Star Trek Online Pre-Order Is Now Available

[Skyus]

Even if it's just starship combat I'll still play it some. Just another ST: Bridge Commander lol

[Rick]

Looks like STO might follow in Champions footsteps and have Microtransaction support. Can't say this is a bad idea. I'd pay a few extra bucks for some bonus shields!

[Fandaran]

After a day of beta, I can say two things, I like the space combat a lot, the ground combat is somewhat meh but passable. The big issue that Cryptic has to fix before launch though is server stability and size. The start of beta showed that the the server is too small and too unstable currently for launch. Hopefully that along with a few bugs will get fixed over open beta, otherwise launch is going to be interesting.

[scarecrow]

I'm in the midst of downloading the open beta - figured it can't hurt to check out.

[Rick]

So far, I think they're on track for a November release.

Oh wait... Feb 2 is their launch? Problem....

Space combat is good. Very good. Of course, that's assuming you didn't warp into sector space as a Human and not a ship.... done that three times now. Major bug.

The problem is most of the rest of the game is sub-par to be kind. Which really sort of ticks me off. This is Star Trek. It deserves better.

[Verem]

Yeah Open Beta launch had its share of problems. Yesterday it was the lag...omg...I would take 2 steps forward and warp back 3 steps.

Let me say tho, all during Closed Beta, I never had a problem of my Ship Avatar on the ground or my ground avatar instead of my ship. So this is a brand new bug.

CB was very smooth (well compared to this). We all have to remember, there are a TON of new players, all logging in. All in SOL System, all warping around the galaxy, and all lost. I can say I honestly expected this. The server is way over stressed atm, but that is what Open Beta is all about.

My biggest complaint is the lack of starter ships. There is one (two when the headstart occurs, Constitution) with 3 distinct shapes for 4 different parts to be modified. Also found out, that those that pre-ordered who went for the ship. The Constitution Class will not be unlocked until February 2, yet head start is January 29th? Alot of people are going to outlevel the ship before it can even be used.

That aside, the first tier of ships is awesome. I went Science path and chose the Science Vessel and let me say, that puppy turns on a dime, has shields and weapons to spare. The Excelsior class has some major hulls on it, I took it into battle and never fell below 98% hull strength. It is the tank class, so I suppose it should be expected. I cant wait to get my Intrepid class.

[Rick]

CB had no where near as many problems. I'd say less than half of the new ones are load related. Especially the showing up in sector space with a character instead of a ship (and vice versa).

I'd say if they had 6 months before launch the game would shine and be something worthy of the name. As it stands (aforementioned bugs not withstanding) Space combat is the only reason to play. If I could opt out of the miserable ground missions and never have to touch them I'd be happy. I just never got into City of heroes, Champions style gameplay and it's just copied over here and I thikn that's a big minus on their end.

[Verem]

Agreed. My first initial thoughts when I heard that the game is being released February 2nd was....WHAT???? What happened to "several years away" announced the E3 conference with Jack.

I realize that marketing plays a huge role in when a game is released, but I find it strange that Cryptic wont sand up and say..."Wait a minute, i am not pushing out a game, just because you want to get it on the first quarter financials." Another 10 months (November) release date sounds about right.

I think alot of the current issues with lag and bugs could have been discovered sooner if there were more 24hr/48hr/72hr tests. As it stands, the servers to my understanding only were on for 48hrs straight (one of the Saturday and Sunday playtests).

Well these days it is all about $$$$$$ and how fast they can make back thier initial investment.

FYI: what is your guys global there? Mine is @Avyn would be interested to team up with you guys while testing.

[Rick]

Well with the tortured past STO has had (two developers died, project restarted 3 times, and finally cryptic grabbed it, had MS pull the plug on Marvel, which tanked them so hard they had to sell City to NCSoft to stay in business, then they got bought by Atari who has their own issues.. I'm surprised the company is still around never mind actually putting out games).

Honestly, cryptic didn't learn from the Champions beta. You cannot run a beta effectively by only allowing players access to the server for a tiny handful of hours a week and then pulling the servers down for 7-12 days before another beta session.

I'm @Hatch I think. I'm still trying to find a way to make a fleet when I do, I'll see what we can do about making it easier for people to find us. I'm HIGHLY unlikely to be on much and mostly leaning against a purchase. But....free play time is free play time.

[Verem]

There is a Fleet Administration at Earth Space Dock. You need to be in a full group. Everyone in the Group must not be in a Fleet already, and once you talk and set up the Fleet, everyone in the group is automatically added into the Fleet. you can then set up ranks and privileges and start inviting people.