The Admiral’s Log: My Journey Through ‘Star Trek Online’ – Part XLI

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

Exploring Paradise – A Trip to Risa

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.  

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