As much as I have grown to dislike just about anything Trek related these days, I still have always wondered why there wasn’t an MMO to take advantage of the instant immersion into a universe that a Star Trek framework would bring.
I started looking for any game that would present the same sorts of things I expect in a Star Trek online game–a vast universe to explore with both in-ship and with “away team” missions–and couldn’t find it. Eve Online had the ship combat thing down, but you’re stuck on board your ship. And even that felt claustrophobic, as you’re basically a solo pilot, not the captain of a 400-person crew…or even a lowly ensign.
Finally, after years of waiting Cryptic Studios (the makers of City of Heroes) have released the first demos of Star Trek Online…and it looks awesome!
Not only will you captain a ship, but there will be gameplay inside ships and on planets and space stations. The plan is for Human, Vulcan, Andorian, Klingon, Orion, Gorn, and several other races. You will also be able to create your own race with its own custom look and attributes.
Here are a couple more things from the FAQ that caught my eye:
Will everyone be the Captain of their own ship?
Yes, but you will have to earn the responsibility and skill to command larger and more powerful vessels. Remember, in Star Trek as well as naval tradition, whoever commands the ship is the “Captain,” even if it is not your current rank.
Can I play something other than a Captain like a Doctor or an Engineer?
Everyone is a Captain, (remember, if you command a ship, you are automatically a Captain), and you will command a crew, but that does not limit your role. Your character will still be able to choose from a variety of career paths, such as Engineer, Tactical Officer, Doctor, Science Officer, etc. Your career path is your root, and will affect your skills, and how you command your crew. Consider Jean-Luc Picard, Beverly Crusher, Worf and Kathryn Janeway. Picard was an archeologist and diplomat, Crusher was a doctor, Worf a security/tactical officer, and Janeway was a scientist. Each eventually choose a career in command and became ship captains. This does not mean the game will limit your ship choices based on your profession
I am giving this serious consideration, especially if Spore turns out to be a dud.
OK, a few questions.
When the hell was Crusher a Captain? I know I didn’t see everything, but still…
I never did explore the Star Fleet Battles Online version that was supposed to come out. Apparently, according to the website, it is there and functional. Interesting thought, that.
And at one point, they were developing a role-playing/away mission/strike force element that could be played in it’s own element, or in conjunction with the tactical ship combat game. As I look at their site, the role playing element was called Prime Directive, and they even have a GURPS version.
It is interesting that I see on their website that Steven V Cole and Stephen Petrick are still the ones in charge of Amarillo Design Board, and all things Star Fleet Battles. Their internet posts are still as pompous as ever, but it brings a bit of a smile to realize some things never change. I always enjoyed our Star Fleet Battles games, and had a group here that I played with some even after “our” time with the game. I still have all the old stuff (and there is a lot of it!).
I never explored anything outside of the SFB game systems. I expect you’ll update us as you know more.
“Captain” Crusher? And it wasn’t Wesley? Sheesh! I am off to IMDB to get my education.
Ric,
Beverly Crusher was the captain of a medical ship in the final 2 episodes of TNG, in which Picard went through time. As for the MMO of StarTrek, I had heard that the company originally developing it had gone bankrupt, but that rights had been purchased by someone else…apparently that was Eve? Good to see it will finally become a reality…. I am gonna have to stop playing WOW when it comes out, I can’t see spending for 2 MMO games, but WOW is WOW!