Massively Speaking http://massively.joystiq.com This is the Massively podcast http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Massively SpeakingJoystiqMassively Speaking<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Star Trek Online's Daniel Stahl at E3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/17/captains-log-star-trek-onlines-daniel-stahl-at-e3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/17/captains-log-star-trek-onlines-daniel-stahl-at-e3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/17/captains-log-star-trek-onlines-daniel-stahl-at-e3/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

STO Odyssey Header
Last week the unstoppable Jasmine Hruschak was one member of Massively's crack team who braved the traffic of Los Angeles to take in the sights, sounds, hawking, yelling, and craziness that was the Electronic Entertainment Expo. While she was there, she interviewed Star Trek Online's Executive Producer, Daniel Stahl, and put forth a few questions from the Massively team.

Stahl was able to drop a few hints about the future of Star Trek Online in his responses, so join me past the jump as I deliver the highlights from their conversation!

Continue reading Captain's Log: Star Trek Online's Daniel Stahl at E3

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Star Trek Online's Daniel Stahl at E3 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logconconventionconvention-coveragecrypticcryptic-enginecryptic-northcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahldoffduty-officer-systeme3e3-2013electronic-entertainment-expoevent-coverageexpof2pfeaturedflying-labfree-to-playGatewaygateway-portalinterviewinterviewsjasmine-hruschakmassively-event-coverageneverwinteropinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentPirates-of-the-Burning-Seapwesci-fiseattlestar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoMon, 17 Jun 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: A new Star Trek Online potpourri]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/10/captains-log-a-new-star-trek-online-potpourri/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/10/captains-log-a-new-star-trek-online-potpourri/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/10/captains-log-a-new-star-trek-online-potpourri/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

STO Romulan Republic logo header
One thing is certain: Many players have returned to Star Trek Online since the Legacy of Romulus expansion was released. Many new players have also given Star Trek Online their first try and are suitably impressed with the game's improvement. Bug patches are forthcoming, and server crashes have been reduced over the past couple of weeks.

Many players who have started new Romulan Republic characters and have reached level cap (50) are now turning their attention to the endgame material. Still others have decided to start their very first Klingon character. But what about stuff that isn't about Legacy of Romulus? It just so happens there are lots of "little" items to cover, so join me while I go over some of the news and tidbits that have popped up recently.

Continue reading Captain's Log: A new Star Trek Online potpourri

MassivelyCaptain's Log: A new Star Trek Online potpourri originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Jun 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcbrandon felczercaptains-logchampions-onlinecrypticcryptic northcryptic-northcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel stahldingexplorationf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgodisageeknukara-strikeforceopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpodcastpweraptrreputationromulanRomulanssci-fiseattlestar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestarfleetSTEAMsteam powerstotask force omegaMon, 10 Jun 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: June's Ask Cryptic hints at more changes for STO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/03/captains-log-junes-ask-cryptic-hints-at-more-changes-for-sto/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/03/captains-log-junes-ask-cryptic-hints-at-more-changes-for-sto/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/03/captains-log-junes-ask-cryptic-hints-at-more-changes-for-sto/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

STO Grenna Header
It's been more than two weeks since Star Trek Online saw the implementation of the Legacy of Romulus, its first expansion. The game has seen its fair share of queues and server crashes, as well as frequent maintenance closures to address the stability problems.

In the game's most recent Ask Cryptic column, Star Trek Online's Executive Producer, Daniel Stahl, addressed some of those issues, answered numerous player questions about the current state of the game, and also gave hints of what we might see in the months to come. Join me past the jump as I attempt to prognosticate on what his answers actually mean.

Continue reading Captain's Log: June's Ask Cryptic hints at more changes for STO

MassivelyCaptain's Log: June's Ask Cryptic hints at more changes for STO originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Jun 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask crypticcaptains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosdaniel stahlduty officerduty officer systemDutyOfficerSystemf2pfeaturedfederationfree-to-playGatewaygateway portalhirogenklingonslegacy of romulusneverwinteropinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweRomulanssci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestosulibanupdateupdatesMon, 03 Jun 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: STO's Legacy of Romulus launches]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/27/captains-log-stos-legacy-of-romulus-launches/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/27/captains-log-stos-legacy-of-romulus-launches/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/27/captains-log-stos-legacy-of-romulus-launches/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

STO Virinat Header
Last week Star Trek Online's much anticipated expansion, the Legacy of Romulus, went live after months of veritable hype. The launch was not without its problems, and some of those problems are still being ironed out.

In spite of all the server issues, I finally got to jump into the game and begin my first Romulan character and take my Vice Admiral character to the new adventure zone on Nimbus III to take a look around. Take a leap past the jump to see what's new in the Star Trek Online universe.

Continue reading Captain's Log: STO's Legacy of Romulus launches

MassivelyCaptain's Log: STO's Legacy of Romulus launches originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosexpansionf2pfeaturedfree-to-playlegacy-of-romulusnimbus-iiiopinionorion-syndicateorionsparadise-cityperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplanet-of-galactic-peacepweremusRomulansromulussci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoMon, 27 May 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log Supplemental: An Exclusive Q&A with STO's Daniel Stahl]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/captains-log-supplemental-an-exclusive-qanda-with-stos-daniel-s/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/captains-log-supplemental-an-exclusive-qanda-with-stos-daniel-s/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/captains-log-supplemental-an-exclusive-qanda-with-stos-daniel-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

STO LoR Logo Header
After months of waiting, we can finally say that Star Trek Online's Legacy of Romulus expansion is upon us! After yesterday's launch, it's now possible to play as a member of the new Romulan Republic faction. It's now possible to begin a Klingon faction character from level 1! There's a new adventure zone and a completely overhauled user interface.

We recently had the opportunity to ask Star Trek Online's Executive Producer, Daniel Stahl, some questions regarding the update. We were also given a lot of screenshots of the new material, and all are included in the new gallery below. There was a lot to cover, so let's get to it!

Gallery: Star Trek Online Legacy of Romulus

Continue reading Captain's Log Supplemental: An Exclusive Q&A with STO's Daniel Stahl

MassivelyCaptain's Log Supplemental: An Exclusive Q&A with STO's Daniel Stahl originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 May 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahlf2pfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewskdfklingonklingonsneverwinteropinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweQ Aromulanromulanssci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoWed, 22 May 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: What to expect in Star Trek Online's Legacy of Romulus expansion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/captains-log-stos-legacy-of-romulus-expansion-launches-tomorr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/captains-log-stos-legacy-of-romulus-expansion-launches-tomorr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/captains-log-stos-legacy-of-romulus-expansion-launches-tomorr/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

STO Haakona warbird header
It's a little strange to think that it's already been three months since the developers at Star Trek Online first teased us with the Legacy of Romulus expansion with the March Beneath the Raptor's Wings kicker at the end of the anniversary video. Even then there were many of us who sincerely doubted the teaser meant we would finally be able to play a Romulan character, let alone that the Klingon faction would be filled-out.

Yet here we are, on the eve of the release of Star Trek Online's first expansion and a flood of new material. Beware, I will be writing spoilers about the new content, but if you're not worried about that, feel free to join me as I touch on most of what we're going to see!

Continue reading Captain's Log: What to expect in Star Trek Online's Legacy of Romulus expansion

MassivelyCaptain's Log: What to expect in Star Trek Online's Legacy of Romulus expansion originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 May 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bird of preyBirdOfPreycaptains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosexpansionf2pfeaturedfederationfree-to-playklingonklingon defense forceklingonslegacy of romulusopinionparadise cityperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplanet of galactic peacepreviewpreviewspweromulanRomulanssci-fishipsstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestowarbirdMon, 20 May 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Story takes center stage in Star Trek Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/captains-log-story-takes-center-stage-in-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/captains-log-story-takes-center-stage-in-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/captains-log-story-takes-center-stage-in-star-trek-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

STO Mars Utopia Planitia Yards
Now that Star Trek Online's expansion, The Legacy of Romulus has moved into open beta on the Tribble test server, I think it's high time I wrote about one of the biggest changes the game has ever seen. It's not just about what will occur in the game's story; it's how the story is being told.

Players who create a Romulan faction character when Star Trek Online launches the expansion on May 21st will experience something that simply hasn't been seen before in the game. Fair warning: I'll be writing a fair amount about what happens within the first dozen levels of gameplay, so if you're holding out to be surprised, know that there are spoilers after the jump!

Continue reading Captain's Log: Story takes center stage in Star Trek Online

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Story takes center stage in Star Trek Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boffbridge officerscaptains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosdoffduty officerduty officer systemexpansionf2pfactionfactionsfeaturedfederationfree-to-playkdfklingonslegacy of romulusopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwereputationromulan republicRomulanssci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestarfleetstoStoryOfTheYearstorytellingtovan-khevMon, 13 May 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Playing with Legacy of Romulus characters in Star Trek Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/captains-log-playing-with-legacy-of-romulus-characters-in-star/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/captains-log-playing-with-legacy-of-romulus-characters-in-star/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/captains-log-playing-with-legacy-of-romulus-characters-in-star/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

STO LoR Header
In just over two weeks, Star Trek Online's first expansion, The Legacy of Romulus, will be released. The developers at Cryptic Studios have been working furiously, and we'll all get to see the results of all of the hard work on Tuesday, May 21st, 2013.

I've had the opportunity to jump into the Star Trek Online's test server, Tribble, to catch a few glimpses of some of the character works in progress. With more material being pushed to Tribble on almost a daily basis, there should be lots to see in the next couple of weeks!

Continue reading Captain's Log: Playing with Legacy of Romulus characters in Star Trek Online

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Playing with Legacy of Romulus characters in Star Trek Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>al riveraalienalien genalien hybridalienscaptains-logcharacter creationcostumescrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playlord of the rings onlinelord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweRemansRomulanssci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoturbineuniformsMon, 06 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: More Romulan ships coming in Star Trek Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/captains-log-more-romulan-ships-coming-in-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/captains-log-more-romulan-ships-coming-in-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/captains-log-more-romulan-ships-coming-in-star-trek-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

STO D'Deridex HEADER
Late last week, Star Trek Online community manager Brandon Felczer posted an enormous dev blog delving into the details surrounding the influx of new ships heading into the game the moment the Legacy of Romulus expansion goes live.

So today I'd like to touch on these new ships and the new Legacy Pack and Starter Packs that were announced as being available for Star Trek Online!

Continue reading Captain's Log: More Romulan ships coming in Star Trek Online

MassivelyCaptain's Log: More Romulan ships coming in Star Trek Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-crypticbrandon-felczercaptains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosdaniel-stahlexpansionf2pfeaturedfederationfleet-shipsfree-to-playklingonlegacy-of-romuluslegacy-packneverwinteropinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweromulanRomulanssci-fishipsstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestarter packstoMon, 29 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Romulan content in Star Trek Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/captains-log-romulan-content-in-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/captains-log-romulan-content-in-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/captains-log-romulan-content-in-star-trek-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

STO TLiss warbird header
Jolan tru! This week I've had the pleasure of jumping onto the Tribble test server in Star Trek Online again. But this time it wasn't just to check out the new UI or the overhaul of Drozana Station. Nope, this week I was one of several hundred (if not a thousand or so) regular Tribble players offered the opportunity to test out the first several levels of the new Romulan faction!

So here's a big warning: Thar be a few spoilers ahead! If you don't want to know anything about the story of the Romulan Republic, then you might want to avoid looking past the jump, but if you're not bothered about seeing some of Star Trek Online's upcoming content before it's released, then press that big button right down there and let's get to it.

Continue reading Captain's Log: Romulan content in Star Trek Online

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Romulan content in Star Trek Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfederationfirst impressionsfree-to-playklingonslegacy of romulusopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweromulan-republicRomulanssci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestotal-shiarMon, 22 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Peeking in on Star Trek Online's Tribble test server]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/captains-log-peeking-into-stos-tribble-test-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/captains-log-peeking-into-stos-tribble-test-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/captains-log-peeking-into-stos-tribble-test-server/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

STO Drozana Romulan
It's been a couple of weeks since I've had the opportunity to write about some of the new features in the upcoming expansion for Star Trek Online called the Legacy of Romulus. Due out on May 21st, 2013, the expansion will boast a new playable Romulan faction as well as additional Klingon content, a new "adventure zone," and some tweaks to existing systems.

Among those tweaks is a new look to the game's user interface, a revamp to the trait system, and an overhaul to the Tholian zone on Nukara Prime, which will be converted into a reputation faction similar to the systems already in place for Task Force Omega and New Romulus. Hit the jump to catch a glimpse of what I was able to glean from the Star Trek Online's Tribble test server!

Continue reading Captain's Log: Peeking in on Star Trek Online's Tribble test server

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Peeking in on Star Trek Online's Tribble test server originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosdrozanaf2pfeaturedfree-to-playlegacy-of-romulusnukara-strikeforceopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwerep-systemreputationreputation-rewardsRomulanssci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestotholianstribble-test-serveruser-interfaceMon, 15 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: The day my Star Trek Online fleet died]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/captains-log-the-day-my-star-trek-online-fleet-died/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/captains-log-the-day-my-star-trek-online-fleet-died/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/captains-log-the-day-my-star-trek-online-fleet-died/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

STO TOS rommie bird of prey
This week I was looking forward to writing about all of the wonderful stuff coming out about the coming this May in the Legacy of Romulus expansion in Star Trek Online. Unfortunately for me, that subject has been swept under the rug while I write about what happened to my fleet during this past week and expose our failures in order to provide valuable lessons to others.

This week my fleet was "stolen." Everything that we have worked so hard in building over the past 14 months was taken away by one person, a person none of us knows, and we were forced to begin anew. The lessons here are hard, bitter, and frankly embarrassing to discuss, but they are important to learn from, and I hope others use the advice to avoid our fate, regardless of whether you're in a fleet in Star Trek Online or a guild in some other game.

Continue reading Captain's Log: The day my Star Trek Online fleet died

MassivelyCaptain's Log: The day my Star Trek Online fleet died originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logcaspian-divisioncaspian-risingcrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfleet-leaderfleetsfree-to-playhackhackerhackersjupiter-forceopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpriority-onepwesci-fissc-fleetssog-fleetstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoMon, 08 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: A Star Trek Online player uses math]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/captains-log-a-star-trek-online-player-uses-math/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/captains-log-a-star-trek-online-player-uses-math/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/captains-log-a-star-trek-online-player-uses-math/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

STO De'deridex header
On the heels of last week's revelation that Star Trek Online will be releasing its first ever expansion, Legacy of Romulus, many people were apparently waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop so they could rage when their expectations weren't met. That happened within seconds after the release of a special Ask Cryptic blog written by Executive Producer Daniel Stahl last Friday.

Massively received a tip or two informing us that there was a Thread of Rage on the Star Trek Online forums, one that arose after the Ask Cryptic revealed that characters in the upcoming Romulan faction will be forced to choose to ally with either the Federation or the Klingon Defense Force and share in their fleet capabilities instead of developing fleets of their own.

With the help of my accountant husband, I took on the challenge of dissecting this alleged Thread of Rage to determine how many people really did express feelings of rage, anger, or even disappointment with the news. You might be interested in the results of our analysis. If you are, take the jump!

Continue reading Captain's Log: A Star Trek Online player uses math

MassivelyCaptain's Log: A Star Trek Online player uses math originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahlexpansionf2pfeaturedfederationforumforumsfree-to-playkdfklingonslegacy-of-romulusmathopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentposterspweRAGERomulanssci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestatisticsstoufpMon, 01 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Star Trek Online's Romulan legacy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/captains-log-star-trek-onlines-romulan-legacy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/captains-log-star-trek-onlines-romulan-legacy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/captains-log-star-trek-onlines-romulan-legacy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

STO Empress Sela
I don't think many Star Trek Online players really believed it was possible. To be honest, I'm not sure many of us yet believe, but late last week the powers that be over at Cryptic Studios and Perfect World Entertainment let the countdown clock on the teaser page expire to reveal the first ever expansion that Star Trek Online has seen.

The Legacy of Romulus is scheduled to be released on May 21st, 2013 and contains what appears to be a mountain of new content. Best of all, the new expansion is absolutely free to all players. Let's get to the overview, shall we?

Continue reading Captain's Log: Star Trek Online's Romulan legacy

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Star Trek Online's Romulan legacy originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bad Robotcaptains-logChristine-Thompsoncrypticcryptic-studiosdiane-duaneexpansionf2pfeaturedfree-to-playkdfklingonklingon-empireklingon-factionklingonslegacy-of-romulusopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpocketbookspweremusrihannsuromulanromulan-contentromulan-empireromulan-factionromulan-republicRomulansromulussci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoMon, 25 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: STO's fleet advancement and reputation systems]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/captains-log-stos-fleet-advancement-and-reputation-systems/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/captains-log-stos-fleet-advancement-and-reputation-systems/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/captains-log-stos-fleet-advancement-and-reputation-systems/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

STO Romulan embassy
In my continuing efforts to mark time until we all find out what the blazes the most recent teasers for Star Trek Online's upcoming March Beneath the Raptor's Wings are hinting at, this column is going to delve into two huge new tech developments the game has seen since its free-to-play conversion.

Many players are just now coming back to Star Trek Online after a prolonged absence and have asked me to touch on some of the changes the game has seen in the past two years. Seasons Six and Seven saw the release of the fleet advancement and reputation systems. Both of the new systems work on the same basic principles, so let's go over the basics, then touch on each individual system's idiosyncrasies.

Continue reading Captain's Log: STO's fleet advancement and reputation systems

MassivelyCaptain's Log: STO's fleet advancement and reputation systems originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfleetfleet-advancementfleet-advancement-systemfleet-embassyfleet-starbasefleet-starbasesfree-to-playguideguidesmarch-beneath-the-raptors-wingsmolrihannew-romulusopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwereputationreputation-gearreputation-rewardsRomulanssci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestotask force omegaMon, 18 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Dabbling with STO's duty officers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/captains-log-dabbling-with-stos-duty-officers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/captains-log-dabbling-with-stos-duty-officers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/captains-log-dabbling-with-stos-duty-officers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

STO Fed Academy Header
Last week I began a series of columns that cover the material that has been implemented in Star Trek Online over the course of the last two years. Many players are returning to the game after a long absence, and several have requested that I touch on what is new to the game.

I've already tackled the free-to-play conversion, lockboxes, a few featured episodes, and the new shooter mode. This week I'll be focusing the entire column on just one subject: Star Trek Online's popular duty officer system.

Continue reading Captain's Log: Dabbling with STO's duty officers

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Dabbling with STO's duty officers originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosduty officerduty officer systemf2pfeaturedfederationfree-to-playguideguidesklingonopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoMon, 11 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Catching up on Star Trek Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/captains-log-catching-up-on-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/captains-log-catching-up-on-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/captains-log-catching-up-on-star-trek-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

STO Connie header
Leave it to my coworker here at Massively to find a way to suggest a new focus in my Captain's Log columns. Since many of us will be waiting impatiently for the next teaser for March Beneath the Raptor's Wings due out on March 21st, I had been a little worried that news on the Star Trek Online front would be a little thin. Therefore, I was very happy for a suggestion that came about after a tweet from Beau Hindman generated responses suggesting that I take on this subject.

So for the next couple of weeks I will be writing about some of the major changes Star Trek Online has undergone in the past two years in the hopes it can help out folks like Beau who are returning to the game after a long absence.

Continue reading Captain's Log: Catching up on Star Trek Online

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Catching up on Star Trek Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbreencaptains-logcloaked-intentionscold warcrypticcryptic-studiosdevidiansf2pfeaturedfeatured episodesfree-to-playgame in reviewopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweromluanssci-fishooter modespectersstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoThe 2800tholiansMon, 04 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Apologies and Andorian ships in Star Trek Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/captains-log-apologies-and-andorian-ships-in-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/captains-log-apologies-and-andorian-ships-in-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/captains-log-apologies-and-andorian-ships-in-star-trek-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

STO Kumari ship header
Last week I wrote a little bit about festering anger exhibited in the Star Trek Online forums over the recent removal of fleet marks as a reward for undertaking the Foundry mission wrapper. This week, Star Trek Online's executive producer Daniel Stahl added another post to the ever-lengthening forum thread and outright apologized for the "heavy handed" nature of the move. He also outlined the reasons behind the reward's removal.

Also, this week a new three-ship pack has been made available for purchase in the game's Cryptic Store: the long-awaited Andorian Kumari class escort. She appears to be a beast of a ship and well worthy of her Andorian heritage. So let's get to it!

Continue reading Captain's Log: Apologies and Andorian ships in Star Trek Online

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Apologies and Andorian ships in Star Trek Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>afkandorianAndorian-shipcaptains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosdaniel stahlenterpriseexploitf2pfeaturedfleet marksfoundryfoundry-missionsfree-to-playJeffrey combskumarikumari class shipkumari escortopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar trek enterpriseStar Trek: Original Seriesstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoMon, 25 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Star Trek Online's Foundry foibles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/captains-log-star-trek-onlines-foundry-foibles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/captains-log-star-trek-onlines-foundry-foibles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/captains-log-star-trek-onlines-foundry-foibles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

STO NX 01 Plymouth header
I hate writing about brouhahas in Star Trek Online mainly because they're usually just a passing event that either peters out with time or gets changed so quickly that by the time my column gets posted, everything becomes moot. However, this time around I'm pretty confident that a recent change with regard to The Foundry, the user generated content tool in Star Trek Online, may actually be just the tip of the iceberg.

The Foundry has had more than its fair share of technological nightmares to overcome in the two years that it has existed in STO. It is an incredible tool, one that allows authors to create their own playable content, and yet it suffers from some of the most serious flaws in the game, flaws that became apparent when the tool was used with the intention of getting easy rewards instead of the personal satisfaction of play. So where will the Foundry end up in the future?

Continue reading Captain's Log: Star Trek Online's Foundry foibles

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Star Trek Online's Foundry foibles originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosdaniel stahldilithiumexploitf2pfeaturedfleet marksfoundryfree-to-playopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwerewardssci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoMon, 18 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Ruminating on Star Trek Online's future story]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/captains-log-ruminating-on-star-trek-onlines-future-story/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/captains-log-ruminating-on-star-trek-onlines-future-story/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/captains-log-ruminating-on-star-trek-onlines-future-story/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

STO Orion header
As a self-confessed altaholic, I spent a lot of time in Star Trek Online over the past week. The third anniversary celebration is still in full swing (although it does end on Thursday, February 14th), and I needed to get all 13 of my characters through the special featured episode in order to obtain the special ships being given as rewards. Suffice it to say that I pretty much know the episode by heart now.

I actually dusted off my two low-level Klingon Defense Force characters and took them out for a spin so I wouldn't miss out on the beautiful new Kamarag class vessel, but in doing so I found myself chewing on the story as presented so far in Star Trek Online and what the most recent missions could mean for the rumored introduction of a Romulan faction, as well as what they might mean for the mighty Klingon Empire.

Continue reading Captain's Log: Ruminating on Star Trek Online's future story

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Ruminating on Star Trek Online's future story originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logchristine thompsoncrypticcryptic-studiosdaniel stahlf2pfeaturedfree-to-playjj abramsklingonklingon-empireklingon-pvpklingonsopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpvppweromulanRomulanssci-fistar trek deep space nineStar Trek: The Next Generationstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoMon, 11 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST