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Star Trek Online will launch as a free-to-play title this autumn for PS4 and Xbox One, Perfect World Entertainment and Cryptic Studios have announced.
Running for six years on PC, the game will come to consoles rich with content and new features such as controller play and improved visuals.
“Our goal is to deliver the same high quality Star Trek experience to players on these consoles, with some additional upgrades to make the transition to the console space a smooth and natural experience,” explains Stephen Ricossa, executive producer.
“Our first major task was to convert a PC game that takes nearly an entire keyboard to play into a game that plays well with a 12 button controller. We focused on getting the controls right before we began work in earnest on this project, because we knew the game had to be as tactical, fun, and accessible as the PC game that preceded it. A combination of radial menus and streamlining of some HUD elements created a game that is easily understood, instantly accessible, and incredibly fun to play.
“Next up, we invested heavily in our engine and added several modern lighting technologies that significantly improved the visual quality of the game. Deferred lighting, light probes, and improvements to our High Dynamic Range lighting system combine to provide more realistic lighting that feels like a true refresh to the game. These technologies, and the skilled artists that bring them to bear, create an experience that is not only more immersive, but simply put, more beautiful.”
PC gamers can expect these visual improvements later this year as well.
“Alongside the lighting system, we decided the entire UI needed not only a complete graphical overhaul but to have its entire back-end rewritten,” added Ricossa. “The goal here was to create a UI that was incredibly streamlined on the back-end to ensure the best game performance possible, while also creating a brand new experience purposely built for the controller. We’re really proud of how this looks and how well it performs, and I’m excited for everyone to see it in action.
“In addition to all of these exciting changes, we’ve also made some improvements to episodic flow and player progression that will really improve the experience for everyone.”
At launch the console editions of Star Trek Online will feature over 130 featured episodes that build upon classic Star Trek stories and series, featuring a cast of Star Trek actors including Jeri Ryan (Seven of Nine), Michael Dorn (Worf), Tim Russ (Tuvok) and more.
Each player’s story will begin as they choose from classic Star Trek factions including Federation, Klingon and Romulans, as well 32 species to customise their own Captain.
Source: Perfect World Entertainment
