Thank you both for taking the time to explain the special permissions as well as your stances on letting your content be dictated to you, this is what responsible journalism is all about. Very Classy! I greatly appreciate it!
I like what I've seen of the character creator so far. The different races and their descriptions are pretty cool. Even though it's kind of worrying to allow people to create their own races, I will be taking advantage of this for at least one character I create.
So no Tellarites, Benzites, Betazoids, or Caitians? Yet they included the non-Federation members the Feremgi? Why? Did Cryptic need a "dwarf" race in there? Are they that unoriginal? I'm completely against having the Ferengi in Starfleet as that would make about as much sense as having Klingons in Starfleet (meaning it's OK for special circumstances, but not en masse.)
I guess someone will be kicked out of beta soon for breaking the NDA. It suppose to be illegal to even meention your in beta.
We have special permission for this series of articles we're running this week
That leaves me to wonder if your special permission is in exchange for positive coverage?
ok since she gave a factual discription of how it works and just gave a small opinon as to that she liked it not sure how you could wonder that. If it had mostly been ohh and ahhs and how great this is I could understand your sceptism but saying there are 4 slider and a list of skills does not take favortism
Magic is impressive, but now Minsc leads! Swords for everyone!
I don't know if anyone is allowed to answer this, but seeing as the only races that were shown were from the Federation 'faction' would it be safe to assume that, when creating a character, the first choice/option screen is Federation or Klingon? Also would it be possible, since you have been given permission by cryptic to talk about and show pictures of the character creation process, to show or talk some more about the Klingon side of the game, since there is currently very little information at all available on this?
she stated she only had access to federation so problably she is not able to answer that question
Magic is impressive, but now Minsc leads! Swords for everyone!
I don't know if anyone is allowed to answer this, but seeing as the only races that were shown were from the Federation 'faction' would it be safe to assume that, when creating a character, the first choice/option screen is Federation or Klingon? Also would it be possible, since you have been given permission by cryptic to talk about and show pictures of the character creation process, to show or talk some more about the Klingon side of the game, since there is currently very little information at all available on this?
she stated she only had access to federation so problably she is not able to answer that question
He only saw Federation. Klingon is not an option in the build we played.
Dana Massey Formerly of MMORPG.com Currently Lead Designer for Bit Trap Studios
I don't know if anyone is allowed to answer this, but seeing as the only races that were shown were from the Federation 'faction' would it be safe to assume that, when creating a character, the first choice/option screen is Federation or Klingon? Also would it be possible, since you have been given permission by cryptic to talk about and show pictures of the character creation process, to show or talk some more about the Klingon side of the game, since there is currently very little information at all available on this?
she stated she only had access to federation so problably she is not able to answer that question
He only saw Federation. Klingon is not an option in the build we played.
I don't know if anyone is allowed to answer this, but seeing as the only races that were shown were from the Federation 'faction' would it be safe to assume that, when creating a character, the first choice/option screen is Federation or Klingon? Also would it be possible, since you have been given permission by cryptic to talk about and show pictures of the character creation process, to show or talk some more about the Klingon side of the game, since there is currently very little information at all available on this?
she stated she only had access to federation so problably she is not able to answer that question
He only saw Federation. Klingon is not an option in the build we played.
Thank you for your response, and sorry for asking something that was already made clear in the article.
I got a bit too excited by the character creation screenshots and the traits, which I didn't know any specifics about before, so I skimmed over the archetype part a bit too quickly, figuring I already knew most of that, and missed the bit on the end about only starfleet races being available.
I don't know if anyone is allowed to answer this, but seeing as the only races that were shown were from the Federation 'faction' would it be safe to assume that, when creating a character, the first choice/option screen is Federation or Klingon? Also would it be possible, since you have been given permission by cryptic to talk about and show pictures of the character creation process, to show or talk some more about the Klingon side of the game, since there is currently very little information at all available on this?
she stated she only had access to federation so problably she is not able to answer that question
He only saw Federation. Klingon is not an option in the build we played.
I've heard that Klingons aren't even in closed beta yet. That does not bode well for those wanting the play Klingon I think...
Not a fan of the Trek but looks like the game is forming up well, the make your own race is a good move will help break the cookie cutter race set that other games have, hope the let you have Multi Chars per account so you can a few out.
This looks amazing. Cryptic sure has a handle on character customization. I had assumed I was just going to go human, but now who knows? Can't wait til other playable factions are added too. cough-Cardassian-cough
I hope so too. A Cardassian faction would be amazing.
If that really is the complete list of traits available to the custom races and nothing was accidentally left out by Dana, then we now know that custom races do not have access to:
Leadership (exclusive to Humans)
Teamwork (exclusive to Humans)
Spiritual (exclusive to Bajorans)
Logical (exclusive to Vulcans)
Corrosive Blood (exclusive to Bolians)
I assume this is meant to encourage players to choose one of the more common races—and I think it's a nice, simple, unobtrusive way of doing so—but it is interesting to note that neither the Andorians nor the Ferengi have an exclusive trait.
Favorites: EQ, EVE | Playing: None. Mostly VR and strategy | Anticipating: CU, Pantheon
Originally posted by Stradden Finally comes the name. You pick your nickname, which can also simply be the same as your first name. The game says "e.g. Bones," but I went simply with my first name. You also name your first ship right there, then enter your full formal name (e.g. James T. Kirk). Finally, players get to add their own bio if they want.
From the sounds of it, this game will be a roleplayer's wet dream come true... *droole* I can hardly wait! So glad I pre-ordered the collector's edition *squee* ^_^
Originally posted by Xondar123 So no Tellarites, Benzites, Betazoids, or Caitians? Yet they included the non-Federation members the Feremgi? Why? Did Cryptic need a "dwarf" race in there? Are they that unoriginal? I'm completely against having the Ferengi in Starfleet as that would make about as much sense as having Klingons in Starfleet (meaning it's OK for special circumstances, but not en masse.)
Didn't Cryptic say they would be adding more 'default' races in future expansions? It makes sense from a business perspective to not give away all the good stuff at once. Personally, I think these options are fine for the initial release, it gives people something to start with and learn how the game works, then we can go on to other stuff in expansion packs or patches later on. As for Ferengi in Starfleet, I don't see a huge issue with it, personally. But, to each their own ^_^
If were going to be damned, lets be damned for what we truly are. - Captain Picard "With the first link, the chain is forged. The first speech censored, the first thought forbidden, the first freedom denied, chains us all irrevocably." - Captain Picard "I would be delighted to offer any advice I can on understanding women. When I have some, Ill let you know." - Captain Picard to Lt. Commander Data
If that really is the complete list of traits available to the custom races and nothing was accidentally left out by Dana, then we now know that custom races do not have access to:
Leadership (exclusive to Humans) Teamwork (exclusive to Humans) Spiritual (exclusive to Bajorans) Logical (exclusive to Vulcans) Corrosive Blood (exclusive to Bolians)
I assume this is meant to encourage players to chose one of the more common races—and I think it's a nice, simple, unobtrusive way of doing so—but it is interesting to note that neither the Andorians nor the Ferengi have an exclusive trait.
I agree with you on it being a nice and unobtrusive way of doing this, and overall I am very happy with the way character creation seems to be turning out. I also think it's a fair bet that traits will be added and/or tweaked between now and launch so I am going to hold off any criticism of specific traits/races until there is a 'final' product available.
As far as I'm concerned, with the changes Grand Nagus Rom has been bringing to Ferenginar, there's only as much problem with Ferengi in Starfleet as there is Bajorans in Starfleet, yet no one seems to take issue with the latter.
With the war on, I can completely imagine Rom doing everything in his power to help the Ferengi oblige the Federation.
Favorites: EQ, EVE | Playing: None. Mostly VR and strategy | Anticipating: CU, Pantheon
If that really is the complete list of traits available to the custom races and nothing was accidentally left out by Dana, then we now know that custom races do not have access to:
Leadership (exclusive to Humans) Teamwork (exclusive to Humans) Spiritual (exclusive to Bajorans) Logical (exclusive to Vulcans) Corrosive Blood (exclusive to Bolians)
I assume this is meant to encourage players to choose one of the more common races—and I think it's a nice, simple, unobtrusive way of doing so—but it is interesting to note that neither the Andorians nor the Ferengi have an exclusive trait.
I noticed a few missing from the Custom list myself when writing it, however, I don't think the specific trait assignments are entirely nailed down so that may be one thing worth waiting to see how it pans out.
Dana Massey Formerly of MMORPG.com Currently Lead Designer for Bit Trap Studios
I don't know if anyone is allowed to answer this, but seeing as the only races that were shown were from the Federation 'faction' would it be safe to assume that, when creating a character, the first choice/option screen is Federation or Klingon? Also would it be possible, since you have been given permission by cryptic to talk about and show pictures of the character creation process, to show or talk some more about the Klingon side of the game, since there is currently very little information at all available on this?
she stated she only had access to federation so problably she is not able to answer that question
He only saw Federation. Klingon is not an option in the build we played.
Let's look at that statement for a moment. The game is now 7 weeks from launch. That's about a month from going gold and having its release candidate build sent off for production, packaging and distribution. It's also, what? 3 weeks from the start of open beta?
Being Klingon is a pretty major game system. It should also be a big chunk of content in terms of missions, art, skills, etc. Not to mention a lot of balancing to ensure that PvP plays in a way that's fun. Just how much real testing can it possibly get before the game goes into open beta, even if that content were to suddenly be added tomorrow?
It sounds more and more to me like this game is going to be Champions Online Part Deux. Awesome character creation and possibly a decent early game -- followed by big problems the farther in you get. Either that or there's a 2-3 month delay on the horizon.
This is Cryptic's third MMO. You'd think they would have learned by now!
As far as I'm concerned, with the changes Grand Nagus Rom has been bringing to Ferenginar, there's only as much problem with Ferengi in Starfleet as there is Bajorans in Starfleet, yet no one seems to take issue with the latter. With the war on, I can completely imagine Rom doing everything in his power to help the Ferengi oblige the Federation.
One of the points of Deep Space Nine was that the Ferengi culture was so different from human/Federation culture that they weren't all that compatible. I also strongly feel that swallowing major races up into the Federation is a good way to dilute them and to remove their uniqueness. I wouldn't want the Grand Nagus to abdicate in favour of a Federation Council representative.
Bajorans are in Starfleet partly because many of them were forced to flee the Cardassian occupation of Bajor, and many Bajorans are in Starfleet because Bajor joins the Federation. The Ferengi has their own populated homeworld, their own religion and culture, their own stable government, they don't need to join the Federation. I think it makes about as much sense to have the Ferengi join the Federation as it does the Klingons or Romulans.
As far as I'm concerned, with the changes Grand Nagus Rom has been bringing to Ferenginar, there's only as much problem with Ferengi in Starfleet as there is Bajorans in Starfleet, yet no one seems to take issue with the latter. With the war on, I can completely imagine Rom doing everything in his power to help the Ferengi oblige the Federation.
One of the points of Deep Space Nine was that the Ferengi culture was so different from human/Federation culture that they weren't all that compatible. I also strongly feel that swallowing major races up into the Federation is a good way to dilute them and to remove their uniqueness. I wouldn't want the Grand Nagus to abdicate in favour of a Federation Council representative.
Bajorans are in Starfleet partly because many of them were forced to flee the Cardassian occupation of Bajor, and many Bajorans are in Starfleet because Bajor joins the Federation. The Ferengi has their own populated homeworld, their own religion and culture, their own stable government, they don't need to join the Federation. I think it makes about as much sense to have the Ferengi join the Federation as it does the Klingons or Romulans.
There is an episode in Voyager with some kind of federation time ship, a Romulan is sat in federation uniform on the helm console or whatever it was, but it was clearly a Romulan. Too different from other Vulcans. The point is, these races, if they were to join, they would join sometime. Nothing to say it can't be now. Perhaps the Ferengi aren't in the federation, but are allies, and thus so, allow their citizens to join Starfleet. It's not too far fetched to believe.
Longing for Skyrim, The Old Republic and Mass Effect 3
slander would be "zomg you clearly got paid to lie!!!one! You have no credibility anymore!!!"
Respectfully asking a question is not slander. It was the first question in my head after I read that post, and I'm not going to appologise for asking it. I wasn't accusing anyone of anything.
It wasn't. Cryptic was allowed to look at the articles first and request feedback (normally, we don't let anyone see the article first, but unfortunately, that's the price you pay for early coverage), but had they asked me to change anything of import, I would not have let this article see the light of day.
The only thing they asked we change was a reminder that the UI is work in progress (a point I intended to have in there anyway) and they disallowed one of our screenshots.
And as others said... it's character creation and awesome like Cryptic character creation always is Really, there was nothing to complain about. A few of the later articles are likely to have a bit more critique in there.
One of the most important duties as a journalist is to critical and raise to uncomfortable questions. For example, why is it not mentioned that this close to release there are no customization options for the Klingon faction?
A valid and obvious question that needs a clear answer. You as a journalist should ask that question. Why haven't you?
Most likely Cryptic does not want to talk about it since they want people to order as many pre-orders as possible before announcing that Klingons wont be included at launch. But that is all speculations on my part but you as an independend journalist should raise those questions.
Comments
Very nice.. Although I wish they would have given you some Klingon info... but good info nonetheles.
Thank you both for taking the time to explain the special permissions as well as your stances on letting your content be dictated to you, this is what responsible journalism is all about. Very Classy! I greatly appreciate it!
I like what I've seen of the character creator so far. The different races and their descriptions are pretty cool. Even though it's kind of worrying to allow people to create their own races, I will be taking advantage of this for at least one character I create.
So no Tellarites, Benzites, Betazoids, or Caitians? Yet they included the non-Federation members the Feremgi? Why? Did Cryptic need a "dwarf" race in there? Are they that unoriginal? I'm completely against having the Ferengi in Starfleet as that would make about as much sense as having Klingons in Starfleet (meaning it's OK for special circumstances, but not en masse.)
No Klingons!!!! Im like what kind of universe is this. So much for getting a bird of prey and raking over some cardasians.
We have special permission for this series of articles we're running this week
That leaves me to wonder if your special permission is in exchange for positive coverage?
ok since she gave a factual discription of how it works and just gave a small opinon as to that she liked it not sure how you could wonder that. If it had mostly been ohh and ahhs and how great this is I could understand your sceptism but saying there are 4 slider and a list of skills does not take favortism
Magic is impressive, but now Minsc leads! Swords for everyone!
she stated she only had access to federation so problably she is not able to answer that question
Magic is impressive, but now Minsc leads! Swords for everyone!
she stated she only had access to federation so problably she is not able to answer that question
He only saw Federation. Klingon is not an option in the build we played.
Dana Massey
Formerly of MMORPG.com
Currently Lead Designer for Bit Trap Studios
she stated she only had access to federation so problably she is not able to answer that question
He only saw Federation. Klingon is not an option in the build we played.
sorry but.. /snicker
And...now I am definitely trying out this game. Thanks for the coverage!
This looks amazing. Cryptic sure has a handle on character customization. I had assumed I was just going to go human, but now who knows?
Can't wait til other playable factions are added too. cough-Cardassian-cough
she stated she only had access to federation so problably she is not able to answer that question
He only saw Federation. Klingon is not an option in the build we played.
Thank you for your response, and sorry for asking something that was already made clear in the article.
I got a bit too excited by the character creation screenshots and the traits, which I didn't know any specifics about before, so I skimmed over the archetype part a bit too quickly, figuring I already knew most of that, and missed the bit on the end about only starfleet races being available.
she stated she only had access to federation so problably she is not able to answer that question
He only saw Federation. Klingon is not an option in the build we played.
I've heard that Klingons aren't even in closed beta yet. That does not bode well for those wanting the play Klingon I think...
Not a fan of the Trek but looks like the game is forming up well, the make your own race is a good move will help break the cookie cutter race set that other games have, hope the let you have Multi Chars per account so you can a few out.
I hope so too. A Cardassian faction would be amazing.
If that really is the complete list of traits available to the custom races and nothing was accidentally left out by Dana, then we now know that custom races do not have access to:
I assume this is meant to encourage players to choose one of the more common races—and I think it's a nice, simple, unobtrusive way of doing so—but it is interesting to note that neither the Andorians nor the Ferengi have an exclusive trait.
From the sounds of it, this game will be a roleplayer's wet dream come true... *droole* I can hardly wait! So glad I pre-ordered the collector's edition *squee* ^_^
Didn't Cryptic say they would be adding more 'default' races in future expansions? It makes sense from a business perspective to not give away all the good stuff at once. Personally, I think these options are fine for the initial release, it gives people something to start with and learn how the game works, then we can go on to other stuff in expansion packs or patches later on. As for Ferengi in Starfleet, I don't see a huge issue with it, personally. But, to each their own ^_^
"With the first link, the chain is forged. The first speech censored, the first thought forbidden, the first freedom denied, chains us all irrevocably." - Captain Picard
"I would be delighted to offer any advice I can on understanding women. When I have some, Ill let you know." - Captain Picard to Lt. Commander Data
I agree with you on it being a nice and unobtrusive way of doing this, and overall I am very happy with the way character creation seems to be turning out. I also think it's a fair bet that traits will be added and/or tweaked between now and launch so I am going to hold off any criticism of specific traits/races until there is a 'final' product available.
As far as I'm concerned, with the changes Grand Nagus Rom has been bringing to Ferenginar, there's only as much problem with Ferengi in Starfleet as there is Bajorans in Starfleet, yet no one seems to take issue with the latter.
With the war on, I can completely imagine Rom doing everything in his power to help the Ferengi oblige the Federation.
I noticed a few missing from the Custom list myself when writing it, however, I don't think the specific trait assignments are entirely nailed down so that may be one thing worth waiting to see how it pans out.
Dana Massey
Formerly of MMORPG.com
Currently Lead Designer for Bit Trap Studios
Keeps getting BETTER AND BETTER!!!!
she stated she only had access to federation so problably she is not able to answer that question
He only saw Federation. Klingon is not an option in the build we played.
Let's look at that statement for a moment. The game is now 7 weeks from launch. That's about a month from going gold and having its release candidate build sent off for production, packaging and distribution. It's also, what? 3 weeks from the start of open beta?
Being Klingon is a pretty major game system. It should also be a big chunk of content in terms of missions, art, skills, etc. Not to mention a lot of balancing to ensure that PvP plays in a way that's fun. Just how much real testing can it possibly get before the game goes into open beta, even if that content were to suddenly be added tomorrow?
It sounds more and more to me like this game is going to be Champions Online Part Deux. Awesome character creation and possibly a decent early game -- followed by big problems the farther in you get. Either that or there's a 2-3 month delay on the horizon.
This is Cryptic's third MMO. You'd think they would have learned by now!
One of the points of Deep Space Nine was that the Ferengi culture was so different from human/Federation culture that they weren't all that compatible. I also strongly feel that swallowing major races up into the Federation is a good way to dilute them and to remove their uniqueness. I wouldn't want the Grand Nagus to abdicate in favour of a Federation Council representative.
Bajorans are in Starfleet partly because many of them were forced to flee the Cardassian occupation of Bajor, and many Bajorans are in Starfleet because Bajor joins the Federation. The Ferengi has their own populated homeworld, their own religion and culture, their own stable government, they don't need to join the Federation. I think it makes about as much sense to have the Ferengi join the Federation as it does the Klingons or Romulans.
One of the points of Deep Space Nine was that the Ferengi culture was so different from human/Federation culture that they weren't all that compatible. I also strongly feel that swallowing major races up into the Federation is a good way to dilute them and to remove their uniqueness. I wouldn't want the Grand Nagus to abdicate in favour of a Federation Council representative.
Bajorans are in Starfleet partly because many of them were forced to flee the Cardassian occupation of Bajor, and many Bajorans are in Starfleet because Bajor joins the Federation. The Ferengi has their own populated homeworld, their own religion and culture, their own stable government, they don't need to join the Federation. I think it makes about as much sense to have the Ferengi join the Federation as it does the Klingons or Romulans.
There is an episode in Voyager with some kind of federation time ship, a Romulan is sat in federation uniform on the helm console or whatever it was, but it was clearly a Romulan. Too different from other Vulcans. The point is, these races, if they were to join, they would join sometime. Nothing to say it can't be now. Perhaps the Ferengi aren't in the federation, but are allies, and thus so, allow their citizens to join Starfleet. It's not too far fetched to believe.
Longing for Skyrim, The Old Republic and Mass Effect 3
Yet another preview with no mention of the Klingon faction. I am more and more convinced they wont be included at launch.
My gaming blog
It wasn't. Cryptic was allowed to look at the articles first and request feedback (normally, we don't let anyone see the article first, but unfortunately, that's the price you pay for early coverage), but had they asked me to change anything of import, I would not have let this article see the light of day.
The only thing they asked we change was a reminder that the UI is work in progress (a point I intended to have in there anyway) and they disallowed one of our screenshots.
And as others said... it's character creation and awesome like Cryptic character creation always is
Really, there was nothing to complain about. A few of the later articles are likely to have a bit more critique in there.
One of the most important duties as a journalist is to critical and raise to uncomfortable questions. For example, why is it not mentioned that this close to release there are no customization options for the Klingon faction?
A valid and obvious question that needs a clear answer. You as a journalist should ask that question. Why haven't you?
Most likely Cryptic does not want to talk about it since they want people to order as many pre-orders as possible before announcing that Klingons wont be included at launch. But that is all speculations on my part but you as an independend journalist should raise those questions.
My gaming blog