At Gamescom 2016, we were able to try out the console version of Star Trek Online for the first time. And it quickly became clear to us that the developers really did a great job. Read here why Star Trek Online is so much fun on the console!
“No one likes lousy PC ports!” said Samuel Wall, Art Director of Star Trek Online, right at the start of our PlayStation 4 preview session of Star Trek Online. Therefore, the developers completely shot the entire user interface of the online role-playing game into space and completely redesigned it.
From Keyboard to Controller
The new interface is cleverly designed and manages to transfer the numerous occupied keys of the PC version to the limited button selection of the PS4 controller. All buttons are needed, and many functions are arranged in comfortable radial menus. This allows us, with a little skill, to execute even complex skill combos and maneuvers in a short time. Additionally, we can assign specific maneuver sequences to our bridge officers in space combat, which will then be executed automatically in the specified order.
This way, we can fully concentrate on flying while our ship autonomously fires torpedoes in specific dispersion patterns and buffs our shields. Additionally, we have a useful auto-targeting feature that assists us in aiming at enemies. This makes space battles fluid, and we blasted through a swarm of Borg probes and spheres in a “Defiant” class ship.
More Light!
Since Star Trek Online is already six years old, the graphics have been massively overhauled specifically for the console version. This is especially noticeable in the outdoor missions on the planet’s surface. Because here too, we fight against the Borg, and everywhere their bulky metal structures shine in eerie green light, which can emanate from all surfaces thanks to a new engine. Furthermore, the creepy cyber-zombies are already starting to assimilate the planet.
Suddenly, a threatening shadow falls over us, and when we look up, we behold in horror a gigantic Borg cube ominously hovering above us. Fortunately, we did not encounter the chunk in space, as we would have had no chance against it. Although Star Trek Online doesn’t look like a brand new game, the numerous graphic upgrades prevent it from feeling like a title from 2010. The PC version is also expected to enjoy the new graphics soon.
Assimilate This!
The console version will include the previous add-ons and expansions, and according to Samuel Wall, there has been enough story content in the game to fill several seasons of a Star Trek television series. The upcoming story will involve the Borg, but also their arch-nemeses, the bizarre lizards of Species 8472, are part of it. Hence, we are not surprised when suddenly a large lizard creature appears and takes down Borg by the dozen.
However, those expecting a repeat of the Voyager plot may be disappointed, as the Borg apparently can now assimilate Species 8472, and who knows, maybe we will ally with the lizards this time?
Mein-MMO says: I am always skeptical when MMOs are to be ported from PC to consoles, and I can never imagine that this will work. Yet I am repeatedly surprised when I play such a game and it works perfectly. In Star Trek Online, the developers have really done a great job. It looks fantastic, controls incredibly intuitively without losing complexity, and is a lot of fun. Plus, it is also free to play on the console, so every Star Trek fan should take a look at it when it launches in the fall.
