Star Trek Online is, without a doubt, one of the most hotly anticipated games of 2010. The game is still in the closed beta stage, which means Trek fans are clamoring to get their hands on a beta key. If you're one of the fans still out in the cold, never fear, because Alltern8.com is here with a series of in-depth previews of Star Trek Online.

This first preview article will take you through Star Trek Online's character customization options for Starfleet characters. Please note that since the game is still in beta, that all of this is technically subject to change. The developers are sending out new game patches every few days, some of which have already added options for character customization. This is simply a preview of the current possibilities.

Basic Species Customization Options (Starfleet):

When players first start the game, they are presented with the following options: Engineering, Science, and Tactical. This is essentially the “class” of the character. Once one is selected, players then get to choose their character's species: Human, Andorian, Bajoran, Bolian, Vulcan, Ferengi, and Unknown.

Each of the named species options offers a certain amount of customization. Some of the customizable elements include: skin type, overall pattern, base complexion, tattoo/scar, head size, facial elements (such as nose width, mouth width, etc.)., body (including arm/leg bulk and size, etc.), and uniform. Some of the basic species have special customization options. For example, Vulcans have an option to customize their hair style and color, whereas Bolians do not. Bajorans have an option to add an earring, whereas Vulcans do not.

All basic species have detailed customization options for the head, face, and body. There are options to adjust head/face elements such as head size, neck length, head width, neck bulk, chin width, mouth protrusion, nostril size, nose bridge width, eye height, and more. Each element has a slider that allows for a continuum of options. For the body, you can select options to change the stance, shoulder bulk, bust size (female characters only), stomach size, torso width, leg bulk, leg size, finger length, hand size, and more.