By now an updated game Engine could be integrated

Engine limitations though. The game is almost six years old. There's only so much they can drag out of it.

But see that is my issue with this. The new episodes might be fun and all, but the new lock boxes, rep system, and updates are all the same. Carbon copies of what we already see where there is no variety or challenge. It's just going to be more grinding through repetitive missions (dependent entirely on random luck in what groups you're stuck with) for gear that isn't much different than what you already can get. It's just a re-skin, that's all

Season 11 is coming though. There'll be new feature episodes (released as per the last few on a monthly basis with new rewards weekly). At launch there will be a new lockbox, new rep, admiralty system and some STFs.

I looked into it and it's just standard maintenance, more geared to refreshing hardware and such. I over sold it.

As for new content updates, I spoke with a friend of mine about this while carpooling home. It's MMO fatigue: companies building and hosting MMO's never really update the game system, just create 'new content' which is just reskinned versions of existing content.
Take the reputation system for example. They are all basically the same. Every other update might have some build in missions and such, but it's nothing more than grinding through the same kind of battles for gear that is only marginally different. The only value is maybe either esthetic or novelty for some players... but there is nothing new or exciting.

Star Trek could offer so much to build variable game play, especially since this is the only Trek we really get (aside from fan made content) and it's sad that Cryptic would rather stick to the same tired MMO methods instead of building in fun and challenging new aspects to game play. As I said, all the pieces are there... but instead of organizing them into something interesting they just keep churning out more of the same.

You've pretty much summed up my thoughts on the state of the game given it's history and storyline. I'm reserving judgement for season 11 because it is Star Trek, but I also have to be honest and say that i am not too hyped with what it's expected to bring.

As for an Exploration System: I agree, i would love to see something new... Sure the star clusters of old with "random" missions and the occasional away mission got stale and repetitive, but while exploring in those days I still nonetheless managed to find my away team literally wandering through strange new worlds, from beautiful forests overlooking huge canyons to towering crystalline structures that dominated the landscape and overhead. Even missions involving first contact had some decent stories about the culture of the new race we were meeting.

They had the right idea, but it didn't get much attention as the game and story arc developed through the seasons. It was a wonky system for sure, but it was something. Instead of improving upon it, they just removed it entirely from the game... While I get that the majority of players don't prefer the more mellow gameplay, it still does not bode well with Star Trek fans that the franchise's flagship game doesn't feature the exploration aspect of Trek much. Sure, there's the Foundry, and while it's a powerful tool and Stonewall is fortunate to have some talented authors, it simply should not be the player's role to create content for a game, IMHO.

At this point, I'm doubting whether or not Cryptic has the resources (or is willing to devote much) to building a new exploration system. But with respect to your post, I too wonder what is next for STO now that the war is over, and I strongly feel that DOFF'ing and timegated point-and-click gameplay can only go so far.

BUt that's just my own assessment, I am also curious what other folks think of STO's road ahead post-season 11. I love your suggestions.

Steve

PS: So this big update coming up with extended downtime, is it believed that improvements to the game or the engine are expected? I figured they may just be upgrading hardware and services to address the lag/network issues. Either way, it wouldn't hurt. ;)

Bumping this and reminding myself that I want to reply when I'm home :)

Quote by Gravity

Looks great,

I'm curious have we ever tried a ship costume contest for example in this case making the ugliest most horrific ship design (hello original galaxy and defiant variants).

Just thinking ahead for opportunities.

lol, that's an interesting idea. I can think of a few horrifying ship creations; basically anything star cruiser or deep space science related, though most of the original tier V ship designs at launch were just terrible, lol. This year's costume categories have been picked already, but we'll have to remember that for the event line-up next year.

Quote by SaintPlazma

Quote by Andrea Maria

Quote by GXV3

...

in the downtime, your all welcome to join me on GTA:V-online on the PS3 for a bank heist and shoot a few cops.

Hey, what happened to ME? We could meet for a multiplayer session there! :)

Ohhhhh a stonewall attack on the reapers! Yes!

If its ever happening and there is space, id so be up for that.

Quote by Andrea Maria

Quote by GXV3

...

in the downtime, your all welcome to join me on GTA:V-online on the PS3 for a bank heist and shoot a few cops.

Hey, what happened to ME? We could meet for a multiplayer session there! :)

Ohhhhh a stonewall attack on the reapers! Yes!

Quote by GXV3

i love the bitchy Aria (the Asari club owner)

Dont you mean Queen Aria

Back to topic! So, this server downtime.... :D


Thx for the link, Lars, that´s awesome! There´s a Doctor Who mod for GTA San Andreas! Lol!

And yeah, I also always play the "pure" game on my first walkthrough: no mods, no DLCs, no cheats.

Looks great,

I'm curious have we ever tried a ship costume contest for example in this case making the ugliest most horrific ship design (hello original galaxy and defiant variants).

Just thinking ahead for opportunities.

Decent ship doesn't seem spectacular but will be a solid ship I think.

Quote by Andrea Maria

Edit: Before I´ll buy Dragon Age I have to finish Oblivion, then install Skyrim and then install AC Brotherhood (bought it and forgot about it, lol). So I´ll be busy for the next few weeks/months.^^

Those are all great games. Forget weeks or months, you have your hands full for the next couple of years. Also, mods FTW!: http://www.nexusmods.com/games/? :p
But don't use mods on your first playthrough. I have noticed I enjoy mods a lot more if I play the game first without any mods and use them on my second playthrough :P

In fairness, it's less of an issue for big, heavy cruiserey ships with the HP and resists to withstand an angry gate - who, conveniently - will also have less maneuverability to find that sweet spot.

It's more net benefit for lighter escorts, destroyers, and raiders - who have much mitigation for gate agg, but would have greater ease sliding into the blind spot.

Quote by Kasandaro

... Isn't there also an invisible spot/distance, aligned with the vertical plane of the gates, at about 8km out (right about where the transformers are)? Less useful for beams and cannons, but for torpedoes, it'd be brutal.

I´ve heard about that, but I was never able to locate that spot. I´ve tried different distances (from 7 to 9.9 km) but was always shot at. Maybe someone else can shed light on this?

I´ve played MP once... and I completely sucked, lol... But it´s pew pew pew fun, you just have to defeat a few waves of enemies, Shepard style.

And I´ll have to get the Citadel and Omega DLCs as well, so far I only have Shadowbroker for ME2.

And yes, Aria rocks! Let´s just quote her: "Glad to see we think alike." :D


Edit: Before I´ll buy Dragon Age I have to finish Oblivion, then install Skyrim and then install AC Brotherhood (bought it and forgot about it, lol). So I´ll be busy for the next few weeks/months.^^

I will be in Daytona Beach for the 20/50 Con. Depending on what time I get back I will definitely try to make it. In case the con turns out to be a whole-day thing, hope you all have a fantastically spooky time! :)

Great guide!

Isn't there also an invisible spot/distance, aligned with the vertical plane of the gates, at about 8km out (right about where the transformers are)? Less useful for beams and cannons, but for torpedoes, it'd be brutal.