Star Trek: The Next Generation Interactive Technical Manual

Star Trek: The Next Generation Interactive Technical Manual is a multimedia application software program published by Simon and Schuster Interactive in 1994. Based on the then-recently ended TV series Star Trek: The Next Generation, it allows users to explore a computer-generated simulation of the spacecraft USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D, the principal setting of the series. The software uses Apple Computer's QuickTime VR, a technology which enables users to view every side of 3D rendered objects,[1] and includes a virtual tour given by Jonathan Frakes (in his role as William Riker from the TV series). The Interactive Technical Manual was billed as the first CD-ROM title built with QuickTime VR.[2]

History

The software was created by Keith Halper, Mike Okuda, Rick Sternbach, John Knoll; Eric Zarakov and the Apple Advanced Technology Group; Peter Mackey and the Imergy Software Development Team.[3] Technical writers, set designers, and film production crews from the Star Trek: The Next Generation TV series assisted in the production.[1] Halper said at the time that QuickTime VR enabled the team to "create immersive experiences" impossible otherwise.[4]

A port of the program was announced for the Apple Bandai Pippin and was one of the console's most high-profile titles,[5] but was ultimately never released.

Reception

AllGame gave a rating of four out of five, calling it an excellent example of QuickTime VR.[6] Reviewing a 1999 re-release, they called it a classic program and said it's perfect for those who want to know everything about the TNG series Enterprise.[7]

The CD-ROM was one of three finalists for PC Magazine's 12th Annual Awards for Technical Excellence, as it was the first implementation of Apple's QuickTime VR technology.[3][8] It was a commercial hit, with global sales in excess of 400,000 units by 1996.[9]

References

  1. ^ a b "To Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before...". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 61. EGM Media, LLC. August 1994. p. 167.
  2. ^ Duncan, Geoff (July 17, 1995). "QuickTime VR is Actually Real". Tidbits (286). Archived from the original on April 10, 1997.
  3. ^ a b Staff (December 19, 1995). "Finalist: Star Trek: The Next Generation Interactive Technical Manual". PC Magazine. Archived from the original on December 7, 2000.
  4. ^ Elia, Eric (April 1995). "QuickTime VR Gets Surrounded". NewMedia. Archived from the original on July 13, 1997.
  5. ^ "Pippin: The Apple of Bandai's Eye". GamePro. No. 70. IDG. May 1995. p. 16.
  6. ^ Savignano, Lisa Karen. "Star Trek: The Next Generation -- Interactive Technical Manual". AllGame. All Media Network. Archived from the original on November 17, 2014. Retrieved June 16, 2026.
  7. ^ Savignano, Lisa Karen. "Star Trek: The Next Generation -- Interactive Technical Manual [Star Trek Classic]". AllGame. All Media Network. Archived from the original on November 17, 2014. Retrieved June 16, 2026.
  8. ^ Michael J. Miller (December 19, 1995). "Finalist: Star Trek: The Next Generation Interactive Technical Manual (awards listing)". PC Magazine. Retrieved October 7, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  9. ^ "Interactive Meltdown:publishers Retreating from Digital Books". 20 September 2006.
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