Star Trek Online: Thoughts on Season One

So Cryptic Studios have released their Season One patch for Star Trek Online, and the reality is it’s something of a mixed bag. While some of the new game features are a welcome blessing, many others are rather disappointing.

One of the high points for many subscribers is the new re-spec tool, which allows you to re-arrange the distribution of the skill points on your character. Your first re-spec is free, and if you need to adjust your skills again later you can do so by buying a second re-spec option for 400 points in the C-Store.

Of the new playable races promised by Cryptic only the Tellarite has initially been made available, and only through the C-Store for 200 points. It is not clear when the Pakled and Rigelian races will be added, or how much these will cost.

Although off-duty uniforms for Federation characters are now available from the tailor NPC in the Requisitions area of each station, the truth is that these costumes are both limited and rather dull – there are only three types to choose from – a short jacket, a long jacket and a robe.

The new starship bridges are also rather disappointing. Once again you have to buy these new features as ‘packs’ through the C-Store. However, although each pack contains multiple bridges, the reality is that there is only one new bridge configuration in each pack which is offered in several different colour schemes.

Of course the patch does also offer other benefits such as new PVP maps and Klingon ships, but sadly my Klingon character hasn't advanced enough yet to take advantage of these features. For the low-level player the patch is really just cosmetic, and the gameplay experience hasn’t really changed. Subscribers that want to see improvements to the crafting, exploration and diplomacy elements of the game will need to wait for future and more substantive patches.