Star Trek Online soars, but then grinds
In Star Trek Online, a Federation spaceship narrowly escapes phaser fire during a battle. Credit: AP Photo/HO
Star Trek Online thrives when multiple ships crisscross through space while exchanging phaser fire and photon torpedoes. The battles look spectacular, and piloting a starship around a planet while dodging enemy fire is both challenging and enjoyable.
But the frenzied pace hits the brakes when combat moves to the ground. Away missions were a key part of both the original TV series and "Star Trek: The Next Generation," but you'll find yourself calling for Scotty to beam you up shortly after landing. The first away mission, which acts as a tutorial, has your character beaming over to a damaged Star Fleet vessel to make some repairs and kill a few Borg. It does little to draw you in.
But when your character is given command of a Miranda-class Federation starship (think USS Reliant from "Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan"), things start to look up. You're sent out to explore galaxies with such orders as beaming a ship's survivors to your own vessel or destroying targets.
Star Trek Online may face its biggest challenge with its price tag. You buy the game, and then you have to pay $15 a month in fees to keep playing.
That's a tall order for the game as it stands now, but online games can improve over time.
Star Trek Online
RATING T for Teen
PLOT Take command of a Star Fleet vessel and crew
DETAILS $50, with $15-a-month subscription fee, for the PC
BOTTOM LINE Falls short in several areas
Sarra Sounds Off Ep. 35: EI baseball, girls lacrosse and plays of the week On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," we look at East Islip baseball's inspirational comeback story, Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week and Tess Ferguson breaks down the top defensive players in girls lacrosse.
Sarra Sounds Off Ep. 35: EI baseball, girls lacrosse and plays of the week On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," we look at East Islip baseball's inspirational comeback story, Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week and Tess Ferguson breaks down the top defensive players in girls lacrosse.
