With such a long-standing and expansive Star Trek universe (one that got even larger with the alternate-universe version of the Original Series that was introduced with the new movie) there have been many questions as to when Star Trek Online is actually set.
Cryptic has decided to set Star Trek Online in 2409, which takes place roughly thirty years after the events that happened in the final Next Generation Star Trek movie Nemesis. This is also twenty years after the events detailed in the new Star Trek movie, which were the triggers for Spock’s journey back in time. The planet of Romulus has been destroyed, the Borg are again invading other worlds for assimilation, the Cardassian Union has splintered, and the Federation and the Klingon Empire are on the brink of war. This brings us to a time with more advanced technology, new ships, and a tumultuous universe, which provides a rich backdrop for an interesting and engaging MMO universe.
There is a main storyline that players can follow, but aren’t forced to complete. The two different in-game factions each have their own side of the story, and if players choose to explore this far-reaching plot they will see a series of “episodes”. These episodes, according to Cryptic, will be interactive adventures that are very similar to episodes of the television series. These tasks can be anything from repelling a Borg invasion to shuttling ambassadors across the galaxy. Some tasks are even rumored to include mirror universes, worm holes, and time travel, so the possibilities for quests and episodes are endless and interesting.
In December, it was announced that both Zachary Quinto and Leonard Nimoy had signed on to do voice over work for the video game. These two actors have both played the Vulcan Spock on the big screen – Nimoy in the Original Series and Quinto in the new series reboot. Very little casting information other than this has been released, so certain characters aren’t known, but it seems they are making a huge effort to make their episodes interesting and well made.
More specific details haven’t been released either officially by Cryptic or from beta testers, so keep an eye out for more news about the adventures to be had in Star Trek Online.
If you’re really interested in the universe and storyline of Star Trek Online, make sure you take the time to go over to the official Star Trek Online website, where there are a series of fictional posts called The Path to 2409. These posts will help immerse you in the universe and they’re just entertaining to read.