I have to admit, that I was supremely excited to sit down and write this particular (b)log. Because there’s just something wondrous about flying around the galaxy in Star Trek Online and sharing that nerdy adventure with all of you, and be able to raise awareness about the incredible places present in this game since the folks that helped to create it, worked hard to make every single destination as special as can be. Because it really doesn’t matter where you go in this digital galaxy, there’s simply beauty and fascination to be found in your destination, and that includes the more routine parts of the galaxy, even the space stations that are peppered about the stars.
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Which shouldn’t come as a surprise since I just made mention of the fact that there’s so much beauty to be found out there. But let’s be honest, within the framework of the franchise and I suppose science fiction in general, space stations are something that are now akin to a freakin’ gas station in space. Folks swing by, check the place out, maybe pick up something they need for the long trip ahead and get moving. They’re just that commonplace in sci-fi storytelling these days that I almost left them out of this blog because they really were a bit of an afterthought. But a quick stop at one of them on my way to the planet we’ll be talking about next week, changed my mind when it comes to talking about them.

Because man, I really was quite impressed with the detail and the beauty and the peace and quiet that I found at Starbase 39, which is located in the Sierra Sector. For this place really was a sight to behold, with the wondrous green light that pours through the windows, thanks to the nebula that lies beyond the station and there’s a real gritty sci-fi feel to this particular place. Because it feels like the kind of outpost where people struggle and enjoy a stiff drink after a long day and that particular vibe was just fascinating to say the least, one that is heavily juxtaposed by the other station that I visited in this leg of my journey. Because Drozana Station felt like that gas station you hit up on the road when there is no other alternative, the one you not dare use the bathroom in, thanks to its all-around dingy appearance and I found it funny that I never noticed how run down and drab and dreary this station really is when I visited it the first time around, but I’m glad I’m finally able to properly see this station in all its hand-sanitizing glory, and it’s cool of the game to throw in a less unsavory place to visit.

But while it was neat to visit those two places once again and really get a feel for what they stand for, they both paled in comparison to the history rich K-7 station, and if that name sounds familiar, there’s good reason for that. Because this space station was the setting for ‘The Trouble with Tribbles’ and even in the 25th Century, history is a big focus for this particular place. Because hardcore Trekkers will take note of the fact that Captain Mackenzie Calhoun from the U.S.S. Excalibur from Peter David’s Star Trek: New Frontier novels hangs out here and what’s even cooler is that the station is run by Commander Naomi Wildman from Star Trek: Voyager and it’s just so awesome to see this station offer up so many Easter eggs when it comes to the franchise and that it is still standing in the 25th Century.

But all wonder aside, I will also take a moment and say that I really did like how there’s a certain relaxed feel to visiting these places as well, since they do provide that same moment of relief that one experiences on a long road trip when you get to a particular gas station or rest stop. Because they are a lovely way to stretch one’s digital legs and shake off the silence of space travel, and they also serve important purposes to the storylines as well, making them essential to the game. But if by chance you visit one, don’t be surprised if you suddenly get lost within their walls since there is so much to see beneath the transparent aluminum that holds them together and well, now that I’ve swung by them one more time, I suppose it’s time to explore the planets that populate this game, unless of course, I swing by the only station not on this list. So, I guess I’ll need to flip a gold pressed latinum coin to see exactly which way I’m heading… until next time. 

To say that Star Trek Online does a fine job of paying tribute to the franchise as a whole, would quite frankly be an understatement. Because this particular game embraces every aspect of every single series that has ever graced our television screens and it’s quite delightful to know that even the little things when it comes to this magnificent universe are hiding within plain sight in some form or fashion, be it a cameo or a quick mention of something wonderful, like say the Memorial Plaque to George and Gracie that’s right next to the Golden Gate Bridge at Starfleet Academy.
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But while there are plenty of beautiful sights and Easter eggs designed to make you smile, present in game, as I was beginning my second tour of the galaxy, searching for places that I could explore in great detail; it dawned upon me that we haven’t talked about the fact that this game also takes the time to pay tribute to some of Star Trek’s darkest and most powerful moments. For believe it or not, there are grand memorials in this game, the kind that are solemn and strong and remind of you the fact that not every story in the franchise ends with the crew of a starship saving every single life imaginable and I respect the game for taking the time to place these tributes into the framework of this digital environment.

Because these memorials remind us of moments that genuinely moved us and shocked us when we first saw them play out on screen and today I’d like to take the time to highlight the ones that gave me pause, starting with the one that I connect with the most; the memorial that hovers in the graveyard of Starfleet ships at Wolf 359. Because when I first saw ‘The Best of Both Worlds, Part II’, I know that I was stunned when the 1701-D arrived at Wolf 359, only to find the remains of this fleet scattered about this system because that was the first time I ever saw Starfleet in vulnerable fashion and the weight of the crews lost there, hung heavy over those visuals and this is still a sobering and powerful monument to see in 2410. For when one arrives here, there is no triumphant music, just the hum of the impulse engines and the silence of the dead and this memorial immediately takes me back to the shock I felt when seeing that TNG episode for the first time back in September of 1990.

But I made mention of several memorials, and one cannot discuss the one at Wolf 359, without discussing the one that has now influenced multiple corners of the franchise; the one that pays tribute to the loss of Romulus and Remus. Yes, that’s right, the destruction of the home world of the Romulan Star Empire has its own nod here as well, and this is an equally as sobering memorial to find in game, since it too is shrouded in silence and it reminds us of how important this moment, first featured in the 2009 reboot of Star Trek, is to the franchise as a whole. For your character would not be able to set foot upon New Romulus if weren’t for the sacrifice of Ambassador Spock, and it’s obvious at this point that this event will heavily influence the events of the forthcoming Star Trek: Picard and this just speaks volumes to how much research went into the assembly of this game.
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Yet, while memorials such as those (and the one at Starfleet Academy, that reminds us of those lost in the Breen Confederacy’s attack on Earth during the Dominion War in 2375), pay fine tribute to the rich history of the saga, there are also memorials present that are a touch more emotional and intimate for the fans. Take for example the two statues of Ambassador Spock that stand on both Vulcan and New Romulus, since players have been known to drop by these in order to pay their solemn respects on the anniversary of Leonard Nimoy’s death. Plus if you swing by the upper level at Earth Spacedock, you’ll find a giant slab of marble that pays tribute to every actor in the franchise that has passed away, along with the folks that worked behind the scenes tirelessly to bring this vision of a majestic future to life and these are perhaps, the finest tributes present in the game.

If anything, all of these memorials, serve as a fine reminder that this is a game for fans, by fans and they’re quite the unexpected surprise to find in game and honestly, I’m not sure I would have known about them, had I not taken the time to fly about the galaxy to explore every last nook and cranny that this game has to offer. So, my thanks go out to the team behind Star Trek Online, because adding this stuff not only keeps us nerds happy, but it really does help to make this fictional universe a living and breathing environment, one filled with a rich history that we are managing to add to, and if I’m finding this kind of wonder in just the memorials, I can only imagine what kind of magic awaits me on the planets and stations that are peppered throughout the Milky Way Galaxy in 2410. Until next time. 

You know, I have to admit that I write myself into a corner when it comes EA Sports’ annual release of Madden. Because once I get my hands on the game, I’m immediately in bliss mode, and I play it incessantly and fall in love with it, without really taking notice of the little things that simply don’t work within the game itself. Take for example last year’s release. For while EA was able to finally provide fans everywhere with an ample and realistic running game, something went awry with the passing game and I quickly found myself irritated at the fact that I gave it such a glowing review without realizing that Cover 3 was now an invincible play for the AI in this game and that defensive backs and linebackers could magically fly five years to the ball and put an end to a perfect pass.
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Which quite frankly, prompted me to take a moment and really dive into Madden 20 before writing about it. So that this time around I could truly see if EA had done a better job with creating the realistic football environment they’ve been working toward for decades now and well, after toying about in this world for a couple of weeks now, I have to say, that I’m impressed with what EA has to offer. For starters, this year’s game does indeed fix the passing problems that were present last year, and while DBs and LBs can still make life hell for you in the passing game, they can no longer fly to the ball like a superhero and stop the play, and the wonder of this game doesn’t quite end with its newly modified passing game.

Because I have to admit that I am quite intrigued and quite impressed with the addition of Superstar X-Factor Abilities since it’s a feature that definitely mirrors the real-life game. After all, there are indeed some genuine superstars in the NFL, the kind of guys that can take over a game and make life hell for either offenses or defenses, depending on which side of the ball they play upon. And plunking this into the game adds a new layer of difficulty and surprise because once a superstar gets hot they do their thing and you have to react quickly to stop them before they do some serious damage and well, I love this feature, it’s way overdue and I cannot wait to see how it enhances the game further once I get to the playoffs and the Super Bowl. 

Plus, there’s also the arrival/return of what is in essence a personal career mode, named ‘Face of the Franchise’ in this year’s edition of the game. It’s basically your opportunity to take control of a player that you can model after your likeness or a likeness of your choosing before you guide their career from the college playoffs to the draft and their first NFL team and this is actually pretty slick. It has the feel of Longshot in the college segments and grows more business based as the NFL comes into play. But I dig how you’re privy to more private conversations from teammates and coaches once your character gets into the league. Because that adds new depth to this game since normally one is relegated to franchise mode’s faux Twitter feed in order to get any feedback on their respective team or player.
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However, while these features are indeed cool in their own right, presentation is something that is paramount to me. Because we play this game to feel as though we’re diving into the game itself and Madden 20 does a fine job with that as well. For not only does it feel like you’re watching a genuine television broadcast since the pre-game stuff feels like you’re tuning in, you also feel as though you’re at the stadium itself. Because this year’s game takes full advantage of surround sound technology and loud stadiums are loud, and for the first time in a long time you can hear the announcer speaking over the intercom as he breaks down what just happened and what the fans can expect next and that’s just a real treat when all is said and done. Because there’s something special about hearing the roar of the hometown fans when you score a touchdown or make a big play and that just makes for an immersive and fun experience.

But everything we’ve covered here, speaks volumes to the details that only hardcore football fans love and demand, which begs an important question; is this game worth it for the casual player and fan? Absolutely. For there’s the still the option to just assume the identity of your favorite quarterback on your favorite team and let it rip all day long. Or just put on the headset as a coach and make the play calls you think are best for your favorite franchise and well, in the end, this is just another magnificent addition to this storied gaming franchise. Which is something I feel I can say with confidence because after two weeks of playing it, I still find myself coming back for more and that’s really the mark of a good game, when you simply cannot put it down. 

Over the course of the past year, we’ve talked a lot about the wonder that is Star Trek Online. We’ve examined the powerful stories that it has to tell, done week to week recaps on new episodes when they arrive, and we’ve also discussed some important tips in regard to how to make your player and ship stronger in combat. And of course, we’ve quite literally traveled to every corner of the galaxy, since I made a point to tour every single star system available in game and at least beam down to the planets that would allow me to do so during my jaunt around the Milky Way.
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Which makes it sounds as though there’s little left to accomplish or explore in this game, and for a time I truly thought that was the case and that I was reaching a long and extended hiatus for this blog. But whilst I was heading off to the Exchange at Earth Spacedock to get my hands on a different gun for my daily Endeavor Missions, I couldn’t help but notice the nice lady standing on the main rotunda in her tropical gear. Which is important, for if someone is standing there, some kind of event is going on, and seeing as to how I’ve had the Galactica out in deep space for weeks now on various patrols and whatever the Endeavor Missions call for, I totally missed the fact that an event was taking place on Risa, the kind that opened up my eyes to the fact that I’ve missed a few things in this game.

Because by beaming down and only getting a quick look at some of the planets I was allowed to explore during my tour of the galaxy, I never really got the proper opportunity to see what these various planets offer up to fans of this franchise. Which made the tour guide’s offer to swing by this celebration of all things Risa, all the more appealing. Because now was a wonderful opportunity to return to this iconic world and see more than the transporter pad and a quick glance of the beaches that I noticed during my last visit there and shortly after picking up my new gun and completing my missions for the day, I ordered the helm to take us to Risa to see exactly what I’ve been missing after all this time.

As it turns out, I really should have swung by this world sooner, because holy cow… Risa is outright gorgeous. For there are oceans as far as the eye can see, and tropical delights everywhere you turn and well, upon arriving, I have to admit I was a tad overwhelmed. After all, when you’re used to seeing the stars streak by and spend most of your time firing phasers on the ground and quantum torpedoes in space, you tend to forget about the little things that make the universe beautiful. But thankfully Risa reminds you, since it really is a little digital paradise and it is an oddly peaceful place to visit since it’s quiet and chill, and all you can hear as you explore the resorts or its various beaches is the gentle rustle of the wind or the crashing of the waves and this was, quite the nice break from the hustle and bustle of space combat.

Granted, I’ll be honest in saying that I didn’t really take part in the events happening on the planet. Because I really did just want to explore Risa and take in its beauty and it was so gorgeous that I found myself just staring off into the digital sunset, since the game did such a fine job of creating one that beautiful and that peaceful and well, my time here made something clear; I don’t spend enough time exploring the planets and places that are available to me in game. Which means that the time has come to do so quite frankly. For I’ve seen every last star that the galaxy has to offer, so it’s only right that I look at the various worlds the game has provided us with, since it’s clear they offer more than plot points to drive an episode along and I’m looking forward to seeing what these strange new worlds have to offer in the weeks to come. Until next time.  

Hello again, dear reader. It’s been a hot light year since we’ve settled in to discuss the wonder of Star Trek Online and there’s good reason for that. Because on one hand, there’s not a lot of new stuff happening within the game right now, and on the other hand, sometimes other commitments and assignments put your game time on back burner. But, it’s hailing frequencies open once again and the time has to come to talk about this lovely game once more because I have some burning topics and tips to discuss with all of you, and I’ve actually managed to uncover some places that I’ve never explored in detail before. So, on that note, let’s dive into some tips today, the kind that revolve around a little bit of self-care.
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Because your captain is important in this game, because… whatever gender or species you set your captain up as, is you, and you need to be at your best to command your vessel and this is something we need to go over, because I have neglected my own on screen persona, by not doing much when it comes to upgrades that are available for my character. And well, recently when I finally had some spare time and a boatload of cash and dilithium, I figured that maybe it was time to spend a little bit of my earnings and see what happens when you improve your character and let me tell you now, I am a fool for not doing this sooner. For time and time again, I had my 25th Century rump handed to me on a platter when it comes to ground missions, and that all changed with a little dedication.

Which brings us to the tips in question, specifically, how does one upgrade their captain and turn them into a resilient fighter? Well first and foremost, you need to get your hands on some quality personal shields and some body armor, and once you’ve found some that offer up great resistance to weapons, you buy them and upgrade them to Mark XV, and by getting both of these items to cap out, you’ll hang longer in a firefight. In fact, you’ll straight up be able to go toe to toe when exchanging phaser blows and that, brings us to your weapons. Because much like the loadout on your vessel, you’ll find that there are a myriad of guns to choose from and well, once again, you want your hands on the ones that inflict the most damage and once you’ve upgraded those items to Mark XV, you’ll be damn near unstoppable.

Case and point, I’m a huge fan of Antiproton everything, and I managed to get my hands on an Antiproton beam gun that can actually drop a bad guy in two sustained shots. And being a Starfleet officer through and through, I also have my hands on a Mark XV Hand Phaser just because, it’s kind of cool to do some serious damage with a simple phaser in your hand. But of course, this begets the question, outside of my addiction to Antiproton beams, what other weapons out there can help me save the galaxy in swift and brutal fashion? Well the answer to that question is, whichever weapons you like. Because only you will know what feels right in your digital hands and what responds at a pace you prefer.

So, if anything, just buy up a bunch of guns, take them out to Nimbus III and test them in the desert. Which might sound crazy, and excessive, but it’s the only way to know what you like, and the good news is that unlike ship weapons, ground weapons tend to come cheap for lower Mark weapons, and whatever you don’t like, you can re-sell in the marketplace. Plus, don’t forget to have a little fun with your uniform as well. It’s all about making your captain your own and this is your chance to wear a uniform to your liking and that’s something I see often and admire in game, because folks get creative. But if you’re a duty guy like me, just find the right fit for your role. Which is why you’ll notice I changed my gear up because it didn’t seem right to wear Fleet Admiral black when I’m often in the field, so here is this lovely captain/admiral hybrid that gives me the best of both worlds. The bottom line is, let your nerdy flag fly, and have fun, because that’s really what this game is all about. Until next time.