Star Trek Online explores the new frontier of console space!
[dropcap size=small]A[/dropcap]rc Games recently announced the MMO RPG Star Trek Online is no longer only available to PC gamers, as it’s set to warp over to consoles this fall. Check out the announcement trailer below:
Stephen Ricossa, executive producer of Star Trek Online, made the announcement over on Arc Games website. He expressed his excitement about bringing the game to consoles after six successful years on PC, and what improvements we can expect to see in the console version of the title:
We invested heavily in our engine and added several modern lighting technologies that significantly improved the visual quality of the game
Alongside the lighting system, we decided the entire UI needed not only a complete graphical overhaul but to have its entire back-end rewritten. The goal here was to create a UI that was incredibly streamlined on the back-end to ensure the best game performance possible, while also creating a brand new experience purposely built for the controller.
In addition to all of these exciting changes, we’ve also made some improvements to episodic flow and player progression that will really improve the experience for everyone.
As a lifelong console player, I couldn’t be more excited to bring Star Trek Online onto the consoles.
Ricasso assured PC players they will also benefit from the improvements, with an update planned in future to coincide with the console version.
One of the biggest hurdles to get over when making a game console ready is translating PC controls over to console controllers effectively, and with a game like Star Trek Online – which heavily relies on keyboard controls – it’s not easily done. Ricasso revealed this was one of main concerns for the team, and offered up his assurance this was accomplished in a way that maintains the tactical game-play and style of the PC version:
We focused on getting the controls right before we began work in earnest on this project, because we knew the game had to be as tactical, fun, and accessible as the PC game that preceded it. A combination of radial menus and streamlining of some HUD elements created a game that is easily understood, instantly accessible, and incredibly fun to play.
There has been no word about whether or not players will be able to transfer any of their content from PC to console, or if cross-play will even be a possibility so far.
With a huge wealth of missions, factions and a large level cap, Star Trek Online is any Trek gamer’s dream. It also boasts of an impressive cast list of voice over work by many big names from various different Star Trek series throughout the years, including the likes of Leonard Nimoy, Michael Dorn, Robert Picardo and Zachary Quinto.
It looks like the team behind it are doing everything right to successfully translate the game to consoles, and it’ll be great for console players to delve into the Trek ‘verse in style!
The game will be free to play on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 sometime this fall.
