For the PC-based version, the controls are impossible to use properly, and they cannot be changed, so you can only use the default settings. The A,S,W,D keys are used to maneuver your ship, while the mouse is used to control the camera angle, your ship's speed and firing control. First of all, the camera should be controlled automatically while you focus in on the game, rather than constantly having to make sure you can see where the enemy is.
Secondly, the sub-system targeting controls are pretty much impossible to use. In order to target, let's say, an opponent's phaser banks, you must first press Shift-T to turn on the tactical system, then get within practically centimeters of the enemy ship, hold down the T key while you move the mouse over one of the icons that appear on the ship (representing each of its systems) and "click." Now, try to do this while your ship, as well as the enemy's, are constantly moving on the screen. Also, if you get too far away from the enemy ship, you lose your target lock and have to repeat this process again.
The Realism Factor
Unlike Star Trek: Klingon Academy and Star Trek: Bridge Commander, ships in Legacy cannot collide with each other, nor can they collide with any object present in a game. However, if your ship self-destructs or is destroyed, any ship nearby will receive massive damage from the resulting explosion.
Skirmish/Multi Player Mode
In Skirmish Mode, you can finally play as the Klingons, Romulans and the Borg against up to 3 other computer-controlled players. You're able to select options such as fleet size (1-4 ships per player) and total money per player, but you cannot choose which ships the AI uses in the battle. After trying the Easy, Medium and Hard AI difficulty levels, I found all of them to be the same. The computer always picks the same ships and employs the same strategy each time, thus making skirmish mode matches very boring and repetitive. In addition, the maximum time limit for a match is 45 minutes, which can be quite short if the game involves re-spawning of ships (a pre-set number of extra ships replace those that are destroyed).
In Multiplayer Mode, you can finally challenge real, online opponents. But since the majority of Star Trek fans have been disgusted with the flaws in the game (bad controls, no upgrade options for ships, lousy targeting abilities, etc.), I couldn't find anyone to fight against.
Conclusion
For hard-core Star Trek fans, the graphics might be the sole reason to buy this game. Everything else just seems rushed together in order to make a quick profit. What was originally supposed to be the best Star Trek game to date turned out to be the worst, gameplay-wise. For everyone else, Legacy isn't worth the money or the high-end computer specifications you'll need to run this game (unless you have an X-Box 360).
Game Scores (out of 10)
Game play - 4.0
Lousy computer allies and impossible PC controls give this category a failing grade. Without the ability to upgrade and enhance your ships, there is very little strategy involved, especially with regards to multi-player (just pick the strongest/most-expensive ships and you'll win for sure).
Graphics - 8.0
By far the best graphics seen in any Star Trek game to date. Ships are accurately presented and weapon effects are superb. Explosions could be better (large stations shouldn't explode into only two or three parts).
Sound - 7.0
Good sound effects for weapons fire and warp drive, but the explosions could be a bit louder and more intense. The voice-overs in the game can get quite repetitive at times. Music is appropriate but could be better.
Presentation - 6.0
Great in terms of Star Trek resemblance, but the game design and mechanics fail horribly. Also, some controls mentioned in the game manual are incorrect, probably due to the transition from the XBox 360 version to the PC.
Lasting Appeal - 1.0
Within a week, you'll have easily defeated the Single Player Campaign. No one is available to play on Multi player and the Skirmish Mode computer opponents have limited tactics.
Overall - 5.2/10
Barely Passable
