Comments on: Why I Bought the Lifetime Subscription to Star Trek Online

By: Andrew

Andrew — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:41:17 +0000

World of Warcraft had a rocky first couple of weeks because the demand for the game far outstripped what they had anticipated. I suppose that’s the kind of problem you want to have, though, and after a week they’d brought a slew of backup servers online and fixed most of the queue and load issues.

Aside from that there was a huge world to explore with tons of quest content and the beginnings of endgame to keep people occupied at the four month mark. The problems I’ve seen with CO stem from bugs, lack of content, and the feeling amongst players that CO is being ignored as they focus on STO.

Which is probably good news for STO players. But CO at four months is nowhere near as polished as WoW at four months.

I’ll probably chek out STO on the strength of the IP alone. If you’re looking for a true kickass science fiction MMO then you should also look into Jumpgate: Evolution.

By: Grem

Grem — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:12:01 +0000

Im holding out for APB , a cross between mmo and shooter. While not being free to play, it doesn't have a subscription or microtransactions, so am interested to see what payment method they decide on. I currently play WoW too much to stop, and I wont pay for a 2nd subscription (or a huge up front lifetime subscription), so think this may be the next game for me.

By: Kiauze

Kiauze — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:20:29 +0000

I had to review the STO closed and open beta for an online magazine and I must say that the experience, while calling upon every trekkie sense I have, wasn’t enough to even make me ponder on purchasing a lifetime subscription. And even a normal sub, I’m divided between trying STO or going for EVE (quitting WoW as it stands).

The comparison I made was that STO is a big rough diamond. It does have potential, it can become a MMO that trekkies (and even non-trekkies) will love, but that depends solely on the direction that Cryptic takes it. As it stands, I view it too much of a risky investment with still quite a few rough edges (I simply *hate* the “all-purpose F key”, was hoping for a ST:Bridge Commander experience).

I’m not trying to make you feel bad about your choice, I just find it odd that Cryptic offered such a “juicy” sub option with such a quick deadline… I get the feeling that they were hoping people would leap without looking.

Here’s to me being wrong and that you’ll enjoy your STO adventures to the fullest!

By: WildKarrde

WildKarrde — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 22:03:33 +0000

I’m a big fan of the Star Trek universe as well! I thought the MMO was interesting… but aspects of it got tedious for me. I wished I liked it better than I did. Oh well, I’m looking forward to seeing how well they do with the new Star Wars MMO. And what on earth is Blizzard working on for their next MMO. New IP franchise? Could be anything… not knowing is driving me crazy!

By: Skyward

Skyward — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 20:47:29 +0000

I really want a good sci-fi MMO as well, but have found STO too buggy and half-hearted for my own tastes. Ground combat is especially un-fun. Unfortunately, no MMO has been as polished as WoW when it first launched. (I’ll never regret picking up the original collector’s edition on day 1.)

You really hit the nail on the head, IMO, when you mentioned the sense of awe upon first visiting Ironforge. (My own experience was with the Undercity, slowly walking through the area where Arthas slew his father, listening to the whispers.) No one else puts that much love into their MMOs, yet.

By: Chiper

Chiper — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:08:31 +0000

So you’re basically hedging your bets that in a year and a half the game will not only still be running, but will still be interesting enough to keep playing.

I didn’t want to take that bet.

By: maryvarn

maryvarn — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:29:10 +0000

You’re right – it’s a risk! I’m betting it will last because of the strength of the IP and gameplay. Only time will tell. Hopefully I won’t be making a post a year from now called “Why I wish I hadn’t bought the lifetime sub….”

By: VOID Munashii

VOID Munashii — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:18:45 +0000

Your last reason is precisely why I would consider getting a Lifetime sub. I don’t play WOW precisely because I don’t ever want to feel like I should be playing it instead of something else. I think that is how the “addiction” starts.

The reason I am hesitant to get a lifetime sub, cost aside, is what if STO goes the way of Tabula Rasa or The Matrix? Then I’m just out $240, which would kind of suck.