screengrab from Star Trek: First Contact
With the ‘First Contact Choose Your Own Voyage Game’ you take on the role of Zefram Cochrane, make first contact, and usher humanity into a brave new future.
Are you ready to make first contact? With our “First Contact Choose Your Own Voyage Game” you get to decide what the future holds for the Federation and humanity. To play the game you simply read along and make choices on how you want the story to progress. Be careful what you choose though, the galaxy is a wondrous but dangerous place.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to use the links at the bottom of each page, if you use the next button at the top of the page your story won’t be in the right order!
"If you can’t take a little bloody nose, maybe you ought to go back home and crawl under your bed. It’s not safe out here. It’s wondrous, with treasures to satiate desires both subtle and gross. But it’s not for the timid. – Q"
The Phoenix has made it to orbit, now it’s time to test out that brand new warp drive. What course will you set?
Next: Just a quick warp out past the moon.
Next: Steer the Phoenix towards the asteroid belt.
Next: A loop around the sun sounds like a bright idea.
Next: This feels dangerous, maybe I should turn back...
The trip out past the moon was spectacular. Your copilots Riker and LaForge certainly seem happy with the result.
Back on earth a strange ship appears in the sky. It’s not large and the hull is a reddish-purple hue. A strange being with pointy ears and long flowing robes steps off. He raises his hand in a strange v shaped gesture. Is this a gesture of peace or war?
Next: Raise your own hand and try to return the gesture.
Next: Whip out your shotgun and waste this strange alien.
You blast the strange alien with your shotgun as the rest of the crowd rushes the alien vessel. The technology you gain from these weak and pitiful Vulcans will help you first conquer the world, then the galaxy! LONG LIVE THE TERRAN EMPIRE!
This journey has indeed ended in glory… though perhaps it’s not the best future for humanity. There are many paths you could take. Why not go back and make a different choice to see if you can lead humanity to a more promising future?
You attempt to return the Vulcan’s gesture… but end up just sticking your hand out for him to shake.
The Vulcan says “live long and prosper.”
“Thanks” you reply.
“We welcome contact with your species” continues the Vulcan. “We are explorers who seek peace and knowledge. We know that your species has now achieved warp flight, a most important step for any young race. Perhaps one day we could be of some use as guides as your species takes its first steps out into the galaxy?”
Next: We are honored to meet you, and would like to know more about your people.
Pride has been the downfall of many people Zefram, but your pride may have just doomed all of humanity. Without the Vulcan’s help and guidance humanity had a much harder time overcoming the problems plaguing their planet. Hunger, poverty, and war still ravaged the planet as the years went by. Perhaps one day humanity will be able to get back on track and move forward, but it will not be this day.
This first contact has ended in failure, but there are many paths you could take. Why not go back and make a different choice to see if you can lead humanity to a more promising future?
After successful introductions you invite your new friends into the bar to have a drink. The Vulcans don’t seem to be having a very good time however, so you ask them if they are enjoying themselves.
“We are fine. We just do not believe in outward displays of emotion.”
“Are you saying you don’t dance, party, have fun?” you exclaim.
“We prefer to spend our time in other pursuits” the Vulcan replies.
Next: Well, to each their own. It's obvious we have a lot to learn from each other.
You’ve taken your first steps into a larger world. Humanity is now on a path to a bold new future. Finally earth will be free of poverty, hunger, and war. With the help of the Vulcans humanity will join the other great species of the galaxy. One day humanity will even be a founding member in the great Federation of Planets.
Well done Zefram Cochrane, your name will go down in history!
There are always other paths you could take though. Why not go back and see what other wonders are hiding among the stars?
You steer the Phoenix toward the asteroid belt. You don’t want to take the ship too far from earth on its first run, but you also want to see what the little vessel can do.
Suddenly a strange ship appears out of the asteroids.
“YOU ARE TRESPASSING ON THE MINING CLAIM OF THE ANDORIAN MINING CONSORTIUM!” a voice screams across your radio. “IDENTIFY YOURSELF AT ONCE!”
Next: Apologize and explain that you didn't know anyone had claimed these asteroids.
Next: Challenge their claim! These asteroids belong to humanity!
The Andorian captain laughs “Ha! I find you apology as pitiful as your pink skin. We will destroy you and then go and claim your weak planet for the Andorian Mining Consortium.”
Humanity will not play a major part in the galaxy thanks to you. The planet’s resources however will be stripped and used for the betterment and glory of Andor. Instead of conquering hunger, poverty, and war on earth this only makes things worse.
Your name will live in infamy Zefram Cochrane.
Why not go back and make a different choice to see if you can lead humanity to a more promising future?
“You pink-skins think this asteroid field belongs to you? You fools, we could destroy your tiny ship in an instant. But that wouldn’t be very….honorable” proclaims the Andorian. “If you think these hunks of rock are yours then you must defend your claim. I challenge you to a duel under Ushaan tradition. You can pay for this asteroid field with your life.”
“Fleeting from a fair fight? You pink-skins are pathetic. Target that ship’s warp core!” commands the Andorian leader.
Before you know it you and your vessel are blown into a million pieces. Perhaps one day humanity will take to the stars again and get another shot at first contact. Your story however is at an end. What’s even worse is that no one will even know that you went to warp; the name Zefram Cochrane is lost to history.
Why not go back and make a different choice to see if you can lead humanity to a more promising future?
“Good to see that you back-bone isn’t as fair as your skin!” answers the Andorian.
Suddenly beams of light appear all around you. The next thing you know you’re standing on what you assume is the Andorian vessel. The Andorians explain that it’s a fight to the death and strap a strange metal gauntlet onto your hand. The gauntlet connects your arm to the arm of a very large and intimidating looking Androian. As you are handed a small u shaped blade the big Andorian grins.
The battle is intense, and honestly the Andorian is getting the better of you. Then you see an opening. With one move you sweep the blue alien off his feet and prepare to strike the final blow.
Next: Cut off one of his antenna!
“I do not wish to kill” you proclaim.
“HA! If you are so weak that you can not kill those you meet in battle then why should we respect you? Kill him and destroy his ship” commands the Andorian captain.
As you die you hear the Andorians discussing their plans for claiming earth and stripping the planet of all its resources. Earth’s resources will be taken tripped and used for the betterment and glory of Andor. Instead of conquering hunger, poverty, and war on earth this only makes things worse.
Your name will live in infamy Zefram Cochrane.
Why not go back and make a different choice to see if you can lead humanity to a more promising future?
“You dare to mock our traditions? AND you maim and disfigure a noble Andorian warrior that honored you with battle? Destroy his ship!” commands the Andorian captain. “I would kill you, but that fate is to kind for someone like you. We will sell you to the Orions and let you live out your days as a slave.”
You will spend the rest of your days serving an Orion master. You are seen as nothing more than an oddity from earth. What a shameful end to humanity’s first trip into the stars.
Why not go back and make a different choice to see if you can lead humanity to a more promising future?
You drive your blade into the neck of the Andorian, killing him instantly. You hated to have to do it, but it was the only way.
You’ve gained the respect of the Andorians and made your first successful first contact. Humanity is now poised to begin their journey out into the stars. Years from now both humans and Andorians will be founding members of the great United Federation of Planets. The future is bright for humanity, the Andorians, and the entire galaxy. Well done Zefram Cochrane.
This isn’t the only path you could take however. There is Infinite diversity in infinite combinations. Why not go back and forge another future for humanity?
You steer your ship towards the red planet of Mars. Mars named for the god of war has always held a special fascination with humanity.
As you drop out of warp you see a large alien ship. Geordi and Riker are not happy to see the vessel. This must not be the first contact they were expecting.
“Ok, it’s time to go” says Riker.
“Yeah, we should get out of here” agrees Geordi.
Next: Quickly lay in a course back to earth.
Next: Turn on your radio and demand to know who has invaded your solar system!
You follow the instructions of your co-pilots and turn the ship around. You’re just about to jump to warp when you hear a loud burst of sound and then the entire viewport lights up red.
The Klingons have blown your ship into a million pieces.
Perhaps one day humanity will take to the stars again and get another shot at first contact. Your story however is at an end. What’s even worse is that no one will even know that you went to warp; the name Zefram Cochrane is lost to history.
Why not go back and make a different choice to see if you can lead humanity to a more promising future?
You demand to know who has invaded your solar system. Suddenly a strange alien voice comes over the radio yelling in a language you’ve never heard before. Riker and Geordi are now both loudly encouraging you to leave.
Next: Yell back at the strange alien!
Suddenly the alien laughs. “You are bold and have the heart of a warrior. You would make a worthy ally to the Klingon Empire” he declares.
The alliance that will form between this first contact will not only conquer earth, but the entire galaxy. The Terran Empire and their allies the Klingon Empire will defeat everyone in their path. Until that fateful day when the only people left to conquer are each other. Then the Terran Empire will truly become master of the galaxy.
This future is certainly glorious, but there may be a more peaceful path. Why not go back and make a different choice to see if you can lead humanity to a more peaceful future?
You warp out towards the sun and the center of the solar system. The star that powers all life on earth is even more impressive close up. Finally you decide that it’s time to turn back and head home.
Hours pass, but still the visitors you were told would come by Riker and Geordi haven’t arrived.
Next: Having one drink while you wait couldn't hurt, right?
Next: No drinks, I need to stay alert.
You decide not to have a drink because you need to keep your wits about you. The only problem is that just waiting around is so boring. Maybe you’ll just close your eyes for a moment…
Suddenly you awake to a beautiful green woman standing over you. She laughs and informs you that you are now the property of the Orion Syndicate.
Humanity’s first contact with the Orion Syndicate is unfortunate. The Orions now see the humans as easy prey. Soon Earth is known throughout the galaxy as one of the Orion’s favorite sources for slaves.
You live out your life as a slave to an Orion master.
Why not go back and make a different choice to see if you can lead humanity to a more promising future?
As you pour yourself a third drink you notice several strange shapes coming out of the forest. You’re either drunker than you thought or those people have green skin. You let out a yell and rouse the rest of the camp to see what’s going on.
It turns out the green skinned aliens wanted a fight, but they are thrown off by someone spotting them before they were ready to attack. You managed to corner one of the female members of the group.
“Don’t hurt me!” she exclaims. I didn’t want to attack you. I’m nothing more than a slave, the men made me attack with them. Please don’t make me go back with them.
Next: Tell her she should leave with her people.
Next: She is very beautiful. You tell the Orion woman that she can stay.
You allow the Orion woman to stay and within hours she has every male in the camp under her spell. Earth stood no chance in the face of a powerful Orion woman.
Humanity’s first contact with the Orion Syndicate is unfortunate. The Orions now see the humans as easy prey. Soon Earth is known throughout the galaxy as one of the Orion’s favorite sources for slaves.
You live out your life as a slave to an Orion master.
Why not go back and make a different choice to see if you can lead humanity to a more promising future?
Something doesn’t seem right to you, so you tell the Orion woman to depart with her people.
Now you wait to see if the ship Riker and Geordi spoke of will still show up. Surely they didn’t mean for you to end up fighting these green aliens.
Next: Wait for another ship to arrive.
Next: Get back in the Phoenix and go on another voyage.
You’re not sure this is such a good idea anymore. You never wanted all this, you just wanted to make a buck. Then just as you’re about to steer back towards earth it happens. In a blink Riker and Geordi and in their place sits a man in red pajamas.
“These aren’t pajamas Cochrane, they are the uniform of the galactic power that your little warp trip launches. That is, if you launched it. My my, but don’t you give up easily” proclaims the man in red pajamas.
You manage to stammer out “sweet Jesus, who the hell are you?”
“Elegantly put, I can see why the humans worship you so. I am Q, I’m immortal and all powerful and I’m here because you are making a mistake.”
“So you’re like my guardian angel?” you ask.
“More like your god, but sure we can go with that if it makes this easier” responds Q.
“So do you want to found a society of peaceful explorers or a mighty militant empire conquering the galaxy?” asks the Q.
Next: Found a peaceful society of explorers and scientists.
Next: Found an empire set to conquer all before it!
So you want more do you? I like you Cochrane, you’re the only human I know with enough ambition and brains to truly be a Q. So what do you say, do you want to join the Q Continuum and become all powerful? Would you like to have the entire galaxy as your sandbox? You think traveling at warp is a big step, try becoming a god!
You dare reject my offer? You know what I’m sick of you, and your entire species. With that Q snaps his fingers and humanity never existed. Honestly I don’t know how you’re even reading this. This game shouldn’t exist. We never were. Perhaps there’s still a chance for humanity though. Maybe you can save us all by clapping… or clicking below and starting the game over.
Why not go back and make a different choice to see if you can lead humanity to a more promising future than never existing?
You decided to join the Q Continuum. Sure humanity may never have their first contact and will still suffer from war, hunger, and poverty. What do you care about all that though, you’re a Q! The entire universe is now at your fingertips. There is nothing outside your reach. You are an all-powerful Q!
I know it must seem mundane to a god like yourself, but why not go back and make a different choice to see if you can lead humanity to a more promising future?
We hope you’ve enjoyed our First Contact Choose Your Own Voyage Game. If you’d like to see more games like this be sure to share this one on social media and let us know you enjoyed it! Live long and prosper!
We hope you’ve enjoyed our little game celebrating First Contact Day! This game was a team effort so we want to be sure to thank everyone involved.
The game was created and written by Ketwolski and Bandit.
The videos and GIFs were created by Ketwolski.
The art was created by Bandit.
The wonderful chiptune music featured in the game trailer and intro is the creation of 8Biscuit. Be sure to check out his YouTube channel for more wonderful chiptunes!
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The adventure doesn’t have to end here. Why not head back to the beginning of this journey and make some different choices?
Thank you for playing and live long and prosper!