Cryptic Studios takes over Star Trek Online and there was much rejoicing.
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Cryptic Studios have (finally after over a month of having us all staring at a countdown clock) officially announced they are the new developer of the Star Trek Online MMORPG. Thanks to their mostly functional website, you can grab a sneak peek of screen shots, new game details and oh look, another countdown timer for Star Trek‘s Vegas Con which begins in only two weeks.
*nudges LA Times-- SEND ME. ahheeemm. me me me me me*
The great news is that Cryptic has a proven track record when in comes to MMORPGS with City of Heroes, City of Villains and their upcoming Champions Online. If you want my opinion, Perpetual Entertainment’s financial crash and burn was the best thing that could happen for Star Trek Online. Plus Cryptic took the safe route and set the game to take place during the 25th century, the TNG era. Sure to please ALMOST everyone. Which is really all you can do when trying to please us...such a finicky bunch.
Here’s what we know so far:
The two factions will be that of the Federation and Klingon Empire. There is mention that Cryptic will be allowing for ‘player generated content’ and territory and that there will be both ship and land based gameplay. According to the official website, ships will be from The Next Generation, Deep Space 9 and Voyager eras. So far the following ship classes that have been mentioned or featured are the following; Sovereign, Defiant, Akira, and Nova plus there is a shot of federation ships firing on a Romulan Warbird.
What I can’t wait to find out is what Star Trek famed races will be featured. Cardassian, Vulcan, Andorian, Ferengi or hey, maybe Gorns? With Perpetual out of the picture Cryptic appears to be changing the nature of the proposed gameplay. Last year we heard that Star Trek Online was attempting to tackle a gaming environment that allowed players the option to take on the role of crew members along side fellow players on a starship. This fascinated all in-the-know gamers as to how that would be possible or even more questionably, enjoyed. How would the role of captain be decided? Who gets to be the ship’s janitor? Plumbing is no laughing matter, someone’s got to do it, right? Bigger questions that we hope will be answered at the Vegas-con are how much of Star Trek Online will be determined by starship combat and will they still be attempting a playable starfleet crew option? The question I want to ask is ‘HOW DO YOU INTEND TO MAKE THIS THE OPPOSITE OF STAR WARS GALAXIES?’ Not THAT I’m really worried (okay just a little bit. But can you blame me? Every Star Trek game has been a train wreck and good space exploration MMO’s are hard to come by, excluding Eve Online. You are fantastic. Don’t change a thing).
Cryptic has already setup active forums and the option for newsletters via email for those eager to start their voyage, just head to the new official Star Trek Online website for more hype. While you’re there, see if you can find Gorn in the forest...I’m pretty sure they are pulling my leg.
-- Christie St. Martin
Photos courtesy of Cryptic Studios