dlgrubbs
Member
|
# Posted: 24 Jun 2006 00:04
Reply
The Perpetual communcations on occation give out pieces of information for those waiting for the coming of STO...
I thought that an update of what is happening with the upcoming game would be benificial to those of us that are looking forward to this new game due next year for Beta... 
Originally Posted by Perpetual_Daron
The game design has evolved a lot since last year when we were talking about TC (Temporary Commission) and PC (Permanent Commission) ships. The primary change is that we've given space exploration, and therefore space, a much bigger role in the game. At the same time, we're still dedicated to supporting individual player freedom, which includes allowing players to choose whether they solo or crew at any given time.
The result of all this is that we've decided to make a small shuttle available to the player very early on. It hasn't been decided how early, but it will probably be within the first rank. Then players will gain access to larger and more powerful ships as they go higher in rank. So there won't be a single point in a player's career when they gain a commission, rather, players will look forward to achieving commission of the next successive class.
Originally, TC ships were devised for the crew experience. The idea was that your PC ship was geared for solo play since it didn't require a crew. And you'd borrow a TC ship when you want to head out with a crew. Since then, we've simplified the system to allow players to earn access to a variety of ships at any given time, some of which are for solo play, and others that require crews. Larger ships will have minimum player crew requirements. We're excited about this model because the larger ships are a big incentive for players to crew together. STO is going to be a very grouping friendly game, while at the same time, allowing players to solo most of the experience if that's what they want to do.
As for guilds, we haven't yet decided how the guild (fleet) structure interacts with starships. There may be no direct relationship between a fleet and any given ship. Or fleets could be the key to certain ships or even space stations. We'll see. There's certainly no shortage of great ideas, we just have to figure out which things we have time to do well for launch.
Daron Stennet is one of those currently working hard on creating the STO game...
|
dlgrubbs
Member
|
# Posted: 28 Jun 2006 11:19
Reply
Nothing new yet...but here is the last FAQs...:)
Can I obtain a ship of my own?
Yes. All players will be able to obtain a permanently commissioned vessel, with higher-ranking players having access to better ships. Players may choose to play as captain of their personal vessel, or to temporarily leave their ship and become a bridge crew member on another player's starship instead.
What sorts of ships can I have?
Players will be able to command a wide range of Starfleet ships ranging in size and scale from small warp-capable vessels such as shuttles and runabouts, to larger combat ships such as the Defiant and the Akira-class starships, to advanced science ships such as the Nova-class. Along with classic and favorite ships from the series, STO will also feature new ships designed especially for the game, sporting new technology and innovative designs.
In addition to a wide array of Starfleet vessels, players might also be able to obtain or borrow ships designed by allies of the Federation, such as ships made by Klingons, Ferengi, or others.
The largest Starfleet vessels, such as the Galaxy and Sovereign-class ships, are not normally assigned to individual players, but these ships play another role in STO: several of these ships act as hubs of activity, augmenting the game's large variety of cities and other gathering places.
Won't everyone want to be a captain?
Of course! We expect that a significant portion of players will work towards the rank of captain. In Star Trek Online, players who achieve the rank of captain and above have chosen to specialize in leadership skills that will make them especially valuable as player group leaders. A department specialization track provides an alternative for players wish want to excel as solo players or as crew members when playing in groups.
However all players, no matter which track they choose will gain access to one or more personal starships for which they are always the commanding officer, regardless of rank. As commanding officer, you can invite other players aboard your ship and retain command even when members of your crew are of higher rank. Capital ships that serve as hubs for all players are operated and commanded by a NPC bridge crew.
Will I be stationed on a ship that patrols the Galaxy?
While Star Trek Online is heavily influenced by the ship experiences seen in many of the series, STO is not a strict simulation of starship-life as seen in the shows. Players will be stationed at various hubs positioned throughout the Galaxy, which serve as launching points for players to explore the galaxy and defend the Federation. Some of these hubs will be capital ships that are cruising a specific sector of space. And while all hubs will offer direct access to local missions, players will venture out in their own ships for most missions.
Can I be a doctor who heals other players in sickbay?
We plan on providing profession-related duties for all departments on major starships and stations, however all players will engage in space and ground missions as the primary means of advancement. Players in all departments are required to serve as members of a bridge crew and away teams to complete missions. On the ground, medics will heal other players and NPCs, while in space, medics will draw on additional science department proficiencies to serve as the bridge crew's science officer.
Can my player guild all live together aboard a single ship or space station?
We hope to support this, though we are not prepared to provide details yet.
|
