Star Trek Online: Pay Up Suckas!

So, I’ve been playing the Star Trek Online Open Beta for a few days, and it’s actually a lot more engaging than I initially anticipated. Anyway, I’ll get in to more of my impressions of the game after the beta ends January 26th.

For now, I just wanted to break down the “Limited Time Promotions” Cryptic has extended to those who are ready to sign up and commit some cashola to continue, or begin, their voyage when the game ships February 2nd.

Note: In order to qualify for the promotional subscriptions, you’re going to have to pre-order/pre-purchase the actual game first = $49.99 Regular Edition, $59.99 Digital Deluxe Edition, $79.99 Collector’s Edition.

Ok, now let’s weigh the options shall we:

Option 1: Lifetime – $239.99

The Math: Equates to paying for 16 months of the game at standard $14.99/month subscription

Perks:

• Play forever and ever and ever until you want to quit or the game dies, whichever happens first.
• Access to create a liberated Borg character
• 2 extra character slots

Option 2: 12-month Discounted Annual – $119.99/year

The Math: Equates to a savings of $59.89/year, compared to if you subscribed at the standard $14.99/month subscription (which adds up to $179.88/year)

Perks:

• Locked in discount annual price
• 2 extra character slots

Now, I appreciate the money saving options presented, but on the flip-side, you have to be willing and gung-ho to commit a large sum of monies upfront for an experience you may or may not follow through with for the extent you signed up for. Obviously, this is great for Cryptic, who gets your money whether you play or not.

I’m not necessarily trying to rain on the parade. If you know you love the game and you can afford it, by all means go for it! However, personally, though I am enjoying the beta, I’m not willing to lock in yet. If I choose to continue, looks like regular subscription for me.