Yesterday, dstahl indicated that he was in talks with other companies to acquire assets to improve the game.
Realistically, there are few games with models or textures that would readily import INTO STO, both because of how old those games are and because of the nature of STO's customization and stylized art.
There are few companies, I think, that would have systems that would directly improve STO. I suppose you might look at importing Decipher's system for a ground combat revamp (this is the only current Cryptic game not using a modded pen and paper system, which I think DOES probably hurt).
But realistically, I think the biggest asset out there dstahl could be negotiating for is expanded/improved audio library, which might include voiceover and/or music. I'm skeptical about VO as Interplay holds the biggest VO libraries and is notoriously expensive when asked to sell. (That might have changed, as they're trying to raise capital quite vigorously these days.) That VO library would be awesome as it would mean we could get things like a cinematic intro by Shatner and maybe even some never released VO work by the complete original series cast.
The most likely scenario I can think of is that he's looking to acquire music from other Trek games. Getting an orchestra back together for additional tracks would be quite expensive. Getting music from the Trek TV shows and films themselves is also quite expensive and was investigated by Cryptic last year. The music from other Trek games is less likely to be dated and unusable, compared to other assets, especially if there are high quality master tapes out there... And I can see most of it being up for sale at a reasonable price, given that it's unlikely to be used or covered elsewhere.
So... Playing off this hunch, are there any Trek games whose soundtracks you'd like Cryptic to pursue?
I think just the music to the PC versions of Starfleet Academy, Klingon Academy, and the other Interplay games would be a huge coupe:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEA-TEHeLaA&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhGaUEWtUNUhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slJsnhXb9gMhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFkPKU49k8s&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXdmsWC5gNg
Comments
If only Cryptic made STO like KA for feds and klinks with modern day graphics and damage physics. Wow! I would pay $25.00 per month or even $ 500.00 for lifetime.
I remember when KA was released, that day I felt what it was to be truly Klingon lol
Ohhhh man wonderful memories.
Also, Star Trek New Worlds.
A most epic soundtrack that was ahead of its time.
I still have my KA and wierdly works on my new computer without issue. God the game is so epic, epic isnt a word to describe the game. I always loved the entire story. Felt more of a interactive movie that you were in.
oh man! Multiplayer was awesome it was not about magical powers or your captain type but it was all about how you could pilot your ship it was Star Trek starship simulator. Voiceover was great too, I mean everything was great about that game
Each ship had its own up and down side, weapon type, shield strength, speed, maneuverability, you could board player and npc enemy ships. I mean it took some skill to fight in space. I had epic multiplayer battle some lasted 30 minutes some 5 minutes
Klingon Academy was like the closest thing to experience Star Trek space battles.
Star Trek New World attempted to move into the RTS realm, if memory serves. Not my cup of tea. At that time it was pretty much over at any rate. A shift in direction, and company/title diversity once again took a hit. RIP Interplay, you were great in your time. The time of the original Star Trek movie era.
Sure, they made some fitting Star Trek soundtracks back then. Heck, I'm still breaking out Starfleet Command now and then.
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I'd like it to be coupled with something I don't think the game has done yet. Exploring a new system, a beautiful, breathtaking phenomenon comes into view and the First Contact theme begins as you fly near and/or through it.
Space has as many wonderments as it does opportunities to create big booms.
She would certainly fit the bill and it would be nice to hear a familiar voice.
This is cool and all but I'm mainly trying to poll what existing assets from other games people would like Cryptic to go after.
Music from the shows themselves is out (Cryptic tried last year, not financially possible)... and I doubt Cryptic will get an orchestra together for more original recordings. But I could see them buying music from other Trek games.
No offense to the current composer of our tracks (Michael Henry I believe?), but if wanting some great Video Game Composers that could bring a nice influence to STO, I would highly recommend:
Jeremy Soule - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremy_Soule (Elder Scrolls Oblivion, KOTOR, WAR, etc)
Jesper Kyd - http://www.jesperkyd.com/ - (Hitman Series, Assassin's Creed, Borderlands, etc)
Jason Graves - http://www.jasongraves.com/ (Star Trek: Legacy, Dead Space, C&C 4)
Mark Griskey - http://www.griskey.com/ (The Force Unleashed, KOTOR 2, SWTOR, Nemesis Trailer, etc)
Just to name a few....
Maybe you could have guest composer sort of thing and hire out for a single track every so often and incorporate it into the game for the weekly episodes or whatever?
Anyone else like this idea?
As for existing assets, while it wasn't the best game all around, the soundtrack from Star Trek Legacy was very good in my opinion.
These would be perfect for combat:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndvlOqDkfYc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bvFqjrY50I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkKYTV_DWsM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DDmd7xpkc0
Exploration, sector space, non-combat mission segments, etc.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikKUofk-C0c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcE__46BxTU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fq4MCTKUfcY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfXKp5UCWtE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EBBrtD3kbg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwuMGnfpUMk
Same guy on YouTube has a bunch more for those who are interested. If there were a way to add music ourselves I'd probably just go ahead and add these right away, assuming they could tied to the correct in-game context.