CAPTAIN'S BLOG

Starfleet Academy

Captain's Blog Stardate 89167.17

Well its been a big week for STO news this week. Lets see we have an Engineering Report, an image of the Enterprise F, Starfleet Academy, and oh yes the Foundry is still down. Before I get to the good stuff let me complain a minute here. I really really want the Foundry to be brought back up. I understand something is broken in it and they need to fix it, but I'm kind of surprised that we really don't have an estimate on completion. By the way, does anyone know what exactly is wrong with it? I know a lot of the foundry missions are broken in the game, but is that all? Is there more? I honestly don't know so maybe someone can fill us in on this. On to happier topics... maybe. Starfleet Academy was released this week. Let me paint the picture for you. You warp into the Sol System and get an option to beam down to Starfleet Academy... "YAY". The loading screen is going and... oh wait a minute, the game is patching. That's ok, I like this on demand patching, it gets me into the game quicker. Waiting... waiting... its done "YAY". OMFGZ Starfleet Academy looks amazing!!! Look at all the trees, and the buildings, and the Golden Gate bridge! Look at this view by the water. Its all amazing. Okay so lets see this must be the main building because I can see inside. I'll check that out after. Hmmm these other buildings are big but, no door? Oh wait there is the... oof just walked into the door. Hey someone get an engineering crew down here, these doors won't open. Alright alright lets walk around a bit. Hey look a memorial, and another one. Ohhh I see I read all the memorials and get an accolade. Cool! Lets go check that main building again. It has a tailor, a bartender, a bank mail and exchange section. Not too bad. OMFGZ!!! It has a holodeck!!!! Oh wait, I can just access mission replay... now what? So basically there isn't much to do at the academy. This brings me back to foundry, once its back online I am sure we will be seeing missions that take place around here. Unfortunately for now its just another dead social zone. It still looks amazing though. Despite my obvious sarcasm at some points I really do like the work Cryptic did and I must congratulate them. I think they did justice to Starfleet Academy and I can't wait to see the KDF Academy. Speaking of doing a good job, did you see the Enterprise F? It looks really really good. I love everything about it and I cannot complain one bit. The sleek design, double neck, everything is just great. I can't wait to see this in action in the game and even own one. A part of me wants to switch my main character from an escort to a cruiser captain just to fly this ship. Finally lets talk a little about the latest Engineering Report. The Duty Officers are still being tested which is a good thing (I can't wait for it). Apparently there will be more detailed galaxy and sector space maps which is always a good thing. There will be a whole bunch of new ship variants to those which only have one or two. So KDF players, enjoy the new variants when they come, you deserve them. Open PvP to social maps such as Andoria. Some more good news for the KDF, missions based on the Federation's Klingon Front missions told from the Klingon point of view. Once these are out I will probably roll a new KDF character. They are also looking into removing the sector space borders and creating one large map. If anyone saw the last Ask Cryptic then you already heard about it. I may have set it before and I'll say it again, I can't wait for this! There is so much more as well that I just can't cover it all. Basically, I'm happy with what I am seeing. As a side note, once the Foundry is up I will be finishing up the Price of Science mission by creating one long mission instead of episodes. So the first two episodes plus the finale will be combined. I also have a very good idea for another mission which I might start on asap because it is going to be a lot of work and I think everyone will love it. Make sure to give me your thoughts on the Starfleet Academy and Enterprise F. Also, what do you think of the new features that Cryptic wants to add?