It's probably some time off yet, but eventually we're going to run out of practical ships to place in the Lock Boxes. We've had the Galor and D'Kora (two of the most prominent releases), then the Temporal Ships, the Tholian Ships, then the Elachi, Tal Shiar, Voth, Hirogen (don't think these really took off?) and soon, Undine.
Am I missing one?
Anyway, seeing as I've mentioned them,
@Cryptic - the Cardassian and Ferengi Lock Boxes could do with a revamp, bring them up to the reward level that current boxes provide? A Lobi Ship to accommodate them too. Thanks! Might want to think about a Son'a Lock Box at some point too? I'm sure those ships (Battleship especially) would sell.
Anyway, I'm getting away from the point, when the time comes (and it will, eventually) instead of releasing ships that nobody will really want, how about officers (both as character playable and bridge officers?)
We know further factions are a long shot, though there are many species out there that people might like to play as (without using the alien generator). Some of us no doubt would cherish the opportunity to play as a Cardassian, or a Vorta, or maybe even a Suliban? The possibilities are endless when you think about it.
Your Main Lock Box Rewards would be a character token (of said species) along with a single character slot (enabling said person, upon collecting their reward, to have a fresh character slot ready for them). Secondary rewards could be bridge officers of said species, and costumes unique to that species?
This may further aid you in having people pay toward collecting lock box ships. Think, if people are suddenly able to play as a Vorta, and are able to attain Jem Hadar Bridge Officers (through lock boxes / the exchange) this would further fuel some people into desiring a Dominion Ship, no?
Just a thought.
- and before anyone argues the point, it's not beyond belief that a specific group of a specific faction wouldn't decide to join the Federation/KDF/Republic at their own choosing. The STO story (unless you roleplay) is unique to each character, so it's not like we'd suddenly have a whole bunch of Suliban or Son'a joining the ranks.
Comments
you'll gamble for ships and like it!
That said... i'm all in favor for running around as an Undine crushing the Gekli scum!
To complete the effect (and this is a revamp I've mulled over) I think rather than be a permanent thing, species should be selectable by costume slot. That would not be perfect for immersion (although species reassignment surgery is about a wardrobe change away in Trek) but it would be consistent with the fleets we have. The big change there would probably be to BOffs, as their gender/species could be changed within the tailor. (Certain BOffs might retain a special option unlocked, ala Lib Borg Romulan, Jem'Hadar, etc..)
I'd gamble on lockboxes for a shot at playing a Vorta or Jem'Hadar. Especially a Jem'Hadar.
Since they won't add it normally
That would make Ketracel White a lot more useful
Whilst on the subject of that though, as stated above: There's no profit in it. If anything, such an option would take away from potential profit. It isn't going to happen.