YourGamer.Net

As geeks, things are expected of us. We must have much greater than average knowlege of technical studies, we have to know at least one decent game that we play regularly, have a favorite comic book(s), and at the very least, know a healthy chunk of Star Trek trivia.

That’s our stigma. A signature expectation that is almost universal amongst geeks,gamers, and nerds alike. At some point in our lives, most of us used to watch; and love, Star Trek. So a Star Trek game is a sure fire epic win, right? Not precisely. In fact, the franchise and video games make for strange bed fellows judging by their history together.

With 17 games on almost every console (ever made), and 39 games on various computer platforms, its safe to say that the world of gaming has always had a way to “boldly go where no one has gone before.” This doesn’t even graze the the tip of the iceberg. Those total of 55 electronic games don’t come near the mountains of boardgames, RPGs, and at least 2 card games (and i know there are massive amounts of freeform roleplaying simulations of Star Trek going on, but I am afraid to journey into that realm).

OK, we’ve established that geeks and Star Trek are bff (that is the first and last time i will use that). Gaming and the Franchise are a mixed relationship. All the games made for Star Trek run the gambit between amazingly innovative and great, to a big black spot on the industry’s history (makeing frequent stops inbetween, i might add).

Where does the the foster child, Star Trek Online fit into this all? Well, its simple really. Almost every gaming genre covered, the MMO scene has not felt the presence of this franchise thus far. Star Wars has made a go at it and failed miserably, in there first attempt. LucasArts and Bioware are currently working on a replacement, so you Fett fans still have hope.

The MMO project has been passed off twice in search of a decent developer, they are currently at Cryptic Studios, whos track record is sparce but well tagged with awards and allcalaids for their two platinium hits City of Heroes and City of Villians. They are current in the tail end of developing Champions Online, a newer super-hero based MMO. The buzz of which has gotten many gamers and MMO coniesours in a tizzy.

Some fans worry about the art direction, hoping to avoid the stylized version. And hardcore trekkies are demanding that the game be huge, graphically intinsive, extremely complex and (if you don’t see this comeing, kill yourself now) be able to travel back in time. While those that who love both MMO’s and Star Trek, want the same thing any other MMO gamer wants.

Simple interface with innovative gameplay and community options. Graphics that are nice, but won’t lag out. And a way to be unique and customize yourself. Cryptic has got these down pat, but Star Trek fans make juggalos and Final Fantasy Fanatics look tame. They have to apply those three standards, in a game that remains true to canon Star Trek. Any, and i mean ANY, slip will be pounced and ravaged like hynas on the slow member of the herd.

A force this powerful, in the right hands, is a beauty to behold, anything less would bring destruction and furious anger. Cryptic is taking a risk, and they know it. Expect polish, and to all you fellow Star Trek Fans?

Lets try to be gentle, ok?