Science Fiction is my boyfriend, Science Fiction is my Girlfriend

by Sinéad

What did 12 year old me spend all their pocket money on? A massive tower of science fiction videos, magazines and comics. Clearly I’d yet to discover “dating” or figured out what was NOT going to get me beaten up. When I cleared out my old room I found some of these magazines and comics, some of them go back as far as 1995. I was seriously obsessed with anything remotely related to science fiction when I was younger. I honestly think that if it wasn’t for science fiction I would never have developed a love for computers and science. I have my Dad to thank for introducing me to Star Trek when I was very young, I can still remember being upset about missing episodes of The Next Generation when we went on holidays to Butlins when I was 7 years old. These days I indulge with the odd book, and watching the new Battlestar Galactica.

My favourite item that I kept from my sci-fi obsessed past is the Star Trek The Next Generation Interactive Video Boardgame – A Klingon Challenge.

star trek boardgame

“This interactive adventure actually lets you board the U.S.S. Enterprise and “star” in a special Star Trek: The Next Generation episode!” The whole aim of the game is to overthrow a Klingon (on the starboard bow?) who has taken over the Enterprise. Kavok, the Klingon in question, appears on your TV screen every few minutes, generally angry and screaming insults at you. Just like in any boardgame there are various cards you can collect that will randomise your game play.

This card reads “You consult with a holodeck image of Captain Picard and are reminded that members of the Federation always cooperate. EACH CREW MEMBER WILL NOW GIVE YOU THEIR NEXT TURN.” I just love the way they put that, how very 24th Century. Your reward at the end of the game is moving up the ranks to become Captain and/or “A medal of valour”.

How this was considered a fun way to spend an hour is beyond me, I honestly don’t think I ever managed to get the maximum 8 people to play this either. It’s a pity I have all the pieces but no instructions. Looks like it’s back to the Star Trek Drinking Games for me.