It’s been four months since the initial release of Star Trek Online and the game has been through several highs and lows over that time.  From disturbing news of low player retention all the way to lots of brand new fantastic game content with the launch of Season 1. Through this, the fine folks at Cryptic have been hard at work trying to make this game as enjoyable as possible.  

Now executive producer Craig Z. tells us what we have to look for over the next several months in the wonderful world of Star Trek Online.  Outside of the upcoming releases Season 2, it appears that cryptic has an accolade and squad system planned as well as balance adjustments and UI improvements.

Cryptic Studios launches a brand new Special Task Force mission for admiral ranked players.   Called the "Undine Terradome", the new mission presents all a brand new menace to the STO universe.  Apparently the Undine (species 8472) have planned to invade Federation space by replacing a very familiar space station.  Check out the details below.

Atari, one of the world’s most recognized videogame publishers, and acclaimed developer Cryptic Studios™, are pleased to announce a range of new reward programs for Star Trek Online, the massively multiplayer online game for the PC. These programs include: the Star Trek Online Veterans Rewards, Star Trek Online Referral program, Star Trek Online Winback Weekend and Star Trek Online Demo. The new offers begin May 7, 2010.

Cryptic Studios just released a brand new video detailing the new Special Task Force missions that will be available over the next few months.  First show on the video is the already released STF: Khitomer Accord.  Don't know much about STF: Khitomer Accord? Check out the details below.

The Borg seemed unusually weak, unable to adapt and most of their fleet was already seriously damaged. It seems like someone may have got to them first and softened them up, because if the Borg were at full strength that day, you may not have fared so well.

Taxes, they're unavoidable.  Some people even say something about taxes and death that's really profound.  Huh, wish I could remember it.  Anyway, to help you spend some of your forthcoming tax return, or just elevate some of the stress of the whole tax experience, Cryptic Studios is offering a 25 percent discount on all C-Store purchases.  That includes Star Trek Online and Champions Online.  Check out the info below for more details.

By the way, in the 24th century there is NO tax day.  Take that Uncle Sam!

In another episode of "Ask Cryptic", Star Trek Online players got the chance to ask specific questions concerning the future of PVP.  One of the more interesting topics was the possibility of open PvP, using a war front scenario.  Cryptic says it's a distinct possibility.  Also, one player asks specifically about players receiving rewards for healing.  That's definitely something we've been wondering about for a long time.  Ya see, we play as an escort, need we say more?

Apparently my new thing is asking a question and answering it in the same article title.  Well, now that I've addressed it, it won't happen again.  Isn't that the first step to recovery? Admitting you have a problem?  Anyway, we reported back in October that Cryptic Studios could run ST:O and Champions Online on modern consoles.

Mutliplayer Online Game Directory recently sat down with Star Trek Online Executive Producer Craig Zinkievich to talk Season One: Common Ground.  Some of the more interesting topics in the interview were the coming of a possible death penalty in the game and how Cryptic is dealing with the negative reviews and subscriber reactions.

Check out an excerpt from the interview.

MPOGD: What has been the development team's reaction to how the fans and critics have responded to Star Trek Online since it launched? Has reading those pros and cons given you new things to thrive for or change?

Cryptic studios just launched Star Trek Online Season One: Common Ground items and lots of lifetime subsriber perks.  Check out the list below for more details.

Lifetime Subscriber Perks (listed below is what's available now):

The following perks are ready for you to enjoy immediately: