Anybody gave this a go? I was in the alpha and beta and even pre-ordered. I was unimpressed for quite some time (but as a tester i tested even if i wasnt really happy with the game). The current headstart (minus the server restarts) has got the game to a pretty playable state (err, still of the opinion its not ready for release, but none (mmorpg) released in last few years has been). My opinions on the game have changed considerbly. Up to about a week ago i was disapointed i plunked down the preorder (deluxe edition even) but the last few days has me enjoying the game quite a bit. They have tamed combat down considerbly from the beta, frustration wont be as bad as it was, but a few are complaining its to easy now. I will stand in the "leave it as is till more players are playing" its to easy for hardcore players but many MMORPG players will be comming from WoW (which is quite honeslty the easiest Online RPG to date (everquest, UO, DAoC, Shadowbane, Lineage II, etc all made it look like cake, now they are all following its footsteps of easier leveling, trying to emulate its success). there has been some debate in the ST forums on this, its to easy. I myslef think it is, but i hate to see a game where nobody plays as its not easy enouhg for the average player. The starship battles are a bit like Fleet Commander Star trek games (lite version of them i guess) and are my favorite part. There are Missions like Warhammer Public quests (if you played that) where everybody teams up to beat a invasion or defend a starbase. NO solo work in these as you will be overwhelmed quickly without help from others. These missions are a blast, but may be a problem (much like Warhammer) when the game ages a bit and nobody is in the lowere level areas. The ground missions are a bit like the Superhero games Cryptic has made but with guns (phasers?). You pick an away team (generally you and your officers and One red shirt, or if you like you and all red shirts). So far the PC AI is not to bad, they can hang on stuff and sometimes get into a crazy "run all over" loop, but overall they seem to be competent enouhg to get the job done. Overall in its current state its fun IMHO (something I wouldnt have said a week or two ago). Crewmen as upgrades is quite interesting, and the ability to change them to your liking (much like other cryptic games, you can change every little thing) is fun too.

I have indulged the 12 year old boy in me. I'm sure I'm not the only starship capt with a all female crew with Cartoon sized bweebs. Firefights are better with the woman all kicking butt.