10 Star Trek Holodeck Programs We Want To Experience
If holosuites really are the future, sign us up for these classic Star Trek holo-fantasies.
Where would you go if you could walk into a holodeck right now?
For decades, that question belonged firmly in the realm of science fiction and, occasionally, our hopes and dreams. The holodeck was one of Star Trek's most captivating inventions; a room that could conjure up an entirely lifelike virtual reality. Where you could become a detective, play the hero or just unwind with friends.
But that fantasy might not be as far away as we think.
Admittedly, we won't be asking a supercharged computer to create an adversary capable of defeating Data by next week, but every year brings us closer to the technology needed for more lifelike experiences.
Photorealistic graphics, full-body tracking, cloud rendering, augmented reality and virtual reality are already making digital environments feel more immersive than ever before. Recent strides in VR have even allowed fans to mod AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077 with stunning results. Add to that projects like the OTOY powered Roddenberry Archive on Apple Vision Pro and the VR game Star Trek: Infection, and suddenly the idea of stepping into a holonovel doesn't seem quite so far-fetched.
And that got us thinking. If holodeck style experiences were to become part of life as we know it, which of Star Trek's holo-adventures would we dive into first? These are the Star Trek holoprograms we'd queue up to try the moment the first holosuite opened its doors.
10. Sherlockian London
The mysteries lurking in the foggy streets of Victorian London have captured the imagination of readers and viewers for over a century. So it really is no wonder that when given some downtime in Elementary, Dear Data, La Forge and Data escaped into the world of Sherlock Holmes.
With its gaslit streets, shimmering mist and alarmingly high murder rate, where better to get stuck into an interactive puzzle game? Sherlock's home is replicated to perfection, full of delightful details that bring the grandfather of all detectives to life. We just hope that the computer can play some passable music for us to mime along to when we pick up the famous violin.
The experience is completed with a genuinely compelling version of Moriarty. Not only does Daniel Davis' portrayal compete with the best of them, but this Moriarty can adapt to the player's skill level. And frankly, his secret hideout looks cosy as heck with its plush sofas and antique laboratory aesthetic. There's definitely worse ways to spend an afternoon than being held captive by Moriarty and force-fed tea and crumpets.
Of course, Data and Geordi's holodeck escapade took an unexpected turn when Moriarty's evolving intelligence led to a lively debate on what it means to be alive. We'll skip that part of the adventure. But the chance to play Sherlock Holmes in such an atmospheric facsimile of his world? A deerstalker is required immediately. But let's just play it on normal rather than Data's insanity mode.