Star Trek Online Paid Extras Store Launches With Federation Klingon, Ferengi Races
Submitted by marqaha on February 3, 2010 - 4:49pm
How would you like to play a Ferengi? Yeah, no one cares.
Would you like to play a Klingon outside of the PVP-centric class? Probably some folks would, yes.
Guess what? You can't play either one without shelling out real cash!
Playing either of these races will set you back $1 to $3. Doesn't sound like much until you realize that the game has only been out for 2 days and they're already nickel and diming you.
It's worth noting that many pre-orders came with enough "Cryptic Points" to afford to purchase these two options if you want to. Unless you bought the game on Steam. Then you're SOL in outer space.
In case you're wondering how to say "I told you so" in Klingon, I've looked it up:
jIH ja'ta' SoH vaj
February 3, 2010 - 5:12pm
#2
:ROFL:
But in all seriousness - I hope some Star Trek Nerd Rage befowls Cryptic - WTF are they thinking :slap:
You may recall us discussing this very issue two days ago, Pax. I expressed my concern that Cryptic would "nickel and dime you to death."But in all seriousness - I hope some Star Trek Nerd Rage befowls Cryptic - WTF are they thinking :slap:
February 3, 2010 - 5:32pm
#3
Sadly, I remember this all too well. Nothing like ruining a game with such potential promise but stabbing it in the back before it can even fully hit full impulse 
I'm going to give the Nerds/Geek Fandom a chance to whine to Paramount/CBS, and for them in turn to smack Cryptic with the WTF were you thinking stick
This game has been the most engaging experience (forgive the pun) I've encountered since The Matrix Online (MxO). While STO might need some time to flesh out some bugs and gameplay issues, it definitely immerses you in the Star Trek Universe, and has a LOT of potential. But to force players to pay to create "playable races" that are nothing more than a costume pack that gives 2 additional bonus racial traits, especially when so many other Trek races are already present as part of the core game purchase...that's beyond belief
Let's not forget that these 2 races in question, Klingon and Ferengi, have been part of Star Trek lore for a LOT longer than some of other races we've been given as part of core gaming experience...I call BS on this, Cryptic 
Micro Transactions are something I don't think should become the staple of any game, MMO or other genre. I know the costume packs and a few other features in CoX fall into this category, but as much as it might pain me to say it, I could still enjoy the game without the ones I've purchased. And I have a bad feeling, no matter how much I love any game, when it turns mostly to a MTG (Micro Transaction Game), I'll most likely roll right out of that community
I'm going to give the Nerds/Geek Fandom a chance to whine to Paramount/CBS, and for them in turn to smack Cryptic with the WTF were you thinking stick
This game has been the most engaging experience (forgive the pun) I've encountered since The Matrix Online (MxO). While STO might need some time to flesh out some bugs and gameplay issues, it definitely immerses you in the Star Trek Universe, and has a LOT of potential. But to force players to pay to create "playable races" that are nothing more than a costume pack that gives 2 additional bonus racial traits, especially when so many other Trek races are already present as part of the core game purchase...that's beyond belief
Let's not forget that these 2 races in question, Klingon and Ferengi, have been part of Star Trek lore for a LOT longer than some of other races we've been given as part of core gaming experience...I call BS on this, Cryptic Micro Transactions are something I don't think should become the staple of any game, MMO or other genre. I know the costume packs and a few other features in CoX fall into this category, but as much as it might pain me to say it, I could still enjoy the game without the ones I've purchased. And I have a bad feeling, no matter how much I love any game, when it turns mostly to a MTG (Micro Transaction Game), I'll most likely roll right out of that community
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February 3, 2010 - 6:32pm
#4
This game has been the most engaging experience (forgive the pun) I've encountered since The Matrix Online (MxO).
I'm not so sure your credibility is strong, after you've extolled the virtues of a game that scored in the 60s. 
Let's not forget that these 2 races in question, Klingon and Ferengi, have been part of Star Trek lore for a LOT longer than some of other races we've been given as part of core gaming experience...I call BS on this, Cryptic :disapprove:
Since I rather enjoy working Trekkers into a lather I'll also point out that the in-game Ferengi women wear clothes. They've already fucked up the lore. Micro Transactions are something I don't think should become the staple of any game, MMO or other genre. :
My friend, welcome to the future. PC gamers have been getting the short end of the joystick for the better part of a decade. If you'd like to avoid microtransactions you should probably take up knitting.
February 3, 2010 - 10:09pm
#5
Thanks for posting this Marq. This pretty much cemented me not buying it, the only race I was really intereseted in playing off the bat was Klingons... So Cryptic is telling me that I have to shell out more to play a race that has been around since TOS...
WHISKEY!!!
TANGO!!!
FOXTROT!!!
Quarks mother wore clothes... maybe she got a Ferengi sufferage movement going between the DS9 era and the game era...
WHISKEY!!!
TANGO!!!
FOXTROT!!!
Quarks mother wore clothes... maybe she got a Ferengi sufferage movement going between the DS9 era and the game era...
February 3, 2010 - 10:13pm
#6
They're charging you to play Federation based Klingons (the peace-loving hippy versions). If you want to play the real Klingons you just need to hit level 5. However, the real level Klingons are exclusively PvP-centric (which I think is appropriate).
February 3, 2010 - 11:03pm
#7
They're charging you to play Federation based Klingons (the peace-loving hippy versions). If you want to play the real Klingons you just need to hit level 5. However, the real level Klingons are exclusively PvP-centric (which I think is appropriate).
So my options are play until level 5 to get PVP-centric Klingons and then use one of my 2 character slots to roll one. Or i can pay for the privilege of rolling a neutered Klingon. Poodoody.
February 3, 2010 - 11:16pm
#8
You receive an additional character slot when you unlock the PvP Klingon.
February 4, 2010 - 8:02am
#9
Quarks mother wore clothes... maybe she got a Ferengi sufferage movement going between the DS9 era and the game era...
Seriously. Moogie wore clothes so that they didn't have to try to make alien bodies, and could just stick with the tried and true "prosthetic forehead alien" model that they've been using for 40 years.
February 4, 2010 - 8:04am
#10
I'm pretty sure it's level 6, you do unlock an extra slot usable for Klingon or Fed at that point, and Jack said one of his priorities is to add real PvE content for Klingons in one of the first free content updates.
Right now (IMO) they stuck it in as is because of the popularity of Klingons and the need for PvP of some kind.
I agree that the micro transactions are a bit rediculous. I could understand if they announced with the pre-orders that those perks were going to be made available via the C-Store, especially where the only way to get them was to buy several copies of the game from several retailers, but a couple of small costume mods? Meh. In and of itself I really don't care. It's just the implication that this is the future direction of all things STO.
Right now (IMO) they stuck it in as is because of the popularity of Klingons and the need for PvP of some kind.
I agree that the micro transactions are a bit rediculous. I could understand if they announced with the pre-orders that those perks were going to be made available via the C-Store, especially where the only way to get them was to buy several copies of the game from several retailers, but a couple of small costume mods? Meh. In and of itself I really don't care. It's just the implication that this is the future direction of all things STO.
February 4, 2010 - 8:09am
#11
Quarks mother wore clothes... maybe she got a Ferengi sufferage movement going between the DS9 era and the game era...
Seriously. Moogie wore clothes so that they didn't have to try to make alien bodies, and could just stick with the tried and true "prosthetic forehead alien" model that they've been using for 40 years. :retard:
I'm gonna expose my DS9 geekdom here.
At the end of the DS9 series, Rom is made Grand Nagus. With just a few minutes on screen he was already proposing sweeping changes which included rights for women, so it's actually not lore breaking to have female Ferengi Fed officers in clothing. If they were given the right to work, then the were given the right to wear clothes. The two go hand in hand in Ferengi culture. Just as with the women's movement in the Americas, I'm sure there are some Ferengi women who would leap at the chance to compete with the males, while others would continue to choose a more traditional lifestyle. Such is the way of freedom....
February 4, 2010 - 8:14am
#12
Quarks mother wore clothes... maybe she got a Ferengi sufferage movement going between the DS9 era and the game era...
Seriously. Moogie wore clothes so that they didn't have to try to make alien bodies, and could just stick with the tried and true "prosthetic forehead alien" model that they've been using for 40 years. :retard:
I'm gonna expose my DS9 geekdom here.
At the end of the DS9 series, Rom is made Grand Nagus. With just a few minutes on screen he was already proposing sweeping changes which included rights for women, so it's actually not lore breaking to have female Ferengi Fed officers in clothing. If they were given the right to work, then the were given the right to wear clothes. The two go hand in hand in Ferengi culture. Just as with the women's movement in the Americas, I'm sure there are some Ferengi women who would leap at the chance to compete with the males, while others would continue to choose a more traditional lifestyle. Such is the way of freedom....
Wow, Per. I thought that I had the most amazing DS9 obsession, but you, my good man, beat me.
I had totally forgotten the whole Rom as Grand Nagus. The reason for the sweeping changes were because the previous Grand Nagus (Moogie, ironically Rom's mother) was the women's libber of the Ferengi people.
I was too busy saying "No, Odo, don't join the Great Link!" at the end of DS9 to pay attention to silly Ferengis.
February 4, 2010 - 8:16am
#13
Seriously. They completely destroyed any possibility of a DS9 movie with the way it ended. I'm looking forward to meeting a changling, renegade or otherwise, in STO though.
February 4, 2010 - 9:11am
#14
This game has been the most engaging experience (forgive the pun) I've encountered since The Matrix Online (MxO).
I'm not so sure your credibility is strong, after you've extolled the virtues of a game that scored in the 60s. I just said the MxO game universe felt immersive/engaging, not that the game itself was super-awesome - still beat CO for me though
I'm still trying to have patience and see how this whole thing plays out over the course of the next year. I had an absolute blast last night on our first Adversity STO outing since game launch, and I'm hopeful with some time, the community/CBS/Paramount will slay any stupid ideas that Cryptic might think are good decisions when rabid fanboys/nerds/geeks of all ages coming clamoring for Jack's head at the head of a bat'leth or pain stick
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February 4, 2010 - 9:22am
#15
It's such a joy to not have to be that fanboy/raging nerd, though.
I do hope someone else will take up the mantle.
I do hope someone else will take up the mantle.
February 4, 2010 - 9:26am
#16
As much as I hate micro-transactions, I was suprisingly not that upset about the playable races. I really don't see the difference between having to pay an extra $3 to play a Federation Klingon or paying an extra $30-$40 to get the special Joined Trill pre-order exclusive or the lifetime sub to play a Borg. That being said, if they start with the Champions "mini-expansions" where you have to buy missions and zones, I'm not sure I will continue playing.
February 4, 2010 - 9:50am
#17
As much as I hate micro-transactions, I was suprisingly not that upset about the playable races. I really don't see the difference between having to pay an extra $3 to play a Federation Klingon or paying an extra $30-$40 to get the special Joined Trill pre-order exclusive or the lifetime sub to play a Borg. That being said, if they start with the Champions "mini-expansions" where you have to buy missions and zones, I'm not sure I will continue playing.
That's my concern Dragon. The Price of $3 isn't that bad in the grand scheme...but if it paves the way for the "mini-expansions" like Champions Online is doing, I have a feeling I'll end up finding the nearest worm hole/temporal distortion that gets me marooned in the Delta Quadrant until the whole mess works itself out
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February 4, 2010 - 10:05am
#18
I'll just keep playing the content that's there and free.
They've already generally announced what's upcoming in content additions and have promised that those at least will be free:
http://www.startrekonline.com/upcoming_content
edit:
Just realized they screwed up the announcement a bit. Under the title "More Action in the Alpha Quadrant" they emphasize Klingon content. Even in game Klingons are Beta Quadrant.
February 4, 2010 - 10:06am
#19
As much as I hate micro-transactions, I was suprisingly not that upset about the playable races. I really don't see the difference between having to pay an extra $3 to play a Federation Klingon or paying an extra $30-$40 to get the special Joined Trill pre-order exclusive or the lifetime sub to play a Borg. That being said, if they start with the Champions "mini-expansions" where you have to buy missions and zones, I'm not sure I will continue playing.
When I was sorking I wouln't have this issue either. But since I am still not, it does become a problem...
Not that I can go buy STO right now anyways my wife would strangle me then cut my nads off...
February 4, 2010 - 10:08am
#20
FX, are you saying that today would not be a good day to die
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February 4, 2010 - 10:10am
#21
Oh she wouldn't kill me... Maim yes...
February 4, 2010 - 10:48am
#22
Damn STO nerd/geeks keep out bidding me on E-bay. Soon I will join you guys, but I refuse to pay full price (just on principal). Also, because I would be joining FX as one of the castrated members. Life as a eunuch would ruin my self image and my deep baritone. 
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Commentary Catalyst (Goader)
February 4, 2010 - 12:27pm
#23
FX, are you saying that today would not be a good day to die ;)
That is one of my all-time favorite lines in all the Star Trek movies/episodes, lol; perhaps becasue I always picture Warf saying it with the almost crazed expression while his ship was being blown to bits. 
February 4, 2010 - 2:05pm
#24
As a person/college student, I prefer free things.
As a gamer, I like good content.
As a business major/software programmer, I like subscriptions + micro transactions.
While I don't necessarily like Cryptic's (or MMO companys) methods, I do understand them and agree with them. There's a lot that goes into making and sustaining a game. I do believe that part of the subscription revenue should be put towards introducing new content on a regular basis. But I also believe that it is perfectly acceptable to charge for additional content.
Now there has been discussion about the need to purchase additional character slots since you only get two to start (and an additional one when you hit level 5).
About the character slots we wanted to give you many but it was not going to work out. The problem is the data storage for an STO character is very big even with a great deal of effort to make them take up less space. They take up way more space than Champions characters. Imagine this. Think of every bridge officer and every ship your character has is about the size of a regular character and you should understand why they would take up so much space. We don't want to risk the database filling up. I am sorry this doesn't help you with your problem. I just wanted you to understand.
I didn't think of the character storage issues associated with the bridge officers and such. But now that it's been pointed out, it's perfectly understandable why we get such a limited amount of slots.
Compare a CoH character
Now an STO character
Now each of those Bridge Officers has some stuff
And ships (which I believe the cap is 10 ships per character?)
That's a lot of data. Now I'm sure I'm forgetting some stuff on the CoH side. But damn.
As for paid expansions, I think they're perfectly acceptable so long as they are considerable updates to the games systems and content.
And there should be freebie updates that include new content and updated or new systems.
But it's a hard thing to balance.
As a gamer, I like good content.
As a business major/software programmer, I like subscriptions + micro transactions.
While I don't necessarily like Cryptic's (or MMO companys) methods, I do understand them and agree with them. There's a lot that goes into making and sustaining a game. I do believe that part of the subscription revenue should be put towards introducing new content on a regular basis. But I also believe that it is perfectly acceptable to charge for additional content.
Now there has been discussion about the need to purchase additional character slots since you only get two to start (and an additional one when you hit level 5).
About the character slots we wanted to give you many but it was not going to work out. The problem is the data storage for an STO character is very big even with a great deal of effort to make them take up less space. They take up way more space than Champions characters. Imagine this. Think of every bridge officer and every ship your character has is about the size of a regular character and you should understand why they would take up so much space. We don't want to risk the database filling up. I am sorry this doesn't help you with your problem. I just wanted you to understand.
I didn't think of the character storage issues associated with the bridge officers and such. But now that it's been pointed out, it's perfectly understandable why we get such a limited amount of slots.
Compare a CoH character
- Name, Description, and General Fluff
- Archetype, Level, Power Sets
- Selected Powers, Enhancements in those powers
- Inventory (salvage, enhancements, inspirations)
- UI related stuff (power bars, etc)
- Up to 5 distinct costumes
Now an STO character
- Name, Description, and General Fluff
- Race, Class, Level
- Skills and Skill Points
- Inventory and bank
- UI related stuff (power bars, etc)
- Up to 6 Bridge Officers (well that's what I have currently)
- Various amounts of ships
- At least two uniforms (probably more)
Now each of those Bridge Officers has some stuff
- Name, Description and General Fluff
- Race, Class, Level
- Skills and Skill points (though decidedly fewer than player characters)
- UI related stuff
- Uniform
And ships (which I believe the cap is 10 ships per character?)
- Name, Registry Number and General Fluff
- Tier, Type and Look
- Equipment
That's a lot of data. Now I'm sure I'm forgetting some stuff on the CoH side. But damn.
As for paid expansions, I think they're perfectly acceptable so long as they are considerable updates to the games systems and content.
And there should be freebie updates that include new content and updated or new systems.
But it's a hard thing to balance.
February 4, 2010 - 4:06pm
#25
I see what you're saying...
Here's something that needs to be kept in balance though.
Monthly subscription is the bread and butter.
Lack of interesting new content, things to do, explore, fight, earn, etc., means loss of subscribers.
Free content often keeps a certain subscription level (or in CoH's case makes people resub for at least 3 months after it's released ).
Sure it's great for the company to make money on micro transactions and expansions, and I love that companies can put so much into expansions in anticipation of the revenues. But if the subscriber feels it's not worth the cost it doesn't generate the short term revenue they want. It looses the long term revenue they need.
Especially when dealing with an internet community, this must be a hard line to walk.
Here's something that needs to be kept in balance though.
Monthly subscription is the bread and butter.
Lack of interesting new content, things to do, explore, fight, earn, etc., means loss of subscribers.
Free content often keeps a certain subscription level (or in CoH's case makes people resub for at least 3 months after it's released
).Sure it's great for the company to make money on micro transactions and expansions, and I love that companies can put so much into expansions in anticipation of the revenues. But if the subscriber feels it's not worth the cost it doesn't generate the short term revenue they want. It looses the long term revenue they need.
Especially when dealing with an internet community, this must be a hard line to walk.
February 4, 2010 - 4:27pm
#26
The problem CT, is that they are taking a race that there is a lot of interest in being played and making you buy it. It should have been in launch.
I disagree with that business model.
I disagree with that business model.
February 4, 2010 - 4:38pm
#27
The Klingons are available in the game though, as a PvP centric race included with the purchase of any real/digital box copy. It's just you can't take those Klingons out of the Empire just yet, and they're working on adding some/more Klingon PvE content soon. I personally think it's kinda cool that I'd be hunting down Federation and other ships for the glory of them Empire as a little change of pace from being only in the Federation. Of course, that impression could change once I manage to unlock one of those PvP Klingons. Ideally though, both types, PvE player created, and the already existing PvP Klingons, should come as part of the game from the get go, or at least via a patch coming in the not to decent future
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February 4, 2010 - 5:29pm
#28
The original text of this post got lost.
But it boils down to:
1) You can play Klingons.
2) Starfleet Klingons should be rare based on general Trek canon and STO Lore.
3) The Klingons you can play are much more fitting on Klingons than the ones you pay extra for.
4) You can disagree with the business model, but it is a sound one and one that more and more game companies will use.
But it boils down to:
1) You can play Klingons.
2) Starfleet Klingons should be rare based on general Trek canon and STO Lore.
3) The Klingons you can play are much more fitting on Klingons than the ones you pay extra for.
4) You can disagree with the business model, but it is a sound one and one that more and more game companies will use.
February 5, 2010 - 7:57am
#29
The original text of this post got lost.
But it boils down to:
1) You can play Klingons.
2) Starfleet Klingons should be rare based on general Trek canon and STO Lore.
3) The Klingons you can play are much more fitting on Klingons than the ones you pay extra for.
4) You can disagree with the business model, but it is a sound one and one that more and more game companies will use.
But it boils down to:
1) You can play Klingons.
2) Starfleet Klingons should be rare based on general Trek canon and STO Lore.
3) The Klingons you can play are much more fitting on Klingons than the ones you pay extra for.
4) You can disagree with the business model, but it is a sound one and one that more and more game companies will use.
1. you can play Federation Klingons... not real ones. unless you want to PVP.
2. For a game that is supposed to be the ST universe. Making everyone be Federation is BS.
3. Doesn't make sense.
4. Point. It will also cause games to lose more and more clients. Think about it. Especially in the craptastic economy we have right now thanks to Chimpy McFlightsuit.
5. Have fun in your game. I will not be getting it, so attmpting to convince me otherwise is a fruitless waste of time.
February 5, 2010 - 8:50am
#30
4) You can disagree with the business model, but it is a sound one and one that more and more game companies will use.
I completely agree that this model is the future. I don't agree that the long term health of the business is served by this model.
But in all seriousness - I hope some Star Trek Nerd Rage befowls Cryptic - WTF are they thinking