Just as there’s a certain subversive thrill to see a Nintendo branded game on the Atari 2600 (on Mario Bros, as just one example), the same is true for seeing the Sega logo and branding all over Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator.

Based on the vector graphics arcade title of the same name, Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator is a genuinely impressive achievement on the Atari 2600.

Of course, there’s no vector graphics here, but despite the blocky rendition of the arcade game’s visual style, this title plays brilliantly.

You’ll pilot your tiny Enterprise through space using the top-down navigation view on the top right, destroying Klingon ships that appear in first person view at the bottom of the three-sector screen, while keeping an eye on your shields and power ups on the left.

You’ll also be able to replenish your supplies by docking at starbases, navigate your way through asteroid fields, warp across the stars and even try to take down the villainous, and very deadly, mine-laying NOMAD.

It’s fantastic stuff, even today; though of course it looks dated (I mean, it is over four decades old), I’ve genuinely had a blast playing this superb Star Trek game.

Its arcade simplicity makes it really compelling, and the clever multiple view display is superbly implemented.

Hilariously, given how simple the controls are, the original game was packaged with a joystick overlay to help remind players of the controls as they play.

Don’t worry if you can’t find a copy of this game with the overlay; it’s really not necessary.

As a special bonus, please enjoy the game’s trailer; though it cheekily shows the Commodore 64 version, you can see the ‘Combat Control Panel’ in all its glory.

This is a game that’s well worth getting hold of for Atari and Star Trek fans who happen to own a 2600 or 2600+, which it works flawlessly on.

Now excuse me, I have some more Klingons to take on. Warp speed, Mr. Sulu.