Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[One Shots: Shroud of the Santa]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/28/one-shots-shroud-of-the-santa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/28/one-shots-shroud-of-the-santa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/28/one-shots-shroud-of-the-santa/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

sota
Well, this pleases me like punch: One Shots' very first Shroud of the Avatar screenshot submission! I recall thinking that this indie MMO looked so much better than I previously thought when I got my hands on it last August, so I'm glad to see Massively readers going on a photo safari in it.

Reader JohnD is responsible for this unusual sight: "Here is a shot of Johanis Lolar, who is busy adventuring. I'm not sure his Santa cap helps him blend, but he's doing his best."

I always like to assume that Santa spends his off-season lurking in weeds and ambushing stray travelers with presents, so this picture plays into that fantasy. What? I'm normal; my parents had me tested.

Continue reading One Shots: Shroud of the Santa

MassivelyOne Shots: Shroud of the Santa originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bring-back-one-shotsffxivfinal-fantasy-xivgalleriesgalleryone-shotspics-or-it-didnt-happenreader-screenshotsreader-submissionsscreenshotscreenshotsshroud-of-the-avatarsotastar-trek-onlinestothe-secret-worldtswuser-submissionsWed, 28 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online starts its fifth anniversary celebration]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/star-trek-online-starts-its-fifth-anniversary-celebration/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/star-trek-online-starts-its-fifth-anniversary-celebration/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/star-trek-online-starts-its-fifth-anniversary-celebration/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

sto
It was five years ago February 2nd that Star Trek Online came mewing into the MMO world, bringing with it final frontiers, infinite diversity, and canon-approved lockboxes. Cryptic's so excited to share this milestone that it's starting the celebrations a little early with a daily giveaway from today through Thursday, beginning with a free research and development pack.

The real special treat is more than just casual freebies, however. The team's introducing a brand-new featured episode, Dust to Dust, starring Garrett Wang as Harry Kim. Q is also returning with his annual events, although this time around he's adding an Omega Particle minigame to the mix.

Completing both the featured episode and Q events will earn tokens to spend on various rewards (including a Kobali Samsar Cruiser) and fragments that can be assembled for an Omega upgrade kits.

MassivelyStar Trek Online starts its fifth anniversary celebration originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Jan 2015 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarycelebrationcrypticcryptic-studiosdelta-risingdust-to-dusteventf2pfeatured-episodefifth-anniversaryfree-to-playgarrett-wanggiveawayharry-kimin-game-eventminigameperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweqsci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestovoyagerMon, 26 Jan 2015 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Haiku edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/25/one-shots-haiku-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/25/one-shots-haiku-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/25/one-shots-haiku-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

ff14
Believe it or not, I have been listening to you guys in the comments, and I know that there's been an ongoing desire for One Shots to provide the full-size pictures that are otherwise shrunk by our size limitations. So I'm happy to announce that starting this week, I'm including a gallery at the end of the column that will allow you to pull up larger screenshots if so desired.

A few weeks ago I issued a screenshot challenge for folks to send in a haiku poem in addition to their picture. A select few of you did, starting with this striking pose from Final Fantasy XIV by reader Wolfyseyes:

Facing this challenge
One thought repeats in my mind:
Please, please, please don't suck

Continue reading One Shots: Haiku edition

MassivelyOne Shots: Haiku edition originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 25 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bring-back-one-shotsconsoleconsoleseliteelite-dangerousfantasyffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgalleriesgalleryone-shotspics-or-it-didnt-happenreader-screenshotsreader-submissionsscreenshotscreenshotssquaresquare-enixstar-trek-onlinestothe-secret-worldtswuser-submissionsSun, 25 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Al Rivera discusses his role in Star Trek Online on Reddit]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/al-rivera-discusses-his-role-in-star-trek-online-on-reddit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/al-rivera-discusses-his-role-in-star-trek-online-on-reddit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/al-rivera-discusses-his-role-in-star-trek-online-on-reddit/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

There's always a nebula. Or an anomaly. Or a distortion.
Who is Captain Geko? It was a fairly innocent question posed on Reddit earlier in the week by a user who happened to group with someone using that name in Star Trek Online. The answer is that it's the usual screen name of lead designer Al Rivera, who took the opportunity to respond to the question with a larger discussion of what makes the game what it is and how the game's microtransaction model is set up.

Rivera discusses his experience with the franchise and being a longtime fan from the age of 10, as well as the fact that the game's microtransactions are decided upon chiefly based on what will keep the lights on and keep the game fundamentally free-to-play. While he states clearly that not every decision comes down to him, at the end of the day he's proud of what the team has accomplished and the state of the game. If you want a look behind the curtain at one of the people in charge of Star Trek Online, take the time to read Rivera's full answer.

[Thanks to Lootcritter for the tip!]

MassivelyAl Rivera discusses his role in Star Trek Online on Reddit originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>al-riveracrypticcryptic-studioscuturedesigndesign-staffdesignersf2pfree-to-playgame-staffnewsnews-itemsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweredditsci-fistaffstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoFri, 16 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[STO Producer's letter hints at anniversary celebration and story to come in 2015]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/sto-producers-letter-hints-at-anniversary-celebration-and-story/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/sto-producers-letter-hints-at-anniversary-celebration-and-story/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/sto-producers-letter-hints-at-anniversary-celebration-and-story/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Star Trek Online's first producer's letter of the new year hailed 2014 as a fantastic year and suggested that 2015 may be even better. After recounting many of the additions to the game over the past 12 months and summing up the story arc thus far, Stephen D'Angelo stated that the past year was just setting the stage for what's to come! The continuation of this arc includes some challenges that even the grand alliance may not be able to handle. The next step in the story, along with the first of the new captain and bridge officer specializations, will release with the anniversary update in that's just over three weeks away.

Just what kind of events and celebrations can players expect for this fifth anniversary? D'Angelo didn't share, but he did say that the details on that -- as well as the future content -- will be forthcoming piece by piece in dev blogs starting in the next few days.

MassivelySTO Producer's letter hints at anniversary celebration and story to come in 2015 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Jan 2015 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studiosf2pfree-to-playperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentproducers-letterpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlineStephen-DAngelostoFri, 09 Jan 2015 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online revamps bridge officers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/star-trek-online-revamps-bridge-officers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/star-trek-online-revamps-bridge-officers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/star-trek-online-revamps-bridge-officers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

sto
Your loyal Star Trek Online crew deserves some recognition for its tireless work at raking you in XP, don't you think? Well, even if you don't agree, Cryptic is planning to give some major love to bridge officers in an upcoming patch.

The team posted a dev diary today outlining the revamp to players' faithful companions: "From a high-level standpoint, the updated bridge officer training system is focused on allowing players to invest in their bridge officers by training them in any of their class and specialization abilities, which can then be easily swapped in and out on the fly."

These changes will allow for a more flexible and customizable crew that can cross-train in intelligence and other potential specializations. The dev diary goes on to detail how officers will be trained going forward and what benefits players will get from these buffed-up buddies.

MassivelyStar Trek Online revamps bridge officers originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bridge-officer-trainingbridge-officerscrypticcryptic-studiosdev-diaryf2pfree-to-playperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpreviewpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoWed, 07 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Today is a good day to fly]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/31/one-shots-today-is-a-good-day-to-fly/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/31/one-shots-today-is-a-good-day-to-fly/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/31/one-shots-today-is-a-good-day-to-fly/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

sto
Klingons have long been the second-class citizens of Star Trek Online, although as of recent expansions they've come into their own in both content and culture. Reader Sean sends us in his wicked-looking avatar to be our final One Shots of 2014. See you all on the flip side!

"Behold, my alter-ego, Shia'Tor of House Breknar, who is busy making plans aboard the IKS Heart of Praxis," he wrote. "There are plenty of Federation carebears to troll -- I mean, hunt."

Want to be featured in a future edition of One Shots? Send your favorite MMO screenshots to oneshots@massively.com, and don't forget to include your name, the name of the game, and a description of the scene. Large, colorful, UI-free shots that tell a story and really show off the game make for the best images. Look ma, we brought back One Shots!

MassivelyOne Shots: Today is a good day to fly originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Dec 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bring-back-one-shotscrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfree-to-playgalleriesgalleryone-shotsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpics-or-it-didnt-happenpwereader-screenshotsreader-submissionssci-fiscreenshotscreenshotsstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestouser-submissionsWed, 31 Dec 2014 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Cruising for Borg]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/22/one-shots-cruising-for-borg/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/22/one-shots-cruising-for-borg/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/22/one-shots-cruising-for-borg/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

sto
We're kicking off our two-week series of daily One Shots with this picture of a pair of Star Trek Online starships getting ready for some serious action.

Reader Chris sets the scene: "Futures passing in the night. A Galaxy-X dreadnought from the TNG finale All Good Things dangles in space with a heavily Borg-modified Galaxy-class ship in the background. Borgified Galaxy cruisers always remind me of the chilling moment at the end of the episode Parallels where Riker exclaims, 'You don't know what it's like in our universe. The Federation's gone! The Borg is everywhere! We're one of the last ships left...'"

Want to be featured in a future edition of One Shots? Send your favorite MMO screenshots to oneshots@massively.com, and don't forget to include your name, the name of the game, and a description of the scene. Large, colorful, UI-free shots that tell a story and really show off the game make for the best images. Look ma, we brought back One Shots!

MassivelyOne Shots: Cruising for Borg originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Dec 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bring-back-one-shotscrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfree-to-playgalleriesgalleryone-shotsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpics-or-it-didnt-happenpwereader-screenshotsreader-submissionssci-fiscreenshotscreenshotsstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestouser-submissionsMon, 22 Dec 2014 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam discounts lots of MMOs for the holidays]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/18/steam-discounts-lots-of-mmos-for-the-holidays/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/18/steam-discounts-lots-of-mmos-for-the-holidays/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/18/steam-discounts-lots-of-mmos-for-the-holidays/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Steam
Steam's winter sale is upon us, which means it's time to celebrate the season the way gamers do: by opening up our wallets. Here are just some of the MMOs running sales through Steam: Anybody spot anything else?

MassivelySteam discounts lots of MMOs for the holidays originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Dec 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apb-reloadedchristmaschristmas-2014dc-universe-onlinedcuoesoeveeve-onlineholidaylord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrmabinogiperpetuumriftsalesalesstar-trek-onlinesteamsteam-salestothe-elder-scrolls-onlinethe-secret-worldtswwakfuwinter-2014winter-holidaywinter-holidayswinter-holidays-2014winter-saleThu, 18 Dec 2014 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Why Star Trek Online is kind of a mess right now]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/30/captains-log-why-star-trek-online-is-kind-of-a-mess-right-now/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/30/captains-log-why-star-trek-online-is-kind-of-a-mess-right-now/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/30/captains-log-why-star-trek-online-is-kind-of-a-mess-right-now/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

A little messy and incoherent despite... hmm. Commentary.
I haven't had nearly as much time to play Star Trek Online lately as I would have liked; I've had other projects to work on, other games to play, and a lot of holiday stuff going on. So my main captain, who's been trekkin' around since launch, is still woefully underleveled. I accept entirely that this is my own fault, but I haven't been stressing out over it; I have no need to rush up to the cap.

That attitude is helped substantially by the fact that the people who are rushing up to the cap or already did rush up are awash with complaints. The speed of leveling. The speed of upgrade mechanics. How the Tier 5 and Tier 6 ships interact. The price of items. The amount of mission content. Gaining new specialization points at the cap. Sure, some of it is pretty normal complaining, but there's a general sense of discontent with the game at the moment. And I'm honestly not surprised because this problem was always going to crop up, and it could have been managed so much better.

Continue reading Captain's Log: Why Star Trek Online is kind of a mess right now

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Why Star Trek Online is kind of a mess right now originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 30 Nov 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balancecaptains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosdelta-risingexpansionf2pfeaturedfree-to-playissueslevellevel-caplevelsopinionpatchpatchesperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestosto-delta-risingSun, 30 Nov 2014 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Black Friday MMO sales and deals roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/28/massivelys-black-friday-mmo-sales-and-deals-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/28/massivelys-black-friday-mmo-sales-and-deals-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/28/massivelys-black-friday-mmo-sales-and-deals-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

WoW
Happy Black Friday, everyone! We've been keeping an eye on MMO-related sales and promotional events just for you. Here are a few of the bigguns that might be worth taking advantage of today and through the weekend:
  • Guild Wars 2's digital versions are 50% off through the official website until December 7th.
  • World of Warcraft -- well, the bundle with everything but Warlords of Draenor -- is 75% off through December 2nd.
  • WildStar is on sale for 50% off, so $19.99, for a "limited time" on the official site and at other retailers.
  • ArcheAge has a bunch of marketplace items on sale, along with two new mounts.
  • Today only, SOE is offering double Station Cash, spendable in most of its MMOs.
  • Star Wars: The Old Republic has hinted that a large (possibly hourly) Cartel Market sale is on the way today.
  • All of Perfect World's MMOs have sales running over the next few days; of note to us are sales in Neverwinter, Champions Online, Swordsman, and Star Trek Online, the last of which is offering not just a cash shop sale but a sale on lifetime subs.
  • Lord of the Rings Online is offering double bonus points in its cash shop and bonus XP in-game.
  • Wargaming has festivities and sales planned for World of Tanks and World of Warplanes.
  • Dungeons and Dragons Online is offering +20% XP through Sunday.
  • RIFT is not only selling the classic collector's editions, character slots, and bag slots at 50% off but making the newest expansion available to buy via credits for the first time.
  • TERA has a slew of cash shop item goodies on sale, including bundles with mounts and character slots.
  • Marvel Heroes' multiple sales extend to Cyber Monday. (Update: MJ tells us that logging in Saturday will grant you a free remote-controlled Blackbird jet pet!)

And don't forget all the MMOs and MMO bundles/DLC on sale on Steam for the fall sale, as well. Elder Scrolls Online and The Secret World are among them!

If you know of others -- and we're sure there are several -- sound off in the comments!

MassivelyMassively's Black Friday MMO sales and deals roundup originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Nov 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archeageblack-fridayblack-friday-2014black-friday-dealsblack-friday-mmo-dealschampions-onlineddodealdealsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineguild-wars-2marvel-heroesneverwinterriftstar-trek-onlinestar-wars-the-old-republicswordsmanswtorterawildstarWorld-of-WarcraftFri, 28 Nov 2014 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Perpetual's Star Trek Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/22/the-game-archaeologist-perpetuals-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/22/the-game-archaeologist-perpetuals-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/22/the-game-archaeologist-perpetuals-star-trek-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

sto
If you're among the legions of Trekkies, then you are almost certainly aware of Cryptic Studios' Star Trek Online. Since early 2010, players have boldly gone where no one has gone before in this MMO that blends spaceship battles, ground combat, and faithful tie-ins to the long-running franchise. Star Trek Online appears to be thriving following a free-to-play adaptation and two expansions, and some see it as the only official continuation of the TV series right now.

But what players encounter in Star Trek Online is not what it originally started out as. You may or may not know that STO began development under Perpetual Entertainment, which handled the game for several years until it went bankrupt and passed the license and art assets to Cryptic.

It's another tantalizing historical "what if?" scenario to think about what this game would look like if Perpetual had taken it to launch and beyond. But what did this version of Star Trek Online look like? Let's investigate.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Perpetual's Star Trek Online

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Perpetual's Star Trek Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 22 Nov 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classicclassic-mmosclassicscrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgame-archaelogistmichael-okudanostalgiaopinionp2-entertainmentperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentperpetualperpetual-entertainmentpwesci-fisoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestar-wars-galaxiesstoswgthe-game-archaeologistverantverant-interactiveSat, 22 Nov 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online releases a Delta Rising bonus epilogue]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/13/star-trek-online-releases-a-delta-rising-bonus-epilogue/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/13/star-trek-online-releases-a-delta-rising-bonus-epilogue/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/13/star-trek-online-releases-a-delta-rising-bonus-epilogue/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Oh, right. All of the problems. We forgot about the problems.
Maybe you haven't quite finished the storyline for Star Trek Online's second expansion, Delta Rising, but you can probably guess that it ends with the Delta Quadrant in better shape than when you arrived. You are the triumphant heroes! Except... nothing is ever really that easy, is it? Nothing ever ends perfectly. And sometimes there's just a little more going on than you think from the surface, which is exactly what's hinted in the bonus epilogue episode releasing today.

The epilogue, What's Left Behind, features the voice talent of Robert Picardo and Denise Crosby capping off the existing story of Delta Rising and resolving some last-minute unanswered questions. It also raises a few new ones along the way because why not? Just because you could handle one threat doesn't mean you're prepared for another this soon. The episode is beaming on to the live servers today, so set your course and engage promptly.

MassivelyStar Trek Online releases a Delta Rising bonus epilogue originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Nov 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorycrypticcryptic-studiosdelta-risingdenise-crosbyexpansionexpansionsf2pfree-to-playlorenewsnews-itemsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwerobert-picardosci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestosto-delta-risingstorystorylineThu, 13 Nov 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Snowblind]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/09/one-shots-snowblind/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/09/one-shots-snowblind/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/09/one-shots-snowblind/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Water comes in many forms: gas, liquid, squirt gun, and cheaper beverage option to Olive Garden's wine menu. It can also be frozen in a variety of ways, which makes it perfect for an aquatic-themed expansion as seen in our first screenshot for the week.

"Here's a picture from RIFT's expansion, Nightmare Tide," reader Bill sent in. "This is from the glacier area above the main city. The main city is deep underwater and is protected by a blue 'bubble' that extends just above the water line. To reach the upper areas, you use a bouncer (near portals) that shoots you up and into the water."

Caution: Do not look at this screenshot for too long, lest you be robbed of your sight by the blinding glare.

Continue reading One Shots: Snowblind

MassivelyOne Shots: Snowblind originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 09 Nov 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bring-back-one-shotschampionschampions-onlinecoconsoleconsolesfantasyffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgalleriesgalleryone-shotspics-or-it-didnt-happenreader-screenshotsreader-submissionsriftscreenshotscreenshotssquaresquare-enixstar-trek-onlinestouser-submissionsSun, 09 Nov 2014 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online posts lore on a mystery object]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/07/star-trek-online-posts-lore-on-a-mystery-object/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/07/star-trek-online-posts-lore-on-a-mystery-object/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/07/star-trek-online-posts-lore-on-a-mystery-object/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Oh, yeah, it'll all turn out great. No worries.
So let's get this straight. While exploring Star Trek Online's Delta Quadrant, the USS Voyager comes across a mysterious object. The ship's crew immediately brings it aboard and tries to figure out what in the world it's supposed to be, coming to a lot of conclusions about what it isn't while being unable to find many answers beyond "it's probably a communication device of some kind." It also doesn't quite match any of the technology seen from the obvious sources of technologically enhanced mystery objects like the Solanae Dyson Sphere.

And yet everyone thinks keeping this on a ship is a good idea? There are a lot of episodes arguing against that.

All joking aside, there's a fair bit of lore to be found in the latest official dispatch from Star Trek Online, hinting rather solidly toward potential new encounters for players in the future. What it all means remains to be seen, but you can take a look at the lore and puzzle over what Voyager found.

MassivelyStar Trek Online posts lore on a mystery object originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Nov 2014 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorycrypticcryptic-studiosdelta-risingf2pfree-to-playlorenewsnews-itemsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fispeculationstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestar-trek-online-delta-risingstosto-delta-risingFri, 07 Nov 2014 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online restores players flagged for exploits]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/02/star-trek-online-restores-players-flagged-for-exploits/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/02/star-trek-online-restores-players-flagged-for-exploits/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/02/star-trek-online-restores-players-flagged-for-exploits/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Cryptic Studios: Not the Vaadwaur.
Star Trek Online recently launched a new expansion with a level cap bump, and unfortunately some people decided to quickly exploit the mechanics to race up to the renewed level cap via exploits. Unfortunate, but not totally surprising. Cryptic Studios, needless to say, rolled back the gains made by those players. Unfortunately, as can happen, a few innocent players were caught in the crossfire, but what can you do about that?

Well, in this case you can re-examine players who were erroneously rolled back and restore their points. Producer Stephen D'Angelo made a post on the official forums stating that instead of trying to make another adjustment, all players will have the points that were removed restored to them. So it's back to how things were before, and if you lost out on points through no real fault of your own, you have them back. Or even if it was through direct fault of your own.

[Thanks to Some_Guy for the tip!]

MassivelyStar Trek Online restores players flagged for exploits originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 02 Nov 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugbugscrypticcryptic-studiosexploitexploitsf2pfree-to-playnewsnews-itemsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpower-levelingpwerollbacksci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestephen-dangelostoSun, 02 Nov 2014 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online introduces playable Talaxians, discounts lifetime sub]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/30/star-trek-online-introduces-playable-talaxians-discounts-lifeti/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/30/star-trek-online-introduces-playable-talaxians-discounts-lifeti/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/30/star-trek-online-introduces-playable-talaxians-discounts-lifeti/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

sto
Big things are afoot in the Delta Quadrant, as Star Trek Online has not only added the Talaxians as a playable race but thrown them into the lifetime subscription package and then discounted that sub by $100 for a limited time.

From now through November 20th, the Star Trek Online lifetime sub can be bought for $199. This marks the player as an eternal gold member, with the Talaxian race, a ship upgrade token for Delta Rising, a monthly ZEN allowance, and other veteran rewards.

As for the Talaxians, players who pick one as a captain will not only have the honor of looking like Voyager's resident space hedgehog but also get access to two unique traits: salvage specialist and loyalty.

MassivelyStar Trek Online introduces playable Talaxians, discounts lifetime sub originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Oct 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studiosdelta-risingexpansionf2pfree-to-playlifetime-sublifetime-subscriptionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplayable-talaxianspromotionpweracesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestotalaxianThu, 30 Oct 2014 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online tackles power-leveling exploit]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/26/star-trek-online-tackles-power-leveling-exploit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/26/star-trek-online-tackles-power-leveling-exploit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/26/star-trek-online-tackles-power-leveling-exploit/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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Star Trek Online Executive Producer Stephen D'Angelo has given players a rare explanation about a power-leveling exploit that some players had been using and the difficulty the team had in dealing with it.

The exploit took place on certain maps and allowed players to advance 17 times faster than normal. D'Angelo said that only around 250 players were engaging in these actions and that "intensive data analysis" was used by the team to determine who was abusing the exploit on purpose and who had accidentally triggered it.

"I'm certain that at least some of the players feel they were acting in the right," D'Angelo wrote, "that errors the dev team makes should be fair game. There are likely some others who feel that I drew the line in the wrong place, either too high or too low. It is challenging to walk the line between protecting the playe base that wants the game to be fair, and allowing players to be efficient and 'game the game.'"

MassivelyStar Trek Online tackles power-leveling exploit originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 26 Oct 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studiosexploitexploitsf2pfree-to-playperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpower-levelingpwesci-fispeed-levelingstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestephen-dangelostoSun, 26 Oct 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Have any PWE ZEN left? Better spend it soon [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/17/have-any-pwe-zen-left-better-spend-it-soon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/17/have-any-pwe-zen-left-better-spend-it-soon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/17/have-any-pwe-zen-left-better-spend-it-soon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

PWE
If you happen to have any ZEN currency sitting around in your Perfect World Entertainment ARC Wallet, now is apparently the time to spend it. Players with unused currency were sent an email yesterday informing them that the ARC Wallet is being discontinued and that leftover currency must be transferred to one of PWE's games.
We've noticed that you still have ZEN sitting in your Arc Wallet. The Arc Wallet system will be going away soon, but we'll have more details on that later. In the meantime, don't let your hard earned money go to waste. There are tons of amazing items available. Log in and transfer your ZEN to one of your favorite games today!
PWE's more popular western games include Star Trek Online, Neverwinter, Swordsman, and Champions Online. We've asked PWE for clarification and will update this post when we have it.

[Thanks, Omedon!]

[Update: askray1 in our comments pointed us to a post on the PWI forums that helps clarify the situation: "You may have gotten a recent email from us regarding the transferring of your ZEN. This is a legitimate email, and in no ways does it mean you need to actually spend your ZEN. We are removing the wallet function and working on a more Arc integrated system, which means that you will need to transfer your ZEN from your wallet, to a game of your choice to avoid any potential delays. The wallet will go away, but your funds will still be available. We're simply sending this message out so you do not experience any delays in using the contents of your wallet when it does. By moving it over now, you should not experience any delays when this change goes live. I can't say for certain when or how long, even if there will be delays when the wallet goes away, but this will help those that do not want deal with that when it happens."]

MassivelyHave any PWE ZEN left? Better spend it soon [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Oct 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arc-walletchampions-onlineneverwinterperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwestar-trek-onlinestoswordsman-onlinezenFri, 17 Oct 2014 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online's Delta Rising cinematic has... arisen]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/15/star-trek-onlines-delta-rising-cinematic-has-arisen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/15/star-trek-onlines-delta-rising-cinematic-has-arisen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/15/star-trek-onlines-delta-rising-cinematic-has-arisen/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

STO
Star Trek Online's Delta Rising expansion technically went live yesterday, but today's the official launch, and that means a brand-new cinematic and fresh screenshots. The update bumps the character level cap to 60, ushers in a partial Voyager cast, and adds a new tier of ships, gear, and officers to the roster. Enjoy the trailer and pics!

Continue reading Star Trek Online's Delta Rising cinematic has... arisen

MassivelyStar Trek Online's Delta Rising cinematic has... arisen originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Oct 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cinematiccrypticcryptic-studiosdelta-risingexpansiongallerypatchscreenshotsstar-trekstar-trek-onlinestovideovideosvoyagerWed, 15 Oct 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online: Delta Rising is live today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/14/star-trek-online-delta-rising-is-live-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/14/star-trek-online-delta-rising-is-live-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/14/star-trek-online-delta-rising-is-live-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

I look forward to the patch in which Kate Mulgrew reveals that Janeway is now running a kitchen in a prison.
It's time to start boldly going all over again. Star Trek Online's second expansion, Delta Rising, is live today. That means that players can find their way into the Delta Quadrant, explore an expanded level cap, and take flight in a new set of starships as they take on familiar and yet novel enemies. The expansion also brings in several veteran Star Trek actors to reprise their roles: Robert Picardo (The Doctor), Garrett Wang (Harry Kim), Jeri Ryan (Seven of Nine), Tim Russ (Tuvok), and Ethan Phillips (Neelix).

Delta Rising introduces captain specializations for leveling past the previous cap of 50, allowing players to reach the ranks of Fleet Admiral and Dahar Master while exploring new specialization trees and unlocking passive and active benefits. But there's no need to take our word for it, as the expansion is live now. Log in, patch up, and head out into the Delta Quadrant.

MassivelyStar Trek Online: Delta Rising is live today originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 Oct 2014 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delta-risingexpansionexpansion-launchexpansionslaunchlauncheslevellevelinglevelslorenew-contentnewsnews-itemspatchpatchesstar-trek-onlinestar-trek-online-delta-risingstoupdateupdatesTue, 14 Oct 2014 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Hitchhorsing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/12/one-shots-hitchhorsing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/12/one-shots-hitchhorsing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/12/one-shots-hitchhorsing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

aa
I'm learning new things about ArcheAge every day. For example, did you know that you can hitch a ride on a mount in that game? Jef even informs me that you can do so uninvited, although the driver may shove you off along the way. That's pretty cool, even if it lends itself to a very specific new form of griefing.

Reader Sean demonstrates how one poor horse can handle two riders in our lead screenshot: "The picture is of my main, Kadrassius, and my wife's main, Keziah, as they take a ride through Marianople. I really liked this scene with the way the characters react when the horse rears up. Now I just need to get barding for my horse."

Now if we can only get a college fraternity to all pile on the same beast of burden, then we'd be making progress in this industry!

Continue reading One Shots: Hitchhorsing

MassivelyOne Shots: Hitchhorsing originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 Oct 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archeagebring-back-one-shotsgalleriesgalleryguild-wars-2gw2one-shotspics-or-it-didnt-happenreader-screenshotsreader-submissionsriftscreenshotscreenshotsstar-trek-onlinestouser-submissionsSun, 12 Oct 2014 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log Supplemental: Exploring the story of Star Trek Online: Delta Rising]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/09/captains-log-supplemental-exploring-the-story-of-star-trek-onl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/09/captains-log-supplemental-exploring-the-story-of-star-trek-onl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/09/captains-log-supplemental-exploring-the-story-of-star-trek-onl/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Two hundred passengers set sail that day for a three-year tour of duty. (A three-year tour of duty.)
If you think about it, Star Trek: Voyager is basically a remake of Gilligan's Island. Ship goes out for a routine trip and gets stranded, and for the next several years the crew of that ship tries to get back home and repeatedly fails. I bring this up because I recently had a chance to to on a tour of Star Trek Online: Delta Rising, and I kept thinking that "going on a tour" was just the first step before being stranded in the quadrant myself.

Well, maybe not, but it's as good a segue as anything.

Lead Designer Al Rivera and Senior Producer Stephen Ricossa took me on a trip through all of the various systems of Delta Rising and several of the upcoming story elements. If you don't want to be spoiled on the expansion before it goes live, you might want to steer clear, but there are some fascinating developments awaiting otherwise. When players finally warp into the Delta Quadrant, they're going to be seeing familiar faces and facing some old problems -- very old, in one case.

Continue reading Captain's Log Supplemental: Exploring the story of Star Trek Online: Delta Rising

MassivelyCaptain's Log Supplemental: Exploring the story of Star Trek Online: Delta Rising originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Oct 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorycaptains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosdelta-risingepisodesexpansionexpansionsf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgame-mechanicslevellevelsloremissionsopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwequestssci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestar-trek-online-delta-risingstostoryThu, 09 Oct 2014 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online hypes a time-limited (but is it really?) lockbox]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/07/star-trek-online-hypes-a-time-limited-but-is-it-really-lockbo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/07/star-trek-online-hypes-a-time-limited-but-is-it-really-lockbo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/07/star-trek-online-hypes-a-time-limited-but-is-it-really-lockbo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Cryptic's latest news post details a new promotion involving Star Trek Online's Xindi lockbox. What's inside the Xindi lockbox? How the heck should I know? And isn't that fun!

The Xindi lockbox is time-limited because as of October 14, it will no longer be offered as a drop or a reward in STO, according to the blurb.

Or will it?

After hyping the Xindi, Cryptic uses the very next paragraph to explain how it is unretiring a bunch of supposedly retired lockboxes (including Cardassian, Ferengi, Tholian, Temporal, Dominion, and more). So, be sure and grind hard in order to get your hands on one of those time-limited Xindi lockboxes before they disappear! Or just wait for the next unretirement party, I guess.

MassivelyStar Trek Online hypes a time-limited (but is it really?) lockbox originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Oct 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studiosevilf2pfree-to-playgamblinggrindlockboxlockboxesperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwerngsci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoTue, 07 Oct 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online's Kobali hijack corpses to stay alive]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/03/star-trek-onlines-kobali-hijack-corpses-to-stay-alive/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/03/star-trek-onlines-kobali-hijack-corpses-to-stay-alive/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/03/star-trek-onlines-kobali-hijack-corpses-to-stay-alive/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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Out of all of the races that players will encounter with this month's Star Trek Online: Delta Rising, the Kobali might be the most skin-crawling. According to a new dev diary posted today, the NPC race reproduces by taking corpses and injecting their DNA into them for a twisted "rebirth."

Even though they reappropriate dead things, the Kobali are peaceful, nomadic folk who have recently settled down on a new homeworld of Kobali Prime. It's on this planet that players will get to visit the capital city and go on several adventures through the surrounding landscape.

MassivelyStar Trek Online's Kobali hijack corpses to stay alive originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Oct 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studiosdelta-risingexpansionf2pfree-to-playkobalikobali-primeloreperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweracesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoFri, 03 Oct 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[See Star Trek Online: Delta Rising's feature briefing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/02/see-star-trek-online-delta-risings-feature-briefing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/02/see-star-trek-online-delta-risings-feature-briefing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/02/see-star-trek-online-delta-risings-feature-briefing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

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"The biggest and most inspired expansion" for Star Trek Online has Cryptic thrilled to show it off. So thrilled, as a matter of fact, that you can hear the narrator of this new features video quivering with excitement as he talks about encounters with new worlds, returning aliens, "and even Seven of Nine!"

This Delta Rising trailer discusses the new open world adventure zone that includes elite challenges, the reunion of the bulk of the Voyager cast, the Tier 6 intelligence starships, and the races of the Delta Quadrant. You can catch the excitement by watching it after the jump!

Continue reading See Star Trek Online: Delta Rising's feature briefing

MassivelySee Star Trek Online: Delta Rising's feature briefing originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Oct 2014 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studiosdelta-risingexpansionf2pfree-to-playperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestotrailervideoThu, 02 Oct 2014 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek's Rivera talks story design and the Delta Quadrant]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/30/star-treks-rivera-talks-story-design-and-the-delta-quadrant/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/30/star-treks-rivera-talks-story-design-and-the-delta-quadrant/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/30/star-treks-rivera-talks-story-design-and-the-delta-quadrant/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

If you've been wondering why Star Trek Online is going to the Delta Quadrant for its upcoming expansion and what sorts of stories will be available when it gets there, a new dev diary has the answers. Lead designer Al Rivera writes about the game's "story process," which involves examining where the game's already been and deciding what sorts of additions will fit STO's production schedule.

"We have to determine how many missions we need to tell this story," Rivera says. "How many do we want? Do we want adventure or battlezones? Ground or space? What about patrols, queues and STFs? Does our story work for the type of content we need to create?"

You can read the rest of his thoughts at the official Star Trek Online website.

MassivelyStar Trek's Rivera talks story design and the Delta Quadrant originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Sep 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>al-riveracrypticcryptic-studiosdelta-quadrantdelta-risingexpansionf2pfree-to-playperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-expansionstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoTue, 30 Sep 2014 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online: Delta Rising exposes androids and isolationist aliens]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/29/star-trek-online-delta-rising-exposes-androids-and-isolationist/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/29/star-trek-online-delta-rising-exposes-androids-and-isolationist/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/29/star-trek-online-delta-rising-exposes-androids-and-isolationist/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

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We're mere weeks away from entering the delta quadrant in Star Trek Online, but there is so much more left to learn about this new space and its inhabitants. Cryptic posted an intelligence briefing today about two additional races that one might encounter in Delta Rising: the Automatic Personnel Units and the Turei.

The APUs are androids built by a long-dead civilization to wage war by proxy. The androids turned on their creators, continued fighting with each other, and searched for a way to reproduce (pro tip: Newegg should have some in stock). In contrast, the Turei are reptilian, isolationist aliens who use the Underspace corridors to traverse the delta quadrant. They're kind of jerks but have been known to engage in trading in their journeys.

MassivelyStar Trek Online: Delta Rising exposes androids and isolationist aliens originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Sep 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apucrypticcryptic-studiosdelta-risingdev-blogdev-diaryexpansionf2pfree-to-playloreperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweraceracessci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestotureiMon, 29 Sep 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log Supplemental: Exploring the art design of Star Trek Online's Delta Rising races]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/26/captains-log-supplemental-exploring-the-art-design-of-star-tr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/26/captains-log-supplemental-exploring-the-art-design-of-star-tr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/26/captains-log-supplemental-exploring-the-art-design-of-star-tr/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It's like the Yamato, only in a series I like.
If you asked me about my favorite antagonistic race through all of Voyager's seven-year run, my answer wouldn't have been any of the regular suspects. It would have been the Vaadwaur, and not just because of their funky appearance; the race really twisted the usual formula of a Star Trek one-off villain, and besides that, they had a culture that hinted at something very unusual in the show. I was kind of sad that they never showed up again after their one episode.

Obviously, I was happy to see one of my favorite races get the upgrade treatment in Star Trek Online. But that poses a problem just the same because it's not as if the producers on the show detailed dozens of ship classes and a huge amount of culture for a race that showed up for 50 minutes. I chatted with art director Brad Stokan about bringing these smaller races of Star Trek into a fully fleshed-out form in Star Trek Online, discussing both the Vaadwaur and the Kobali and how his team took a one-off guest appearance and made a full race out of it.

Continue reading Captain's Log Supplemental: Exploring the art design of Star Trek Online's Delta Rising races

MassivelyCaptain's Log Supplemental: Exploring the art design of Star Trek Online's Delta Rising races originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Sep 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Three decades have been kind.
Seven of Nine, former tertiary adjunct to Unimatrix 01, is being added to Star Trek Online with the launch of the Delta Rising expansion. It was imperative that Cryptic Studios update the character's backstory to explain where the character has been since the conclusion of the Voyager's eponymous television series and the commencement of game services. To that end, the development team has posted a dossier explaining her activities in full as well as what brought her back into active duty.

At the beginning of Star Trek Online's storyline, Seven of Nine was working as a researcher for the Daystrom Institute. She declined to return to Starfleet service after the Borg attacks on the Alpha Quadrant, but following Admiral Tuvok's request for experienced personnel to explore the Delta Quadrant, she accepted a non-commissioned position aboard the USS Callisto as a scientific consultant for the fleet. More details on the character and creating her in-game model may be found in the official entry; you will comply.

MassivelyStar Trek Online updates Seven of Nine's backstory originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Sep 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorycharacterscrypticcryptic-studiosdelta-risingf2pfree-to-playlorenewsnews-itemsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fiseven-of-ninestar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestar-trek-online-delta-risingstoThu, 25 Sep 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online explores new Captain Specializations]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/24/star-trek-online-explores-new-captain-specializations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/24/star-trek-online-explores-new-captain-specializations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/24/star-trek-online-explores-new-captain-specializations/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Specialty: Romulan.
There are only three classes for players in Star Trek Online, and they all cover broad fields of potential abilities. That's part of the charm of the game. When Delta Rising launches, however, players will be able to specialize their characters a bit more with the introduction of specializations. Specialization trees allow characters of all disciplines to become a little more focused on a specific area of play, unlocking new traits and abilities for use in various scenarios.

Players can have one primary specialization and one secondary specialization active at any given time; while abilities can be bought for inactive specializations, they cannot be used until that specialization is made active. At launch, the game will have one primary tree (Intelligence) and two secondary trees (Pilot and Commando), all of which provide different functions and can allow a character to focus in on unique areas of play. Take a look at the full rundown for more details on how the new powers will work when the expansion goes live in mid-October.

MassivelyStar Trek Online explores new Captain Specializations originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Sep 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classclassescrypticcryptic-studiosdelta-risingexpansionexpansionsf2pfree-to-playgame-mechanicsnewsnews-itemsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fispecializationspecialization-systemspecialtiesstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestosto-delta-risingWed, 24 Sep 2014 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: Chatting with Neverwinter's Kevin Manthei]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/23/jukebox-heroes-chatting-with-neverwinters-kevin-manthei/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/23/jukebox-heroes-chatting-with-neverwinters-kevin-manthei/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/23/jukebox-heroes-chatting-with-neverwinters-kevin-manthei/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

neverwinter
This week on Jukebox Heroes, we're sitting down with Cryptic Studios Composer Kevin Manthei to talk about his work on the studio's most recent title, Neverwinter. So Kevin, Can you introduce yourself and give us a little background on you and your history with the company?

Kevin Manthei: Hi! I am Kevin Manthei, a Minnesota-born, California-living composer. I write music for film, TV and games. I have been doing this for over 20 years and have worked with most of the big publishers in the gaming world and have scored music on feature and indie films, television shows, and animated projects.

Currently I just finished scoring the Guardians of the Galaxy section of Disney's Infinity 2 video game and am in the middle of scoring Season 3 of the Ultimate Spider-Man animated series for Marvel/Disney XD. I also recently started work on the animated series Transformers: Robots In Disguise for Hasbro/The Hub network.

I have been working with Cryptic on music for its games since City of Villains. I have scored music for City of Villains, Champions Online, Star Trek Online and Neverwinter. Each project I worked on for more than a year, and each game has about 100 minutes of music I scored.

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Chatting with Neverwinter's Kevin Manthei

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: Chatting with Neverwinter's Kevin Manthei originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Sep 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmochampionschampions-onlinecity-of-villainscomposercomposerscrypticcryptic-studiosdndf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-musicjukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettikevin-mantheimichael-henrymmo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicneverwinteropinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesoundtracksoundtracksstar-trek-onlinestoTue, 23 Sep 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online details four Delta Rising starships]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/22/star-trek-online-details-four-delta-rising-starships/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/22/star-trek-online-details-four-delta-rising-starships/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/22/star-trek-online-details-four-delta-rising-starships/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

sto
Star Trek Online fans are eagerly -- and anxiously -- awaiting information about the new Tier 6 starships coming with next month's Delta Rising. Cryptic is beginning to roll out ship details and specs by listing four of the Delta starships in a dev diary today.

The Federation will get the new Guardian cruiser, a very durable and flexible ship that can convert enemy fire into a weapons boost, and the Dauntless experimental science vessel, which can project fake copies of the ship to fool enemies. Over on the other side, the Klingons will enjoy the Mat'Ha Raptor, a vessel with an insane amount of firepower. Finally, Romulan characters can snag the Aelahl Warbird Battlecruiser, which can throw out a collapsing singularity for fun and horrible consequences.

These starships will be sold on the C-store and accessible by players level 50 and above.

MassivelyStar Trek Online details four Delta Rising starships originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Sep 2014 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studiosdauntlessdelta-risingexpansionf2pfree-to-playguardiannew-shipsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpreviewpwesci-fishipsstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestarshipsstoMon, 22 Sep 2014 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online explains the Voyager MSD redesign]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/18/star-trek-online-explains-the-voyager-msd-redesign/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/18/star-trek-online-explains-the-voyager-msd-redesign/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/18/star-trek-online-explains-the-voyager-msd-redesign/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

With this much attention to detail, you would think that the powers that be could ensure that the same button fires all weapons from one week to the next.
If you're even passingly familiar with the various Star Trek shows, you'll recognize the MSD. It shows up on the bridge of every single Federation ship, offering a detailed breakdown of what is where for eagle-eyed viewers. Star Trek Online's next expansion is bringing the game into the Delta Quadrant, the stomping grounds of the eponymous USS Voyager, so it was only fair that the Intrepid-class MSD could get a nice new redesign to reflect the years of upgrades that the ship has received.

The new MSD represents a much clearer picture of the ship from the series, with several elements improved to more accurately reflect in-show layouts and incorporating modifications made after Voyager's maiden flight such as the airponics bay. Take a look at the full development blog for a closer look at how much work has gone into what seems like a little detail but still forms a vital part of the aesthetics.

MassivelyStar Trek Online explains the Voyager MSD redesign originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Sep 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backgroundbackstorycrypticcryptic-studiosdelta-risingf2pfree-to-playiconiciconic-shipsloremsdperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestar-trek-online-delta-risingstovisualvisualsThu, 18 Sep 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online's Delta Rising arrives October 14th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/17/star-trek-online-details-delta-risings-upgrade-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/17/star-trek-online-details-delta-risings-upgrade-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/17/star-trek-online-details-delta-risings-upgrade-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Have you tried reversing the polarity though.
Cryptic has just announced that Star Trek Online's Delta Rising expansion will be released on October 14th, 2014. As previously discussed, it will not only raise the level cap but jump into Voyager story space with new territory and famous figures from the franchise.

Developers have also released a new dev blog detailing equipment in the expansion. One of the simple rules of existence is that when Delta Rising goes live, a lot of your old equipment in Star Trek Online is going to be a lot less relevant. There's no way around it. A jump in the level cap that leads to Mark XIV equipment naturally makes Mark XI stuff less potent by comparison. But rather than forcing you to earn a whole new set of loot, the expansion's upgrade system for gear should allow you to take an old favorite and bring it up to par. Players can buy, trade, or craft upgrade kits, which add a certain number of tech points to an item being upgraded. Once enough tech points are acquired, a small dilithium fee is paid and the item can be upgraded to the next rank, possibly increasing in quality along the way. For more details on how to accelerate the procedure, check out the full blog entry; it looks as if you won't have to say farewell to all of your old equipment after all.

Continue reading Star Trek Online's Delta Rising arrives October 14th

MassivelyStar Trek Online's Delta Rising arrives October 14th originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Sep 2014 13:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studiosdelta-risingexpansionexpansionsf2pfree-to-playgeargear-powergear-upgradesnewsnews-itemspatchpatchesperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpower-levelspwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestar-trek-online-delta-risingstoupdateupdatesWed, 17 Sep 2014 13:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online details the art of the new Intelligence ships]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/16/star-trek-online-details-the-art-of-the-new-intelligence-ships/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/16/star-trek-online-details-the-art-of-the-new-intelligence-ships/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/16/star-trek-online-details-the-art-of-the-new-intelligence-ships/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

No one seemed to much mind the darker hull finish option back in the day.
The Intelligence ship designs in Star Trek Online are like nothing else in the game, especially for the Federation. They're dark, angular, and aggressive. A new development blog on the official site sees art director Brad Stokan explaining how the new designs went from concept to finished ships and how the art department juggled the tasks of adhering to the design principles that make a ship distinctly Federation while also making something new and unique.

Stokan explains that most of the choices going into the design were weighed against these two rules, such as adding in glowing sensor panels that both highlighted the ships' scanning functionality while providing a distinct silhouette. The design blog also stresses that players can expect extra customization for these ships, including the option to make the hull finish look a bit more typical for Federation craft. Check out the whole process and more bits of concept art in the full blog entry.

[Thanks to Lonegun for the tip!]

MassivelyStar Trek Online details the art of the new Intelligence ships originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Sep 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artart-designcrypticcryptic-studiosdelta-risingexpansionexpansionsf2pfree-to-playnewsnews-itemsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fiship-designstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestar-trek-online-delta-risingstovisualvisualsTue, 16 Sep 2014 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log Supplemental: A look at Star Trek Online's history with lead designer Al Rivera]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/15/captains-log-supplemental-a-look-at-star-trek-onlines-histor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/15/captains-log-supplemental-a-look-at-star-trek-onlines-histor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/15/captains-log-supplemental-a-look-at-star-trek-onlines-histor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

You can amost hear the cries for coffee now.
Star Trek Online is a game that's got some history, not just by virtue of the franchise that's been running for half of forever but because the game itself has a rather madcap development history. Cryptic Studios got the license to develop the game at the eleventh hour, and the caveat was that the game needed to be shipped in the same timeframe as the original developer had promised -- leaving almost no time for development.

I sat down and talked with lead designer Al Rivera about the game's history, its development ethos, and where the game is going with the upcoming release of the second expansion, Delta Rising. It's been a long process, but Rivera shed some light on how the game is designed by its modern team, why things launched the way they did, and what players can expect as the game continues toward its five-year anniversary.

Continue reading Captain's Log Supplemental: A look at Star Trek Online's history with lead designer Al Rivera

MassivelyCaptain's Log Supplemental: A look at Star Trek Online's history with lead designer Al Rivera originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Sep 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>al-riveracaptains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosdelta-risingf2pfeaturedfree-to-playlaunchnewsnews-itemsopinionpatchpatchesperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweretrospectivesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestar-trek-online-delta-risingstoupdateupdatesupgradeupgradesMon, 15 Sep 2014 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Avian servitude]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/14/one-shots-avian-servitude/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/14/one-shots-avian-servitude/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/14/one-shots-avian-servitude/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

rift
Birds? I don't hate them, but I don't trust them either. Anything that can travel passportless with impunity is something to be wary of, especially if it has access to flight without clearing it with the FAA. And ever since the bird flu scare, I'm quite sure that our feathered "friends" are out to eradicate our entire race.

That said, I'm happy for reader Bill because he's finally putting birds where they belong: under us in full service of their land-masters. "Luck has found me again on RIFT patch day when this 'Lovely Budgie" popped out of a box. I can't help but think there is evil hidden beneath pink feathers and those big black eyes!" Bill wrote.

Oh, but there is evil, Bill. No doubt about it. Hopefully the rest of this week's player-submitted screenshots will not reek of foul intent the way that this cute birdie does.

Continue reading One Shots: Avian servitude

MassivelyOne Shots: Avian servitude originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Sep 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebring-back-one-shotscarbinecarbine-studioscrypticcryptic-studioseaelectronic-artsf2pfantasyfree-to-playgalleriesgallerylucasartsncsoftone-shotsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpics-or-it-didnt-happenpvppwereader-screenshotsreader-submissionsriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrsandparksci-fantasysci-fiscreenshotscreenshotssittingstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstoswtorthe-old-republicthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptortriontrion-worldsuser-submissionswildstarwsSun, 14 Sep 2014 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Perfect Ten: MMOs that deserve another chance]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/06/perfect-ten-mmos-that-deserve-another-chance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/06/perfect-ten-mmos-that-deserve-another-chance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/06/perfect-ten-mmos-that-deserve-another-chance/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

ddo
First impressions matter. First impressions count. First impressions are lasting. These commonly cited maxims are true, but I would like to add one more: "First impressions can be deceiving." Due to our nature of making snap judgments, experiencing something at the wrong time or being impatient, we can rush to a conclusion that could rob us of something we could truly love.

There are few things that frustrate me more than seeing MMO gamers adopt the gospel of the first impressions and refuse to ever return to a game afterward. We keep treating MMOs as disposable, one-shot entertainment that must be plundered quickly right out of the gate instead of seeing them as reusable fun that gets better with time.

So the next time you feel bored waiting for the next MMO to launch so that you can make a two-month first impression and then leave forever, why not give an older title a second try? In this week's countdown, I'm going to make a case for 10 MMOs that deserve another chance even if you wrote them off long ago.

Continue reading Perfect Ten: MMOs that deserve another chance

MassivelyPerfect Ten: MMOs that deserve another chance originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 06 Sep 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One of these things is not quite like the others.
The new Federation ship designs in Star Trek Online's upcoming expansion are a pretty big departure from the norm. Sure, the shape of the ships is familiar, but instead of the usual bright Federation white and sweeping curves, they're all hard angles, dark shades, glowing lines, and so forth. They don't look much like the Federation. Concept artist Hector Ortiz took to Reddit recently to explain why the ships look as they do and how the design of the new ships ties into their point of origin despite the departure.

Ortiz explains that with the heavy emphasis on intelligence operations in this expansion, it was only appropriate to design ships that resembled nothing so much as spy planes: angular, stealthy, and dark. That led to the inclusion of the blue lines to help the ship silhouettes stand out against the blackness of space, with the unique nacelle designs also part of an effort to minimize the ship profile. There's no assurance that you'll like the new designs after reading his comments on the rationale, but at least you'll understand why they look the way they do.

MassivelyStar Trek Online's artist explains Tier 6 ship designs originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Sep 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studiosdelta-risingf2pfree-to-playhector-ortizlooksnewsnews-itemsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fiship-designsilhouettestar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestar-trek-online-delta-risingstotier-6tier-6-shipsvisualvisualsFri, 05 Sep 2014 19:00:00 EST