The massively multiplayer online roleplaying game (MMORPG) genre keeps growing every year and there have been some great new MMORPG games and expansions in recent times. The Elder Scrolls Online, Guild Wars 2, and World of Warcraft have all seen huge expansions in 2018 that have breathed new life into the genre.
Yet, one MMORPG game that often goes under the radar in ‘best of’ lists is Star Trek Online. This is quite baffling considering it has been going strong for near-on a decade and has maintained a steady and loyal fan base throughout. It’s also free. Continue reading for our Star Trek Online review and to see what games are similar to Star Trek Online that you might want to consider after this.
What is Star Trek Online?
Star Trek Online is an MMORPG game that was developed by Cryptic Studios and released in 2010. It is based on the Star Trek franchise and is set 30 years after the events of the 2002 film Star Trek: Nemesis. It is available for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, and has been free-to-play ever since 2012.
Since its release, the game has seen numerous expansion packs released – the most recent one being Victory is Life. This expansion was released as a contribution to the 25th anniversary of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and introduces new characters and quests.
Gameplay
In Star Trek Online, the player takes control of their own ship. The first task is to choose your faction – Romulan, Starfleet, or Kilngon. Then, you choose your species and configure your captain’s physical attributes – this game has a very impressive character customization aspect.
As captain, the player is responsible for various starship control activities such as engineering, tactics, and scientific advancements. The player traverses the Star Trek universe and is able to “beam down” onto various locations throughout the world in order to complete missions and progress the player’s character.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7N3eX6eG-w&t=26s
There are two type of combat systems in the game – space combat and away-team missions. Away-team combat missions are usually fast-paced, in-and-out missions, while space combat missions are longer and more tactical battles between capital ships.
The game also features a crafting system which allows players to make items depending on the school they have chosen. The same duty officers that can be set to craft items for you can also be sent on assignments that will be beneficial to the player.
How Big Is Star Trek Online?
The game is pretty big, and the developers made sure that there are enough places for the player to explore with the whole alpha and beta quadrants. However, a lot of the game’s locations are just open space. There is not a lot to do in each of the spaces and you merely just have to travel from A to B – it might look impressive, but it doesn’t have much functionality. When you’re in each section of open space, not much really happens and you merely have to get from one point to another.
Visually, the game holds up well, despite being released almost 10 years ago. The graphics are smooth and crisp, and as you make your way through the different space systems you are presented with some impressive and unique sceneries. If are a gamer who enjoys visual diversity, Star Trek Online may be a good choice for you.
The Good
The space combat is a unique feature to the MMORPG gaming genre and taking command of your own spaceship really gives the player a feeling of importance within the universe. The battling system can be challenging and will take some getting used to – especially for new players – but with a bit of practice, anyone can become proficient enough to make the combat experience both enjoyable and fulfilling.
This game does a good service to Star Trek fans and some of the stories found in the game are as good as any that can be found throughout the whole franchise. As you make your way around the universe you will encounter familiar faces and places from the series, allowing you to really immerse yourself into the Star Trek world.
The Bad
There have been a lot of negative reviews levelled at Star Trek Online and when the game was first released, it was easy to see why. Players encountered glitch after glitch and found themselves frustrated at the monotony of the gameplay. In fairness, though, the game has ironed out a lot of the inevitable launch phase glitches and the game runs fairly error-free in its current state.
Other criticisms have been aimed at the game’s developer, Cryptic, with some fans suggesting that they are unresponsive and haven’t listened to the suggestions of the fans to make the game better, especially in the early stages of its release. Some players of the game have even suggested that Cryptic are only interested in taking money from its gamers and that an eventual paywall is reached, inhibiting your progress in the game.
Star Trek Online Free Download
If this game wasn’t free, perhaps I wouldn’t recommend that you try it. But it is, and there are no initial fees are monthly subscription costs. For this reason, I think that fans of MMORPG games should give this a go.
Follow the link for the Star Trek Online free download.
Games Like Star Trek Online
If you are a fan of MMORPGs, here are some other games like Star Trek Online that you may enjoy.
- EVE Online
- Fractured Space
- Star Wars – Knights of the Old Republic
- Warframe
- Destiny 2
Get in touch
If you liked this article, you might like our article on the best online open world games available for free.
Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed the content. Whether you agree or disagree with the content, it would be great to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. If you have any, please get in touch below or contact me at [email protected].