staggering. Imagine starting your Star Trek adventure with a scene mirroring one of the most horrific events in modern history. Thankfully, this content was deemed too sensitive and ultimately removed or significantly reworked. “Well, that was a no-no for understandable reasons, of course,” Russell stated plainly.
A Lasting Legacy
Despite these significant changes, Star Trek: Elite Force 2 went on to become a fan favorite. Powered by the impressive id Tech 3 engine, it offered a unique blend of gameplay that appealed to both hardcore FPS fans and dedicated Trekkies. The game’s low-poly graphics might seem dated now, but they contribute to its undeniable charm, especially when you get those iconic moments with Captain Picard, voiced by the incomparable Patrick Stewart.
The impact of 9/11 wasn’t limited to Star Trek. Rockstar Games faced a similar challenge with their groundbreaking title, Grand Theft Auto 3. Set in a fictionalized version of New York City, the studio had to make numerous changes, including altering the appearance of police vehicles to avoid direct resemblance to the NYPD. Interestingly, the tragedy also forced Rockstar to change the cover art for GTA 3 before its release in the United States. The original European cover became so iconic that it established a visual style that all subsequent GTA covers have followed, even influencing the upcoming GTA 6.
Source: Kotaku
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