Star Trek Online Review: A Voyage Worth Embarking On in 2024?

Star Trek Online is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by Cryptic Studios and published by Perfect World Entertainment. Released in 2010 for Microsoft Windows and later for Xbox One and PlayStation 4, the game allows players to explore the vast Star Trek universe, command their own starships, and engage in both ground and space combat.

Despite some issues, Star Trek Online has managed to maintain a loyal player base and is often regarded as an enjoyable experience for fans of the franchise.

A Familiar Universe with Infinite Possibilities

One of the primary attractions of Star Trek Online is the opportunity for players to immerse themselves in the beloved Star Trek universe. Set approximately 30 years after the events of Star Trek: Nemesis, the game’s storyline spans across various series and films, allowing players to engage with familiar characters, iconic locations, and even participate in major historical events from the franchise.

The game features several episodic story arcs that are structured like traditional Star Trek episodes, complete with voice-overs from actors who have appeared in the series, such as Leonard Nimoy (Spock), Jeri Ryan (Seven of Nine), and Michael Dorn (Worf).

While the game’s narrative is engaging and provides an authentic Star Trek experience, it occasionally suffers from pacing issues and a lack of cohesive storytelling. Nonetheless, the overall experience remains enjoyable for Star Trek fans and newcomers alike.

Gameplay

Star Trek Online’s gameplay can be divided into two main segments: space combat and ground combat. Space combat is undoubtedly the game’s greatest strength, with players able to command their starships in epic battles against various enemies, such as the Borg, Klingons, and Romulans.

The ship customization options are extensive, allowing players to tailor their vessels to their preferred playstyles, whether focusing on firepower, defense, or support roles.

Navigating through space in Star Trek Online is a thrilling experience, with the game’s expansive universe offering plenty of opportunities for exploration and discovery.

The game’s space combat mechanics are deep and rewarding, requiring players to manage their ship’s power distribution, shields, and weapon systems, all while positioning themselves strategically to gain an advantage in battle.

Ground combat, on the other hand, is often criticized for its clunky mechanics and repetitive nature. While improvements have been made over the years, it remains one of the game’s weaker aspects. The third-person shooter gameplay can feel slow and unresponsive at times, with enemies often lacking variety and posing little challenge.

Despite these shortcomings, the game’s ground missions do offer some entertaining moments, particularly when playing with a group of friends or fellow Star Trek fans.

Character Creation and Progression

Star Trek Online offers a high level of character customization, with players able to choose from various Star Trek races, such as humans, Vulcans, and Klingons, or even create their own alien species. The game’s skill system allows for a diverse range of character builds, providing players with the freedom to explore different playstyles and choose between various career paths, such as Tactical, Engineering, or Science Officers.

As players progress through the game, they will earn experience points, skill points, and expertise, which can be spent on improving their character’s abilities and unlocking new skills. Additionally, players can collect and equip various items, such as weapons, armor, and devices, to further customize their character and improve their performance in both space and ground combat.

Graphics and Sound

Considering its age, Star Trek Online’s graphics are somewhat dated. However, the game’s art direction and design capture the essence of the Star Trek universe, providing an immersive experience for fans. The various alien worlds, space stations, and star ships are all rendered with attention to detail, and while the visuals may not be cutting-edge, they still manage to convey a sense of wonder and exploration that is central to the Star Trek experience.

The game’s sound design also plays a significant role in enhancing the overall atmosphere. The voice acting, featuring iconic Star Trek actors, adds an additional layer of authenticity to the experience, making players feel as if they are part of an actual Star Trek episode.

Community and Population

While Star Trek Online’s player base is not as large as other popular MMORPGs, it boasts a dedicated community of fans who are passionate about both the game and the Star Trek universe.

The game has a healthy mix of solo and group content, with the latter being accessible through various in-game tools, such as the Looking for Group (LFG) system, ensuring that players can find others to team up with for challenging missions or large-scale events.

The game also features several social hubs, such as Earth Spacedock and Deep Space Nine, where players can interact, trade items, and participate in various activities together. The community is generally friendly and welcoming, making it easy for new players to find help and advice as they embark on their journey through the Star Trek universe.

Free-to-Play vs. Pay-to-Win

Star Trek Online operates on a free-to-play model, with an optional premium “Lifetime Subscription,” granting access to additional content and perks. The game’s in-game store, known as the “C-Store,” offers a variety of items for purchase, such as ships, costumes, and convenience items. Some pay-to-win elements exist, such as purchasing powerful ships and equipment, but they are not necessary to enjoy the game’s core experience.

Players can also earn a premium currency called “Zen” by participating in the game’s “Dilithium Exchange,” which allows them to trade in-game earned Dilithium for Zen. This system provides a way for dedicated players to access premium content without spending real money, although the exchange rate can be subject to fluctuations based on player-driven supply and demand.

Conclusion

Star Trek Online is a solid MMORPG that provides an engaging experience for fans of the Star Trek franchise. While the game has its flaws, such as dated graphics, lackluster ground combat, and some pay-to-win elements, its space combat, character customization, and vast universe more than make up for these shortcomings.

If you can overlook these issues and are willing to invest time in exploring the game, Star Trek Online is a journey worth embarking on for both Star Trek fans and MMORPG enthusiasts.

Star Trek Online offers a unique and immersive experience for those looking to explore the final frontier. With a wealth of content, a passionate community, and a strong connection to the source material, this game remains an enjoyable option for fans and newcomers alike.

Have you tried Star Trek Online? What did you think of it? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!