Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Captain's Log: STO's Caitian Carriers and Klingon Kitties]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/captain-s-log-sto-s-caitian-carriers-and-klingon-kitties/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/captain-s-log-sto-s-caitian-carriers-and-klingon-kitties/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/captain-s-log-sto-s-caitian-carriers-and-klingon-kitties/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

STO
Lately I've beginning to wonder whether the wait for Star Trek Online's Season Six has been as interminable for other players as it seems to have been for me. Although the past several weeks have been busy in the real-life side of things, those distractions really haven't been all that good at harboring my frustration about the wait for the new stuff as I would have liked.

Season Six is being readied for a move to STO's test server, Tribble, in the next couple of weeks, according to the most recent Ask Cryptic as answered by the game's Executive Producer, Dan Stahl. The new patch will contain fleet starbases and a new fleet advancement system but not much else in the way of story-based content.

That's not unexpected, however, as not one of the previous Season releases really ever contained story-based content; they've merely been game-technology pushes, and I understand that Season Six will be no different.

However a couple of things have come out to the game in the past few weeks that have ruffled some hard-core Trek-fan feathers: Caitian Carriers and Ferasans.

Continue reading Captain's Log: STO's Caitian Carriers and Klingon Kitties

MassivelyCaptain's Log: STO's Caitian Carriers and Klingon Kitties originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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    ]]>    caitiancanoncanonitecaptains-logCBScbs-studioscrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahlf2pfeaturedferasanfree-to-playian-richardsloreopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweracessci-fishipsstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoMon, 21 May 2012 19:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[Captain's Log: A new perspective on STO's endgame]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/captains-log-a-new-perspective-of-stos-endgame/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/captains-log-a-new-perspective-of-stos-endgame/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/captains-log-a-new-perspective-of-stos-endgame/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

    STO
    For a veteran Star Trek Online player, it can be very easy to get mired in the game's seemingly soulless endgame. From restricted (time-gated) play to lackluster PvP to grinding strategic task force missions and dailies, sometimes it's difficult to find reason to log in at all, let alone on someone else's schedule.

    There are always a few options, however. Of course, these ideas aren't going to be everyone's cup of raktajino, but they're a start, and I want to take some time to discuss two possibilities that may help to provide a distraction while we all wait for fleet starbases, Tholians, and Ferasan (the new cat-like species to be released for the Klingon faction).

    Continue reading Captain's Log: A new perspective on STO's endgame

    MassivelyCaptain's Log: A new perspective on STO's endgame originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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      ]]>      captains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahlf2pfeaturedfoundryfree-to-playopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestothe-foundryMon, 14 May 2012 21:00:00 EST      <![CDATA[Captain's Log: Old reruns, a new currency, and time-gates frustrate STO players]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/captains-log-old-reruns-a-new-currency-and-time-gates-frustr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/captains-log-old-reruns-a-new-currency-and-time-gates-frustr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/captains-log-old-reruns-a-new-currency-and-time-gates-frustr/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

      Image
      Recently Cryptic Studios' Star Trek Online team has pressed forward with a mix of new releases and old reruns in an effort to entertain the playerbase while we await the anticipated release of Season 6 in June.

      Some of the recent releases, such as Spotlight on the Foundry, a new Klingon mission titled Alpha, the new Caitian Atrox carrier for the Federation faction, and a duty officer commendation XP bonus weekend, have all been fairly well-received. We have also seen the return of the Ask Cryptic blogs, and apparently we will also be seeing the return of the fan-favorite Engineering Reports at the end of this month.

      The question remains, however, whether or not the those relative successes can overcome the controversies that seem to surround the game's other recent releases -- namely, the introduction of what is arguably a new currency and the infusion of yet another time-gated mission.

      Continue reading Captain's Log: Old reruns, a new currency, and time-gates frustrate STO players

      MassivelyCaptain's Log: Old reruns, a new currency, and time-gates frustrate STO players originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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        ]]>        captains-logcash-shopcrypticcryptic-studioscurrencyf2pfeaturedfeatured-episodefree-to-playlobi-crystalsopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwererunssci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestotime-gatedtime-gated-missiontime-gatingMon, 07 May 2012 15:00:00 EST        <![CDATA[Captain's Log: Interview with Star Trek Online lead writer Christine Thompson, part two]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/captains-log-interview-with-star-trek-online-lead-writer-chris/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/captains-log-interview-with-star-trek-online-lead-writer-chris/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/captains-log-interview-with-star-trek-online-lead-writer-chris/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

        Cryptic Studios
        This week brings to an end my series of interview with Cryptic Studios representatives. We conclude with the second half of my interview with Christine Thompson, lead writer for Star Trek Online.

        Thompson confirmed that she essentially writes everything in STO. She admits that she gets some help, sometimes from developers who prefer to write their own work, but she says she writes 90% of everything in the game.

        The conversation picked back up with a focus on The Foundry, the user-generated content tool available to players in STO. I asked her if she had any direct advice for authors who use the Foundry to create missions and maps and social zones in the game. She said, "Authors "shouldn't be afraid to tell the stories they want to tell. That's one of the joys of The Foundry. And they should also know not every story is going to work for everybody. Some things people will love, and some things people won't. Use Of Bajor for example. I really enjoyed that episode. We took a chance and did something completely different with that episode, and I liked telling a Bajoran story. But for every person who liked that episode, there was somebody saying" -- and here she dropped her voice to a hoarse whisper -- "oh dear god, why can't I just shoot something?!"

        Continue reading Captain's Log: Interview with Star Trek Online lead writer Christine Thompson, part two

        MassivelyCaptain's Log: Interview with Star Trek Online lead writer Christine Thompson, part two originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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          ]]>          captains-logChristine-Thompsoncrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewsj-michael-straczynskiopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoMon, 30 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST          <![CDATA[Captain's Log: Interview with Star Trek Online lead writer Christine Thompson, part one]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/captains-log-interview-with-star-trek-onlines-lead-writer-chr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/captains-log-interview-with-star-trek-onlines-lead-writer-chr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/captains-log-interview-with-star-trek-onlines-lead-writer-chr/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

          Image
          Today Captain's Log continues with the first of two installments of my interview with Christine Thompson, Star Trek Online's lead writer at Cryptic Studios!

          I began the discussion by asking Thompson about her background as a writer and journalist before she began working for Cryptic. She stated that she had held positions as a reporter, editor, page designer, and wire editor for 13 years, after which she found herself in a position of "either having to move up into management or having to find something else to do."

          Yet she spent a lot of her personal time playing MMOs, reading comic books and fantasy novels, and watching Star Trek. Since she had to find a new career anyway, she thought, "Why not find a career I actually enjoy?" That's when she began to look for writing positions in the gaming industry.

          Continue reading Captain's Log: Interview with Star Trek Online lead writer Christine Thompson, part one

          MassivelyCaptain's Log: Interview with Star Trek Online lead writer Christine Thompson, part one originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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            ]]>            captains-logChristine-Thompsoncrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewsopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestar-wars-the-old-republicstostoryswtorwritingMon, 23 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST            <![CDATA[Captain's Log: Interview with Star Trek Online's Executive Producer, Daniel Stahl]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/captains-log-interview-with-star-trek-onlines-executive-produ/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/captains-log-interview-with-star-trek-onlines-executive-produ/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/captains-log-interview-with-star-trek-onlines-executive-produ/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

            Image
            Next in this series of interviews conducted on my visit to Cryptic Studios in Los Gatos, California, last month is a chat with Daniel Stahl, Executive Producer of Star Trek Online.

            I first asked Stahl to give me an overview of his responsibilities as Executive Producer, as there are many people who are either new to STO (or even to gaming overall) who may not have a clear understanding of his role entails.

            He stated his job is "similar to making movies." He has several direct reports, the first being the software person or the person responsible for the team of people who actually create the code for the game. The second is the Content Lead, who is responsible for new missions, new features, and anything to with player experience. Finally, the Quality Assurance team also reports to him.

            Continue reading Captain's Log: Interview with Star Trek Online's Executive Producer, Daniel Stahl

            MassivelyCaptain's Log: Interview with Star Trek Online's Executive Producer, Daniel Stahl originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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              ]]>              captains-logchampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahlf2pfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoturbineTurbine-EntertainmentMon, 16 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST              <![CDATA[Captain's Log: Interview with Cryptic's Al Rivera, part three]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/captains-log-interview-with-cryptics-al-rivera-part-three/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/captains-log-interview-with-cryptics-al-rivera-part-three/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/captains-log-interview-with-cryptics-al-rivera-part-three/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

              Image
              Today Captain's Log continues with the third and final installment of my interview with Al Rivera, Star Trek Online's Lead Designer at Cryptic Studios!

              Rivera and I picked up the conversation and talked briefly about the Why I Play STO column that I wrote several weeks ago. I informed him that because of that column, I had received a few emails from brand-new MMO players who expressed frustration over the fact that as new free-to-play players, they weren't immediately allowed into the parts of the game that would give them access to the community, especially fleets, right off the bat.

              Continue reading Captain's Log: Interview with Cryptic's Al Rivera, part three

              MassivelyCaptain's Log: Interview with Cryptic's Al Rivera, part three originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                ]]>                al-riveracaptains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewsneverwinteropinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoMon, 09 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST                <![CDATA[Captain's Log Supplemental: Klingon Awareness Week and First Contact Day]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/captains-log-supplemental-klingon-awareness-week-and-first-con/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/captains-log-supplemental-klingon-awareness-week-and-first-con/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/captains-log-supplemental-klingon-awareness-week-and-first-con/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

                Image
                In the midst of writing up the wonderful interviews I had with members of Cryptic Studios' Star Trek Online development team, I saw that the game's April calendar was posted and contained some interesting new events. This was the sign that it was all right for me to discuss the new Klingon mission that is set to be released on Thursday, April 5th! So today, I will lightly touch upon my experience with testing the mission in this column. I don't expect to be delivering spoilers, so everyone will be able to experience it for himself when it debuts.

                In releasing the new mission, Cryptic decided to take advantage of a community-based effort called Klingon Awareness Week (KAW) and set the release date to occur right in the middle of the event. This week also sees the return of First Contact Day events for the Federation side, which will showcase its own unique rewards. Let's dig in to each of these great events!

                Continue reading Captain's Log Supplemental: Klingon Awareness Week and First Contact Day

                MassivelyCaptain's Log Supplemental: Klingon Awareness Week and First Contact Day originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                  ]]>                  captains-logcaptains-log-supplementalcrypticcryptic-studioseventf2pfeaturedfirst-contact-dayfree-to-playklingonklingon-awareness-weekopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoTue, 03 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST                  <![CDATA[Captain's Log: Interview with Cryptic's Al Rivera, part two]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/captains-log-interview-with-cryptics-al-rivera-part-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/captains-log-interview-with-cryptics-al-rivera-part-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/captains-log-interview-with-cryptics-al-rivera-part-two/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

                  Today Captain's Log continues with part two of my interview with Al Rivera, Star Trek Online's Lead Designer at Cryptic Studios.

                  Last week I received a bit of feedback regarding the state of Rivera's desk. I withheld taking pictures of the interior of the office space for fear of inadvertently capturing information that I wasn't free to share. Happily, though, Rivera himself decided to tweet a few photos of the ships and Trek paraphernalia that graced our visit to his office. Yes, it also included a picture of what I had described in my last column as a "funky purple monster." Apparently my comic book naiveté has kept me from recognizing what Rivera informed me is The Maxx.

                  Sorry, but it will always be that funky purple monster to me.

                  Continue reading Captain's Log: Interview with Cryptic's Al Rivera, part two

                  MassivelyCaptain's Log: Interview with Cryptic's Al Rivera, part two originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                    ]]>                    al-riveracaptains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewsopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoMon, 02 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST                    <![CDATA[Captain's Log: Interview with Cryptic's Al Rivera, part one]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/captain-s-log-interview-with-cryptics-al-rivera-part-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/captain-s-log-interview-with-cryptics-al-rivera-part-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/captain-s-log-interview-with-cryptics-al-rivera-part-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

                    Cryptic Studios
                    Last week, I headed to Cryptic Studios to meet with several of the folks responsible for the development of Star Trek Online. Over the course of the next few weeks, I will be sharing what I learned from those individuals and from the team on the whole!

                    This week, I will begin my coverage of a lengthy interview with Al Rivera (@CaptainGeko), the lead designer for STO.

                    If I had any doubts about the team's love or understanding of our beloved franchise, those doubts were dispelled the moment I walked into the STO work area.

                    Continue reading Captain's Log: Interview with Cryptic's Al Rivera, part one

                    MassivelyCaptain's Log: Interview with Cryptic's Al Rivera, part one originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                      ]]>                      al-riveracaptains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewsopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoThe 2800The2800Mon, 26 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST                      <![CDATA[Captain's Log: Focus on the Foundry]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/captains-log-focus-on-the-foundry/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/captains-log-focus-on-the-foundry/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/captains-log-focus-on-the-foundry/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

                      The Foundry is Star Trek Online's user-generated content tool, one that allows players to create their very own playable missions in the game. Those missions also become available as content to the rest of the playerbase. It's a tool that differentiates STO from most other MMOs and encourages fans to expand on the universe of STO and Star Trek in general. Join me as in this Captain's Log, I focus on the Foundry, some of its missions, and the community that keeps it going.

                      Continue reading Captain's Log: Focus on the Foundry

                      MassivelyCaptain's Log: Focus on the Foundry originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                        ]]>                        Brandon-Felczercaptains-logchallengechristine-thompsoncrypticcryptic-studiosdivide-et-imperaf2pfeaturedfoundryfree-to-playopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpgcplayer-generated-contentpwerema-donnareturn-to-terra-novarisian-sunsetsci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestougcuser-generated-contentMon, 19 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST                        <![CDATA[Why I Play: Star Trek Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/why-i-play-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/why-i-play-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/why-i-play-star-trek-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

                        When I first heard that there was going to be a new game revolving around my favorite television franchise, I immediately began to ask my more experienced gaming friends what an MMORPG was. I seriously had no clue!

                        I started to follow news releases about Star Trek Online from Cryptic Studios the moment I found out the game would not be based on the re-booted franchise of J.J. Abrams' film but would actually be set in what most Trekkies refer to as the "Prime Universe," the timeline in which all of the television series were set.

                        I'm not going to lie to you -- I'm a huge Trekkie. I support fan-made productions; I own every episode! I own reference books, technical manuals, Klingon Language books, action figures, and posters. I read Trek novels, attend conventions, write fan-fiction, and belong to several Trek community forums. I've written a blog and columns and opinion pieces for numerous Trek-related and general science-fiction sites. So at the beginning, I thought that STO would be just another avenue for me to express my fandom without having to worry too much about having the manual dexterity to wield a console controller.

                        It ended up being quite a bit more for me, however, and here's why.

                        Continue reading Why I Play: Star Trek Online

                        MassivelyWhy I Play: Star Trek Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                          ]]>                          crypticcryptic-studioseditorialf2pfeaturedfree-to-playmassively-metametanostalgiaop-edopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestowhy-i-playWed, 14 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST                          <![CDATA[Captain's Log: The 2800 -- Boldly they rode into the sunset]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/captains-log-the-2800-boldly-they-rode-into-the-sunset/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/captains-log-the-2800-boldly-they-rode-into-the-sunset/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/captains-log-the-2800-boldly-they-rode-into-the-sunset/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

                          As with previous columns about The 2800, this is an overview and will contain spoilers. If you have not yet played this mission or do not want to know about what happens, stop right here.

                          This is what happens when you look forward to something for a long time and then it's over. It's that satiated-yet-melancholy knowledge that sits in your gut and you're able to smile and frown at the same time.

                          Star Trek Online released the finale to The 2800 featured series with Boldly They Rode on Saturday, March 10th. Deep Space Nine is once again firmly in the hands of the Federation, thanks to the Klingon Empire, a suspiciously eager to help Changeling and her Vorta subordinates as well as a critical appearance from a new ship with a familiar name. Come join me while I recap the events of the episode!

                          Continue reading Captain's Log: The 2800 -- Boldly they rode into the sunset

                          MassivelyCaptain's Log: The 2800 -- Boldly they rode into the sunset originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                            ]]>                            captains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoThe 2800The2800Mon, 12 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST                            <![CDATA[Captain's Log: Facility 4028 -- The jailhouse rocks!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/captain-s-log-facility-4028-the-jailhouse-rocks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/captain-s-log-facility-4028-the-jailhouse-rocks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/captain-s-log-facility-4028-the-jailhouse-rocks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

                            Facility 4028
                            Like previous columns about The 2800, this column is an overview and will contain spoilers. If you have not yet played this mission or do not want to know about what happens, stop right here!

                            Star Trek Online continues its recent featured episode series, The 2800, with Facility 4028, a meticulously created mission that places the player's character into the unenviable position of being caught in the middle of a Starfleet prison when all hell breaks loose.

                            It's a fun little trip, and I believe it's an installment worthy of the reputation garnered by the more intricate missions seen in STO's previous series, Cloaked Intentions. Join me for a recap of this adventure!

                            Continue reading Captain's Log: Facility 4028 -- The jailhouse rocks!

                            MassivelyCaptain's Log: Facility 4028 -- The jailhouse rocks! originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                              ]]>                              captains-logcloaked-intentionscrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfacility-4028featuredfree-to-playhands-onimpressionsjemhadaropinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpreviewpreviewsprisonprison-breakpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestothe-2800the-changelingMon, 05 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST                              <![CDATA[Captain's Log: Operation Gamma]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/captain-s-log-operation-gamma/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/captain-s-log-operation-gamma/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/captain-s-log-operation-gamma/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

                              Hypatia Header
                              Like previous columns about The 2800, this is an overview and will contain spoilers. If you have not yet played this mission or do not want to know about what happens, stop right here!

                              Episode three of Star Trek Online's featured episode series, The 2800, was released over the weekend, and developers at Cryptic Studios were able to give the players who enjoy flying small vessels their first new mission since The Vault in the Cloaked Intentions series.

                              So jump into your shuttle (or fighter or captain's yacht) and join me as we head toward the Gamma Quadrant.

                              Continue reading Captain's Log: Operation Gamma

                              MassivelyCaptain's Log: Operation Gamma originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                ]]>                                captains-logCaptainsLogcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentsci-fiscience fictionScienceFictionstar trek mmostar trek onlineStarTrekStarTrekMmoStarTrekOnlineThe 2800The2800Mon, 27 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST                                <![CDATA[Captain's Log: The 2800: Of Bajor is as immersive as it gets]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/captains-log-the-2800-of-bajor-is-as-immersive-as-it-gets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/captains-log-the-2800-of-bajor-is-as-immersive-as-it-gets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/captains-log-the-2800-of-bajor-is-as-immersive-as-it-gets/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

                                Bajor HQ
                                If you have not yet played the newest episode in Star Trek Online's The 2800 series and you do not appreciate spoilers, then hold off reading this column.

                                At first I thought I was going to split this column and discuss two different things: the new DS9 Bundle offered by Cryptic Studios in the Star Trek Online C-Store and the newest featured episode, The 2800: Of Bajor.

                                Although there still is a lot to talk about the bundle, after playing today's episode, I realized that it would be impossible to write about both and that I needed to concentrate on one.

                                To that end, if you consider yourself a Deep Space Nine fan, you owe it to yourself to check out the bundle that caters to your tastes. It includes the new Vedek robes and Admiral uniforms as well as a completely new environment for the Defiant class ship (including a bridge, crew, engineering, mess, sickbay, and many other rooms). Also included are two new Bajoran weapons, three unique duty officers, and a playable shuttlecraft which makes it a really good deal for 1800 C-Store points.

                                But first, let's concentrate on the newest featured episode, Of Bajor...

                                Continue reading Captain's Log: The 2800: Of Bajor is as immersive as it gets

                                MassivelyCaptain's Log: The 2800: Of Bajor is as immersive as it gets originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                  ]]>                                  captains-logChristine-Thompsoncrypticcryptic-kestrelcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfeatured-episodefree-to-playkestrelopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestothe-2800the-2800-of-bajorMon, 20 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST                                  <![CDATA[Captain's Log: Does 'The 2800: Second Wave' live up to expectations?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/captains-log-does-the-2800-second-wave-live-up-to-expectati/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/captains-log-does-the-2800-second-wave-live-up-to-expectati/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/captains-log-does-the-2800-second-wave-live-up-to-expectati/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

                                  Second Wave
                                  This column will be going over the new episode in detail, so if you haven't played it yet and are averse to spoilers, stop right here.

                                  After a long year's wait and hot on the heels of another controversial release of in-game revenue-generating lock boxes, Star Trek Online finally saw the debut of playable story-based content. The first of five scheduled episodes in the series titled The 2800: Second Wave was launched on Saturday morning while crowds gathered in the Beta Ursae sector and waited with bated breath.

                                  When the mission opened, the server was filled almost immediately, and by the time I was able to log in, there was already a queue that exceeded 1300 players. Luckily, I have a lifetime sub, so my entrance was prioritized, and I immediately logged into my Vice Admiral tactical character and had her hail Starfleet Command.

                                  She was told that she was selected to attend a conference being held at Deep Space Nine (DS9) and that representatives from the Klingon Empire, Defera, Cardassia and the UFP would be attempting to come to an accord in order to face the growing Borg threat. But what happened when she got there had nothing to do with the Borg...

                                  Continue reading Captain's Log: Does 'The 2800: Second Wave' live up to expectations?

                                  MassivelyCaptain's Log: Does 'The 2800: Second Wave' live up to expectations? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                    ]]>                                    captains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfeatured-episodesfree-to-playopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentPWEsci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoMon, 13 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST                                    <![CDATA[Captain's Log: A year in review]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/captains-log-a-year-in-review/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/captains-log-a-year-in-review/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/captains-log-a-year-in-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

                                    ESD @nd Anniversary
                                    Another year has passed for Star Trek Online, and it can be described as tumultuous at best.

                                    It was a year that contained very little story-based content provided by the developer, Cryptic Studios, as it was put through the proverbial ringer -- first by being sold off, and second by being purchased in the midst of what many believed was the game's most critical year.

                                    With the focus that many players (including me) had on the lack of new missions in 2011, it was easy to gloss over what material did get released despite the challenges the strangle-held teams at Cryptic were facing.

                                    The game has gone free-to-play, there are visibly more players than have ever been seen before, the development team seems to be settling in to a new owner's house, and the second anniversary is upon us, so it's time to take a good look back to see what was released over the course of the last year.

                                    Continue reading Captain's Log: A year in review

                                    MassivelyCaptain's Log: A year in review originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                      ]]>                                      anniversarycaptains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwerachel-garrettsci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoyear-in-reviewSat, 04 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST                                      <![CDATA[Captain's Log: Epic adventure, revenge, and an interview with Adam Ihle]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/captains-log-epic-adventure-revenge-and-an-interview-with-ad/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/captains-log-epic-adventure-revenge-and-an-interview-with-ad/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/captains-log-epic-adventure-revenge-and-an-interview-with-ad/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

                                      Enterprise F Dry Dock
                                      This week, after what seemed like an interminable period of waiting, Star Trek Online's acting Executive Producer Stephen D'Angelo posted a dev blog that outlines most of the details for STO's second anniversary events.

                                      Beginning Thursday, February 2nd, STO will see the return of the infamous Q and his mischievous ways. Players are invited to sign in every day between February 2nd and 6th to participate in a challenge handed down by Q. After doing the entity's bidding, players will be rewarded with a different daily prize, although what those four prizes are has not been revealed.

                                      However, the news that really has the playerbase buzzing is the announcement that the new and very highly anticipated Federation and Klingon flagships will also be up for grabs -- for free.

                                      I will be outlining D'Angelo's follow up posts that give us more details into both ships. Also, in light of the announcements, I took the opportunity to catch up with Adam Ihle, whose winning starship design became the inspiration for the final look of the Odyssey class; we'll hear his reaction to the ship's debut in the game.

                                      Continue reading Captain's Log: Epic adventure, revenge, and an interview with Adam Ihle

                                      MassivelyCaptain's Log: Epic adventure, revenge, and an interview with Adam Ihle originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                        ]]>                                        adam-ihleanniversarycaptains-logcrypticcryptic-star-trekcryptic-studiosfeaturedperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentPWEsci-fishipst-onlinestar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestarshipstephen-dangelostosto-gameplaytrek-onlineSat, 28 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST                                        <![CDATA[Captain's Log: Cryptic's Lead Designer responds to questions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/captain-s-log-cryptic-s-lead-systems-designer-responds-to-quest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/captain-s-log-cryptic-s-lead-systems-designer-responds-to-quest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/captain-s-log-cryptic-s-lead-systems-designer-responds-to-quest/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

                                        STO Ds9 wallpaper resized header
                                        The weekend before Star Trek Online launched its free-to-play format, Cryptic Studios' Lead Designer, Al Rivera, responded to a lengthy list of player concerns, rants and questions via the STO community podcast PodcastUGC.

                                        PodcastUGC usually focuses its broadcasts on issues revolving around the game's user generated content tool, The Foundry, but as of late the co-hosts of the show (including me!) have been desperate for specific Foundry issues to discuss due to the lack of changes since last year.

                                        In the previous week's episode, I let my opinions fly along with my frustrations about what I felt was a severe lack of story-based content. I asked aloud, "What the hell have they been doing the past year?"

                                        To our surprise, we were contacted by Al Rivera, who set aside his day off to talk with us about just that.

                                        Continue reading Captain's Log: Cryptic's Lead Designer responds to questions

                                        MassivelyCaptain's Log: Cryptic's Lead Designer responds to questions originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                          ]]>                                          al-riveracaptains-logCBScbs-studioscrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentPodcastUgcpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestephen-dangelostotrek-onlineSat, 21 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST                                          <![CDATA[Captain's Log: A new era begins]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/captains-log-a-new-era-begins/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/captains-log-a-new-era-begins/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/captains-log-a-new-era-begins/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

                                          Tristan at Starfleet Academy STO
                                          As you probably know by now, Star Trek Online is converting to the free-to-play format this coming Tuesday, January 17th. If you've held off subscribing to STO for the past two years, you might be wondering what you can expect should you decide to give STO a try.

                                          If you've never played an MMORPG and are thinking that this might be a perfect time to try one, I think you might be right. STO is not like most other MMOs. That can be a good thing but also a detriment.

                                          This column is here to help you, Trekkie or not, gamer or not. And I'm going to try to help you decide whether STO is the F2P game for you.

                                          Continue reading Captain's Log: A new era begins

                                          MassivelyCaptain's Log: A new era begins originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                            ]]>                                            brandon-felczercaptains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentPWEsci-fistar-trekStar-Trek-MMOstar-trek-onlineStarTrekStarTrekOnlinestoSat, 14 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST                                            <![CDATA[Massively hosts Star Trek Online free-to-play launch event]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/massively-hosts-star-trek-online-free-to-play-launch-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/massively-hosts-star-trek-online-free-to-play-launch-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/massively-hosts-star-trek-online-free-to-play-launch-event/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

                                            STO
                                            On Tuesday, January 17th, Star Trek Online will be officially free-to-play!

                                            In celebration of the launch, Massively will be joining Cryptic Studios in welcoming all new and veteran captains. The team is hosting several fun events ranging from costume and trivia events to livestreamed character creation tutorials and dance parties!

                                            Please join me, Massively's humble STO columnist, as I pair up with STO's Community Manager Brandon Felczer to stream our way through all the fun. You could win up to 5000 STO Promotional Points! All livestreamed events can be viewed during and after the event on Massively's Twitch channel, and all other communications can be monitored on the "F2PLaunchParty" chat channel in-game. The fun begins at 1:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday, so check out the official schedule of events after the break.

                                            Continue reading Massively hosts Star Trek Online free-to-play launch event

                                            MassivelyMassively hosts Star Trek Online free-to-play launch event originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                              ]]>                                              brandon-felczercrypticcryptic-studioseventeventsf2pf2p-conversionfree-to-playlaunchlivestreamperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwerelaunchsci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestostreamingsubspace-radiotrek-radioFri, 13 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST                                              <![CDATA[Captain's Log: Will two cloud bursts cure a drought?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/captains-log-will-two-cloud-bursts-cure-a-drought/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/captains-log-will-two-cloud-bursts-cure-a-drought/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/captains-log-will-two-cloud-bursts-cure-a-drought/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

                                              USS Taranis NX Class
                                              After the most tumultuous year in Star Trek Online's history, we stand on the cusp of the game's second anniversary and full-blown evolution to free-to-play. Early F2P entrance for former subscribers was opened last Thursday. And now, unfortunately, loyal subscribers have been informed that the anticipated flood of new story-based content might more accurately be described as a trickle.

                                              In his most recent Dev Diary #11, STO's acting Executive Producer Stephen D'Angelo outlined his future hopes for the game in 2012. As players are wont to do, we read between the lines and noticed not what was contained in the blog but rather what was blatantly missing: a detailed outline of future playable content.

                                              Continue reading Captain's Log: Will two cloud bursts cure a drought?

                                              MassivelyCaptain's Log: Will two cloud bursts cure a drought? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                ]]>                                                adam-ihlecaptains-logCBScbs-corporationcrypticcryptic-star-trekcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfree-to-play-conversionneverwinteropinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentPWEsci-fiscience-fictionst-onlinestar-trekStar-Trek-MMOstar-trek-onlinestephen-dangelostotrek-onlineSat, 07 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST                                                <![CDATA[Captain's Log: Facing a content drought? Make up your own!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/captains-log-facing-a-content-drought-make-up-your-own/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/captains-log-facing-a-content-drought-make-up-your-own/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/captains-log-facing-a-content-drought-make-up-your-own/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

                                                Beth in WW STO
                                                Those of you who haven't been in Star Trek Online in a while will be happy to know there was a new event system put into place after the advent of A Call to Arms. The event calendar appears the moment a player clicks on his Starfleet delta to hail Starfleet and contains a neatly reorganized mission menu as well as an hourly listing of special daily events in which players can participate. Missions range from the KDF Mirror Universe and the new Borg Invasion of Defera to the Multiphasic Event in which players who farm anomalies for crafting are granted extra rewards during the time period in question. The new event system is very helpful to those players who get satisfaction from a specific type of play as they are able to obtain extra rewards for undertaking that play during the scheduled times.

                                                Of course, events aren't the only way to spend your STO time during this content drought, and this New Year's Eve edition of the Captain's Log has a few other ideas for you...

                                                Continue reading Captain's Log: Facing a content drought? Make up your own!

                                                MassivelyCaptain's Log: Facing a content drought? Make up your own! originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 31 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                  ]]>                                                  captains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfan-fictionfan-projectsfeaturedfoundryfree-to-playopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoucguser-generated-contentSat, 31 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST                                                  <![CDATA[Captain's Log: Dilithium, attack ships, and lightsabers, oh my!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/24/captains-log-dilithium-attack-ships-and-lightsabers-oh-my/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/24/captains-log-dilithium-attack-ships-and-lightsabers-oh-my/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/24/captains-log-dilithium-attack-ships-and-lightsabers-oh-my/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

                                                  STO screenshot
                                                  So much has happened with Star Trek Online since Massively's last column on the game! The Captain's Log's previous author, Brandon Felczer, accepted a position with Perfect World Entertainment (Cryptic Studios' parent company) and is now a community manager for Star Trek Online. We wish him the best in his future endeavors. And that makes me, Terilynn Shull, your new STO columnist!

                                                  Since then, Cryptic's newest patch, A Call to Arms, was released to subscribers. The patch was really the preliminary push of the anticipated free-to-play model that Cryptic announced will occur on January 17th, 2012. To the dismay of many players, the patch did not contain any new mission content, and we've been told not to expect any new story-driven content until at least February of next year.

                                                  However, A Call to Arms did include the nervously awaited single-currency economy, the highly anticipated duty officer system, and a revamped set of strategic task force (STF) missions, and it was soon followed by the controversial holiday event and "homage" to Star Wars: The Old Republic.

                                                  Continue reading Captain's Log: Dilithium, attack ships, and lightsabers, oh my!

                                                  MassivelyCaptain's Log: Dilithium, attack ships, and lightsabers, oh my! originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 24 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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                                                    ]]>                                                    a-call-to-armsbiowarec-storecaptains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosdilithiumdoffduty-officerduty-officer-systemeaelectronic-artsf2pfeaturedfree-to-playholiday-eventjemhadarjemhadar-attack-shiplucasartsopinionpatchpatchesperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstephen-dangelostoswtorthe-old-republictorSat, 24 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST