Well I have come back after the very first month of release. Nothing seems to have changed in taking to run a mission, a battle with a group of ships or even the ground fighting 100 freaking gorn just to get to the objective and then get some silly crafting item.
Basically the time vs rewards seems to be the same, it takes 30 mins or more to run a mission and you get a sliver of xp and junk for drops if you see anything. You always seem to go up against 3 or more ships, sometimes 6 oh and the 100 gorns I loved!
Grouping? You are still forced in missions when people auto join and you have to deal with them and it also seems now that the missions difficulty scales when more people join now? I was flying in a mission yesterday and two people jumped in and all of a sudden 4 enemy ships spawn on me and killed me in less than 10 seconds. That is fun!
Chat interface? Well it has changed a little bit at least you can scale text size or enable filters if you want.
The Bridge? Pretty much useless as it was on day 1, just a dog and pony show.
Graphical clipping still being seen in Space stations and also ground based buildings. Not as bad in the first month.
Bottom line, I know most of you hardcore trekkie guys/gals love this game because their has never really been a mmo for StarTrek, that is great for you. But for someone who has been playing mmo's for over 14 years, I see so many things lacking in this and can't invest in it. Good luck to you.
Well, thing is...even for us Trekkers the game falls short on delivering the Star Trek feel. The music, aesthetics....mass effect armor and the drawn out combat and sector space really is painful to bear. ST Legacy delivered the ST feel more than this game did, and its obvious the only thing STO has going for it is the Star Trek IP attached to it...but it wasnt utilized properly...someone made some bad decisions.
The game is dieing. I know so many who started out in this game in the forefront only to cancel their subscriptions to lack of content. Many have gone back to Mechwarrior as they have made MW4 free now to promote the new up and coming new MW in develop as we speak. I myself am holding out but I too will probably follow the ranks of many and move on to a less dud game.
Genuine question:
If the big changes and improvements are going to occur "in the next few months", why did they start a welcome back weekend and referral program now?
Well, thing is...even for us Trekkers the game falls short on delivering the Star Trek feel. The music, aesthetics....mass effect armor and the drawn out combat and sector space really is painful to bear. ST Legacy delivered the ST feel more than this game did, and its obvious the only thing STO has going for it is the Star Trek IP attached to it...but it wasnt utilized properly...someone made some bad decisions.
The armor - first thing I click to choose "Hide From Uniform".
Music - get music from Star Trek in MP3 format and make a playlist in Winamp. Then select Music Player from the drop down and roll that music instead. Odd thing is the 2009 soundtrack works nice with this game. Is that a good or bad thing, that's still out for debate.
I can't help with a lot of the other things you brought up but at least there's two.
Genuine question:
If the big changes and improvements are going to occur "in the next few months", why did they start a welcome back weekend and referral program now?
I think a lot of people are wondering why not wait until Season 2 for this.
Genuine question:
If the big changes and improvements are going to occur "in the next few months", why did they start a welcome back weekend and referral program now?
Well, they have added a new sector (Gamma Orionis), STFs, new episodes, exploration clusters (B'Tran and all Klingon ones), and difficult sliders since launch.
Some people unsubbed before any of those things were released.
Genuine question:
If the big changes and improvements are going to occur "in the next few months", why did they start a welcome back weekend and referral program now?
Well, the referral program is one thing as it is friends recommending it to friends and it's not going away. However I don't believe that it was the smartest move to do the Welcome Back weekend when they did, hopefully they plan on doing something similar when Season 2 rolls out, but the initial splash value of such things has unfortunately been used up.
Let's face it, the wrong company was given the wrong licence. All Cryptic's games rely heavily on instancing and they're hardly known as a driving force for innovation within the MMO market. If Bioware deliver half of what they promise with the Star Wars licence, it will still be infinately more than Cryptic have delivered with the Star Trek. Personally I hope the game dies so a better company can pick up the licence and deliver what Gaming and Star Trek fans alike deserve. As for the Engineering reports, well you can add as many bells and whistles to a Donkey but it's still a Donkey.
The armor - first thing I click to choose "Hide From Uniform".
Music - get music from Star Trek in MP3 format and make a playlist in Winamp. Then select Music Player from the drop down and roll that music instead. Odd thing is the 2009 soundtrack works nice with this game. Is that a good or bad thing, that's still out for debate.
I can't help with a lot of the other things you brought up but at least there's two.
the thing is nearly every other play I see wears that armor, so its not just me...ive never work the armor I wear late TNG uniforms. If I have to buy stuff on itunes just to play it in game I will...but clicking buttoms every time I want to roll a song is "eh"
I wonder how the refer program is going. I know all of my friends have no interest in the game after watching me play and taking my toon's out for a spin.
Here's a review my buddy posted on our groups forums that we use to keep in touch while people are deployed, have moved or PCS'd.
Sig was kind enough to provide me with a buddy key for 5 days of play.
I was (overall) impressed with the character creation, and initial setup of my "stuff". The game dumps you into play quickly and I would have to say that I enjoyed the first session most of all. It had a good interface (I thought at first) and the starship combat seemed (and did till the end) well thought out.
By session two I noticed the pattern that develops in all MMOs. Go here kill this, do that, etc. They try to make it sound like it's "super important" for their "special guy", but you quickly realize that it just doesn't matter. You are vermin control, fed-ex, and the step-and-fetchit guy.
You perform "missions" for "units" and "advancement". Don't want to save the starbase from Klingon attack? No biggie, just breed tribbles all day, you'll make more "units" so you can "upgrade" your ship and crew. There is nothing that I can add to what Sig has pointed out.
Sadly it's just another mmo. The bugs are pretty severe in some cases, but not unexpected for the first year of a new MMO. I will not be joining this crew. I had fun, but enough to pay to play.
the thing is nearly every other play I see wears that armor, so its not just me...ive never work the armor I wear late TNG uniforms. If I have to buy stuff on itunes just to play it in game I will...but clicking buttoms every time I want to roll a song is "eh"
Who said anything about buy? Also Winamp you can listen to internet radio stations and there was a STO radio channel. I am not sure if it's still around but it would stream Star Trek related music too.
But you can put the playlist on repeat and click play on the thing that comes up. You don't have to click each time unless you want to.
And this is the first time Starfleet had multiple uniforms so I just look at the armor guys as guys who must be weak so they need an extra layer of protection. But I have yet to find an armor that actually looks worth not hiding. But I have seen a lot of players didn't even know they could hide it because they would just so all their BO's could wear matching uniforms.
I'm sure that I'm going to regret asking this, but why would that be exactly what was intended?
People gain new subbers by any means necesarry.
New subbers = more short term profit.
I doubt Cryptic even care if they stay longer than one month; the revenue from retail sales + 1 month subs will be great and given the incentive of a game-altering item as the prize for 5 subs, many people are out there advertising the game to others, not because they think this is a game worth recommending, but because they want the shiny.
People gain new subbers by any means necesarry.
New subbers = more short term profit.
I doubt Cryptic even care if they stay longer than one month; the revenue from retail sales + 1 month subs will be great and given the incentive of a game-altering item as the prize for 5 subs, many people are out there advertising the game to others, not because they think this is a game worth recommending, but because they want the shiny.
Why spend money on advertising when your players will do it for you eh?
Why spend money on advertising when your players will do it for you eh?
Yep.
Mind you I wouldn't object to this if it was a game worth advertising for, and a game altering item weren't at stake.
However, it isn't. So basically Cryptic are gaining profit for next to no effort.
People gain new subbers by any means necesarry.
New subbers = more short term profit.
I doubt Cryptic even care if they stay longer than one month; the revenue from retail sales + 1 month subs will be great and given the incentive of a game-altering item as the prize for 5 subs, many people are out there advertising the game to others, not because they think this is a game worth recommending, but because they want the shiny.
You're suggesting that Cryptic is hurting for cash, and there is no indication of that at all. Yes Cryptic gets a huge bonus from Atari if they hit 1 million subscribers but that is two years from now. Even with conservative estimates Cryptic is bringing in over a million a month before expenses (over 100k subscriptions at $15 per month and discounting a reasonable guess of LTS), and they are boosting their revenues with the C-Store items.
The idea of a referal (recruit-a-friend) program is not to solicit subscriptions on the forums (but obviously that's a consequence, unintended or otherwise), but to get individual people to spread the game via word of mouth to people they know.
You're suggesting that Cryptic is hurting for cash, and there is no indication of that at all. Yes Cryptic gets a huge bonus from Atari if they hit 1 million subscribers but that is two years from now. Even with conservative estimates Cryptic is bringing in over a million a month before expenses (over 100k subscriptions at $15 per month and discounting a reasonable guess of LTS), and they are boosting their revenues with the C-Store items.
The idea of a referal (recruit-a-friend) program is not to solicit subscriptions on the forums (but obviously that's a consequence, unintended or otherwise), but to get individual people to spread the game via word of mouth to people they know.
Well the real problem is they are kind of cheating. Most other sub based MMOs that do this do not put up an item that will give a definite combat advantage to players who promote the game. Sure I have no problem with purely cosmetic or even non-combat oriented abilities, but to give a major combat advantage to players who are supplying the company with more money is something I would expect from a free to play game.
You know, maybe I'm just turning into a cranky old man, but I'm really getting sick of the self-important, instant gratification, sense of entitlement complaining I see around here every day.
As a veteran of many games, and as a game designer in bygone days, I can say without hesitation that the work being done here is excellent. The designers have gone to great lengths to keep the player base up to date on changes and additions, and have made many significant and positive additions to the game since it launched. They have my respect and admiration for their hard work.
Is the game perfect? Certainly not. Like any new game, there's bugs that need fixing, and content that needs adding. However, I'm very happy to see that they're putting n the time and effort, and I'm tired of seeing countless bratty posts belittling the work.
If you don't like it, either post a suggestion and wait for it to be addressed, or find something else you enjoy. Stop telling the rest of us that we shouldn't be enjoying it just because you don't.
You know, maybe I'm just turning into a cranky old man, but I'm really getting sick of the self-important, instant gratification, sense of entitlement complaining I see around here every day.
As a veteran of many games, and as a game designer in bygone days, I can say without hesitation that the work being done here is excellent. The designers have gone to great lengths to keep the player base up to date on changes and additions, and have made many significant and positive additions to the game since it launched. They have my respect and admiration for their hard work.
Is the game perfect? Certainly not. Like any new game, there's bugs that need fixing, and content that needs adding. However, I'm very happy to see that they're putting n the time and effort, and I'm tired of seeing countless bratty posts belittling the work.
If you don't like it, either post a suggestion and wait for it to be addressed, or find something else you enjoy. Stop telling the rest of us that we shouldn't be enjoying it just because you don't.
So tell me, since when did Cryptic start forcing you to read threads that you do not agree with?If you do not like the complaining, then do not read it or post a reply to it. Suggestions are always welcome and that is mostly why people complain, so that someone can make a suggestion and it gets fixed (even though it doesn't seem that way). Seriously... I hate people who complain about complaining, it is incredibly hypocritical.
As a veteran of many games, and as a game designer in bygone days, I can say without hesitation that the work being done here is excellent. The designers have gone to great lengths to keep the player base up to date on changes and additions, and have made many significant and positive additions to the game since it launched. They have my respect and admiration for their hard work.
See, I can say the exact opposite here. While it is only my opinion, I in no way will belittle you, or call your post 'bratty', etc.
Turning into a 'cranky old man' has nothing to so with having common decency, and at least pretending to tolerate the ability of others to have opinions that differ from yours, and not take the holier than thou attitude on the internet.
Just saying, your opinion is just as valid as the next, even if I disagree, as others do.
Comments
So no.... you are not "forced" into teaming if you dont want to.
http://forums.startrekonline.com/showthread.php?t=156077
Genuine question:
If the big changes and improvements are going to occur "in the next few months", why did they start a welcome back weekend and referral program now?
The armor - first thing I click to choose "Hide From Uniform".
Music - get music from Star Trek in MP3 format and make a playlist in Winamp. Then select Music Player from the drop down and roll that music instead. Odd thing is the 2009 soundtrack works nice with this game. Is that a good or bad thing, that's still out for debate.
I can't help with a lot of the other things you brought up but at least there's two.
I think a lot of people are wondering why not wait until Season 2 for this.
Some people unsubbed before any of those things were released.
Well, the referral program is one thing as it is friends recommending it to friends and it's not going away. However I don't believe that it was the smartest move to do the Welcome Back weekend when they did, hopefully they plan on doing something similar when Season 2 rolls out, but the initial splash value of such things has unfortunately been used up.
"I will give you in-game money to be my referal!!!"
Friends indeed.
Yes I saw that, but even you have to agree that that's not exactly what is intended to be happening with the program.
the thing is nearly every other play I see wears that armor, so its not just me...ive never work the armor I wear late TNG uniforms. If I have to buy stuff on itunes just to play it in game I will...but clicking buttoms every time I want to roll a song is "eh"
Call me a cynic, but I believe this is exactly what they intended.
Here's a review my buddy posted on our groups forums that we use to keep in touch while people are deployed, have moved or PCS'd.
Sig was kind enough to provide me with a buddy key for 5 days of play.
I was (overall) impressed with the character creation, and initial setup of my "stuff". The game dumps you into play quickly and I would have to say that I enjoyed the first session most of all. It had a good interface (I thought at first) and the starship combat seemed (and did till the end) well thought out.
By session two I noticed the pattern that develops in all MMOs. Go here kill this, do that, etc. They try to make it sound like it's "super important" for their "special guy", but you quickly realize that it just doesn't matter. You are vermin control, fed-ex, and the step-and-fetchit guy.
You perform "missions" for "units" and "advancement". Don't want to save the starbase from Klingon attack? No biggie, just breed tribbles all day, you'll make more "units" so you can "upgrade" your ship and crew. There is nothing that I can add to what Sig has pointed out.
Sadly it's just another mmo. The bugs are pretty severe in some cases, but not unexpected for the first year of a new MMO. I will not be joining this crew. I had fun, but enough to pay to play.
I'm sure that I'm going to regret asking this, but why would that be exactly what was intended?
Who said anything about buy?
But you can put the playlist on repeat and click play on the thing that comes up. You don't have to click each time unless you want to.
And this is the first time Starfleet had multiple uniforms so I just look at the armor guys as guys who must be weak so they need an extra layer of protection.
People gain new subbers by any means necesarry.
New subbers = more short term profit.
I doubt Cryptic even care if they stay longer than one month; the revenue from retail sales + 1 month subs will be great and given the incentive of a game-altering item as the prize for 5 subs, many people are out there advertising the game to others, not because they think this is a game worth recommending, but because they want the shiny.
Why spend money on advertising when your players will do it for you eh?
Yep.
Mind you I wouldn't object to this if it was a game worth advertising for, and a game altering item weren't at stake.
However, it isn't. So basically Cryptic are gaining profit for next to no effort.
The Ferengi would be proud.
You're suggesting that Cryptic is hurting for cash, and there is no indication of that at all. Yes Cryptic gets a huge bonus from Atari if they hit 1 million subscribers but that is two years from now. Even with conservative estimates Cryptic is bringing in over a million a month before expenses (over 100k subscriptions at $15 per month and discounting a reasonable guess of LTS), and they are boosting their revenues with the C-Store items.
The idea of a referal (recruit-a-friend) program is not to solicit subscriptions on the forums (but obviously that's a consequence, unintended or otherwise), but to get individual people to spread the game via word of mouth to people they know.
Well the real problem is they are kind of cheating. Most other sub based MMOs that do this do not put up an item that will give a definite combat advantage to players who promote the game. Sure I have no problem with purely cosmetic or even non-combat oriented abilities, but to give a major combat advantage to players who are supplying the company with more money is something I would expect from a free to play game.
so, you agree with the rest of his opinions?
As a veteran of many games, and as a game designer in bygone days, I can say without hesitation that the work being done here is excellent. The designers have gone to great lengths to keep the player base up to date on changes and additions, and have made many significant and positive additions to the game since it launched. They have my respect and admiration for their hard work.
Is the game perfect? Certainly not. Like any new game, there's bugs that need fixing, and content that needs adding. However, I'm very happy to see that they're putting n the time and effort, and I'm tired of seeing countless bratty posts belittling the work.
If you don't like it, either post a suggestion and wait for it to be addressed, or find something else you enjoy. Stop telling the rest of us that we shouldn't be enjoying it just because you don't.
So tell me, since when did Cryptic start forcing you to read threads that you do not agree with?If you do not like the complaining, then do not read it or post a reply to it. Suggestions are always welcome and that is mostly why people complain, so that someone can make a suggestion and it gets fixed (even though it doesn't seem that way). Seriously... I hate people who complain about complaining, it is incredibly hypocritical.
See, I can say the exact opposite here. While it is only my opinion, I in no way will belittle you, or call your post 'bratty', etc.
Turning into a 'cranky old man' has nothing to so with having common decency, and at least pretending to tolerate the ability of others to have opinions that differ from yours, and not take the holier than thou attitude on the internet.
Just saying, your opinion is just as valid as the next, even if I disagree, as others do.