Star Trek Online Subscription: $240.00 to play as a Borg Character? What do you think?

SkillCosby

I'm merely posting out of curiousity.

A buddy of mine showed me a link where Star Trek Online is offering a $240.00 lifetime subscription fee. To entice players to purchase this plan, they are giving the buyers an exclusive, yet playable species: The Borg. Moreover, this character has a 10% health / shield reg on the battlefield - a smell, yet clear advantage.

The kicker is this: the lifetime deal ends one day before the game launches!

http://www.startrekonline.com/exclusive_specials

This has gotten many STO fans in an upset. What do you think?

Ilvaldyr

Against.

Pre-order, Collectors Edition, Lifetime Sub bonuses should only ever be "fluff".

A unique skin for the playable character to look like Borg is fine, but the unique racial trait and ability just tip it into the realm of "unnacceptable" as far as I'm concerned.

EricDanie

 A few misinformations:

- It's not an "advantage", they are racial traits. Every race has one or two required, exclusive traits, along with other "general" ones available for any race (you select 4 traits total at character creation). As this is another race, it does feature their own traits.

- Lifetime will be available after 02/01, but for $299 AND without the specials (liberated borg and character slots).

While they are clearly trying to make money ASAP (they have to meet a earnings deadline), there are still some details you got wrong. And I bet many will be getting it because it's Star Trek, it's one of these big classic IPs that draw people to the game (ultimately the game quality will be the determining factor on retention, not an IP).

Still, it's a fully blind investment as they give no warranty or guarantees on service quality and longevity. You are basically betting you will enjoy the game for at least 16 months no matter what.

Why do people consider an exclusive race and traits a "fluff"? Do they really not care about it? Oh yes... it's fine as long as you don't feel it, though in the end anything could be considered fluff or important (even purchasing gear, it's this subjective line that is allowing them to slowly advance and monetize more and more content rather than only monetizing on providing the service and expansions), it's merely a subjective point of view depending on whether you feel it is necessary or advantageous or not, rather on the exclusivity of it.

Bama1267

 I had high hopes for this company after what they did with CoH. Not that I liked the mission system but the level of customization was very appealing.  After looking at Champions and now this, I wouldn't look forward to any game they put out. This genre is going to shit, WoW selling in game items (no, i don't give a shit if it's fluff ... some ppl like to collect things in game ... now you make them pay more?) and a bunch of other companies doing similar things. I'm giving these companies the middle finger personally, too bad others don't.

Game-Wolf

i'm not playing the game in beta so i have no real idea how the game is... so theres no way i could ever buy the life subscription frist...i'm the kind of player that needs to play a game for about a full month or 2 before i know if i really like the game or not...so i think it's very risky to pay that kind of money for a game that no one knows anything about yet....

gatheris

Originally posted by EricDanie


 A few misinformations:
- It's not an "advantage", they are racial traits. Every race has a one or two required, exclusive traits. As this is another race, it does feature their own traits.
- Lifetime will be available after 02/01, but for $299 AND without the specials (liberated borg and character slots).
While they are clearly trying to make money ASAP (they have to meet a earnings deadline), there are still some details you got wrong. 
Still, it's a fully blind investment as they give no warranty or guarantees on service quality and longevity. You are basically betting you will enjoy the game for at least 16 months no matter what.
Why do people consider an exclusive race and traits a "fluff"? Do they really not care about it? Oh yes... it's fine as long as you don't feel it, though in the end anything could be considered fluff or important (even purchasing gear, it's this subjective line that is allowing them to slowly advance and monetize more and more content rather than only monetizing on providing the service and expansions), it's merely a subjective point of view depending on whether you feel it is necessary or advantageous or not, rather on the exclusivity of it.

so to make sure i get your second "bullet point" - - - after february 1st you can play as borg without purchasing a lifetime sub?

 

if true i don't really get the big fuss (other than not playing as borg on release without paying over $200 for the privilege - a small fuss at best)

Thenarius

Normally, someone would consider a lifetime sub after playing for at least 2 months and having that "This is my game!" feeling.

This offer is just not compatible with that. It looks like a fast way to grab some extra bucks.

Game-Wolf

Originally posted by gatheris


so to make sure i get your second "bullet point" - - - after february 1st you can play as borg without purchasing a lifetime sub?

 
if true i don't really get the big fuss (other than not playing as borg on release without paying over $200 for the privilege - a small fuss at best)

 

no i think you can pay alittle more and still buy a life time subscription after feb / 1st... but you won't get to play as a borg

Unknown

Originally posted by Thenarius


Normally, someone would consider a lifetime sub after playing for at least 2 months and having that "This is my game!" feeling.

This offer is just not compatible with that. It looks like a fast way to grab some extra bucks.

 

Indeed they normally are.

I am sure fans of LotR:O who got their lifetime subs and have been playing pretty much for free the last year and a half would say otherwise though.

Merlin1977

 well i hate it when companies start to do "lifetime subscription packages" cos it just means that the game developer and publisher aren't convinced in what they have done and don't know whether it will last past 2 years, because that is essentially what the package is for.  

 

If you're  a trekkie then people will get it, otherwise i wouldn't bother as i can see them making Borg playable in a expansion at a later date is my guess.  Oh and has anyone played the beta yet, im not impressed with it but thats just my opinion.

Murashu

I dont really care one way or another. If you like the deal, pay it. If you dont like it, go find a deal you do like.

banthis

Originally posted by gatheris

Originally posted by EricDanie


 A few misinformations:
- It's not an "advantage", they are racial traits. Every race has a one or two required, exclusive traits. As this is another race, it does feature their own traits.
- Lifetime will be available after 02/01, but for $299 AND without the specials (liberated borg and character slots).
While they are clearly trying to make money ASAP (they have to meet a earnings deadline), there are still some details you got wrong. 
Still, it's a fully blind investment as they give no warranty or guarantees on service quality and longevity. You are basically betting you will enjoy the game for at least 16 months no matter what.
Why do people consider an exclusive race and traits a "fluff"? Do they really not care about it? Oh yes... it's fine as long as you don't feel it, though in the end anything could be considered fluff or important (even purchasing gear, it's this subjective line that is allowing them to slowly advance and monetize more and more content rather than only monetizing on providing the service and expansions), it's merely a subjective point of view depending on whether you feel it is necessary or advantageous or not, rather on the exclusivity of it.

so to make sure i get your second "bullet point" - - - after february 1st you can play as borg without purchasing a lifetime sub?

 

if true i don't really get the big fuss (other than not playing as borg on release without paying over $200 for the privilege - a small fuss at best)

 

Read what the post wrote again for bullet 2.   You can still buy the lifetime AFTER 2/01 but its no longer the "Special" post Launch Lifetime deal.  You will NOT get to play the borg.  The only way you can play the liberated borg is if you're a special lifetime subscriber.   Its a Scam giving away a player race for cash its just unreprehensiable in my opinion.  Its one thing if they wanted to give away a fancy ship but a Player RAce that no one else can use? Thats just Bullshit.

Kordesh

 I'm generally against any and all "exclusive content for moneyz!" deals. Pre-order bonuses and such have gotten completely out of hand in the last few years to the point where entire sections of the game are secured away, sometimes indefinitely, unless you managed to get some magical code or bought something crazy expensive during some witching hour. Fluff items are fine, and I'm not against unique items and such in themselves, but they should be something awarded in game for an event or something, not because you decided to shell out a fist full of money.  The lifetime subs for MMOs I generally do not think are worth it anyway, as you need to be playing, not taking time off inbetween, for a good year and a half to break even on it, and hope they don't close, ruin the game, or some other disaster before then. 

So yeah, I disapprove. 

Game-Wolf

Originally posted by Merlin1977

 i can see them making Borg playable in a expansion at a later date is my guess. 

 

i think so to....if lots of playres want to play as a borg they will have a in game way to get one some how...

SkillCosby

I personally feel that all in-game items should be earned in-game.

jdnewell

I personally would never buy a lifetime sub for anything. But thats just me.

I feel like its your money, you earned it and can do whatever you like with it. Use it as toilet paper for all I care.

 

In my opinion these lifetime sub deals are just for revenue generation prior to release on a game that probably wont do that well after release.

I have no experience with STO as I have not played in beta so this is all just my opinion of course.

For those that did buy lifetime subs I hope they enjoy the game fully and get their moneys worth.

Arlana75

Thier lifetime sub is it is about the same price a 2 year sub from other mmo makers that offer 2 year subs.   I would be worried as it looks by the price they may not plan on supporting the game beyond the 18 to 24 months, otherwise they would charge more.

As for the borg I dont think it makes that much difference, if you plan on playing it at least two years then the cost is worth it for the sub alone.

nepulas

sto is a waste of time.

240$ for playing a borg char ....

better play eve and then get an ps3 or 360 when dust 514 releases ...

SomeOldBloke

Originally posted by qombi


[Mod Edit]

You have no clue what you're talking about. I've paly about 6hrs in OB and half of that time was grouped, both space and ground comabat.  Maybe you should play it then we may believe you.

 

SomeOldBloke

Originally posted by Merlin1977


 well i hate it when companies start to do "lifetime subscription packages" cos it just means that the game developer and publisher aren't convinced in what they have done and don't know whether it will last past 2 years, because that is essentially what the package is for.  
 
If you're  a trekkie then people will get it, otherwise i wouldn't bother as i can see them making Borg playable in a expansion at a later date is my guess.  Oh and has anyone played the beta yet, im not impressed with it but thats just my opinion.

Incorrect, look at lotro.

grandpagamer

Originally posted by precious328


I'm merely posting out of curiousity.
A buddy of mine showed me a link where Star Trek Online is offering a $240.00 lifetime subscription fee. To entice players to purchase this plan, they are giving the buyers an exclusive, yet playable species: The Borg. Moreover, this character has a 10% health / shield reg on the battlefield - a smell, yet clear advantage.
The kicker is this: the lifetime deal ends one day before the game launches!
http://www.startrekonline.com/exclusive_specials
This has gotten many STO fans in an upset. What do you think?

I think there are a lot of things one could do with $240.

SomeOldBloke

Originally posted by nepulas


sto is a waste of time.
240$ for playing a borg char ....
better play eve and then get an ps3 or 360 when dust 514 releases ...

Two completely different games for two completely different audiences... you can't compare them.

Cik_Asalin

I think life-time subs are for suckers.  I wonder if the folks that bought a life-time to SWG pre-cu or  tabula rasa feel as giddy today about their elitism attitude for getting a lifetime sub.

The community in mass canceled subcription when the NGE was secretly sprung on them with SWG, commnuity left in droves after experiencing how shallow and content-less TR was.  

Anyway. The reason it isnt smart to ever get a lifetime sub for anything is it strips you of your voting power. Providers dont care to appeal to anyone when there isnt anything in it for them, the provider.

Those that are more influential for making a statement about the appreciation or lack of it for this game, or any product, are those that actually 'pay to play'. By discontinuing to pay, those that pay to play have more influence because the provider has more to lose. The provider has nothing to lose from those of you that bought a lifetime subscription, so enjoy not mattering that much, I guess.

Kyleran

I disapprove of any pre-order item or premium box offer that is not available to the general public for purchase after the game goes live.

 

curiindi

I agree that item bonuses for bigger purchase packages should stay close to "fluff".

The main problem for me with the $239.99 lifetime subscription is that at the time STO announced it, I'm working with an impression of the beta that STO still has a good amount of things that should be fixed or improved by launch. Meanwhile, when I heard about LotRO's lifetime subscription, the impression I got during beta was that LotRO was in good shape to launch.

Discounts on a large subscription purchase loses its appeal if I feel the game still needs patchwork. There's probably bias here, because I was more interested with the IP with LotRO than STO. It's possible that more people enjoyed STO beta than LotRO.

Ilvaldyr

Originally posted by mbd1968

Originally posted by qombi


I feel sorry for people who fall for this garbage or end up playing the scam of a game Star Trek Online. It is going to have an item shop tacked on, the game is a single player onlne, and it's instanced all to hell. Sad companies are now trying to pass games off like Diablo as MMOs so people will pay monthly for them when the online part use to be free in games like these. Not only that milking it's customers with item shops on top of a sub or lifetime sub .. sad.

You have no clue what you're talking about. I've paly about 6hrs in OB and half of that time was grouped, both space and ground comabat.  Maybe you should play it then we may believe you.

It's because of the content scaling.

As you've only played a few hours, you might not know this:

You can turn off the auto-join feature so that when you hit an instanced system, you enter it with just the number of people in your current group, (or solo if you're not in a group). The instance then scales to match the number of players that enter it. It's the nature of people on this site that their opinion reads "if you can solo, it's a single player game and not an MMO".

Pay it no mind, it's silly.

As for it being instanced, well .. can't argue with that .. it's very instanced .. but then again, it's single-server architecture so you're actually playing "with" (i.e. in the same virtual, albeit instanced, environment) a lot more people than if the game just had the more traditional pile of individual and completely disconnected servers.

I don't think that STO is a "bad" game, but I also don't think that I'll be playing it for 18+ months. I don't like the item shop. The game is somewhat repetitive (fly to x, kill 3 ships .. fly to y, kill 3 ships) and the ground combat feels like pure zerg at this point. There's no crafting, no housing (discounting the vestigial "bridge").

I'm filing this under the "wait and see" box, as it has a lot of scope and could improve substantially.