Review of Star Trek Online Beta

Okay, so this review is premature because the game is still in beta, but I just wanted to state how happy I am with the game so far. I’m a big star trek fan, and I was pretty sceptical that an MMO based on Star Trek could be done well, without tarnishing the creativity of Gene Roddenberry .

As a Trekkie, I can confidently say that Cryptic Studios have managed to make you feel like you’re actually working for the federation, and you’re right in the action from the start.

You start off on a ship, and immediately have to contend with the Borg in the middle of a war. The fighting style is not too different from other MMOs but with a bit more to it. A lot of detail was put into the efficiency and user-friendliness of the game, while being true to Star Trek rules and regulations. I actually thought the game was going to be more difficult for me, but so far I’ve had no problems, and I’m glad.

One you fight your way out of the Borg situation, you are awarded with your own ship and can venture into space. Space is amazing. You can look to each and every angle, there are no limitations. It’s neat because you see ships way below you, above you, and at many different angles, along with space anomalies, planets, and asteroids. I’m usually not the greatest at flight modes in games, but the way it is done in Star Trek Online, with a double mouse button press, and letters e and q to accelerate and decelerate on impulse; made it easy. So far getting to warp coincides with quests, and is simply a button click, but I’m guessing that eventually I’ll be able to just decide to go to warp to go to specific sectors of space.

You can be one of three types of officers, and your vessel will be one of three types of ships; a tactical ship(and officer), a science vessel(and officer), or an engineering vessel(and officer). I chose to be a science vessel and a science officer because it’s the nearest to the healer classes I’ve been in MMOs which I’ve enjoyed playing.

As far as customization goes, I give this game an A+. My favourite part when starting new games is the character creation. Star Trek Online does not leave out any details from all facets of your face, body, and even specific details of your uniform, can all be created originally by you. I have chosen to be a Trill, and I’ve got purple hair; go figure. I’ve customized my uniform right down to the different colors in my boots.

On top of this, when you receive your ship, you can customize that to the nine as well. You can mix and match the different ship styles to come up with something original, you can add different colors and patterns to it, or, you can make a ship based on your favourites from the shows. Naming your ship is fun too, and every one’s ship starts with U.S.S. Since this is beta, mine is the U.S.S Stuffedashes

I’m looking forward to playing the game all weekend long since I’ve got no other engagements.

Enjoy!

~Darleya~