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Some Assembly Required: Directing your own Star Trek episodes with the Foundry
To boldly go where no SAR has gone before... but not for a lack of trying, I assure you! Yes, folks, I have actually attempted to explore the topic of Star Trek Online's Foundry for Some Assembly Required on numerous occasions since this column debuted over a year ago, but I was thwarted each time. This mission generator, which offers STO players the chance to infuse the game with their own stories, has had a very rocky life; there have been extended stretches when the feature has been in, shall we say, a less-than-working form. Hopefully, that is all in the past now. Luckily for fans of player-generated content, the Foundry has recently come back online. And with the revelations the in the July state-of-the-game letter and the recent Foundry Season 6 dev blog, it appears the system is getting some real attention from the developers. Soon players will have more tools and better customization to compose their missions and tell their own stories. Do you have a story you want to tell? Keep reading for quick guide to the nuts and bolts of this feature that allows you to create your own bit of personal Star Trek lore.
Star Trek Online's player-created content receiving interstellar love
While Star Trek Online players were nonplussed when Cryptic took the Foundry offline for an extended period of time, it should do them some good to hear that the team is committed to improving the mission creation system as the game moves forward. Assistant Producer Zero said that the Foundry has been a strong success for the game, boasting over 60,000 player-created missions so far. To date, Cryptic has added triggers, branching dialogue, costume customization, and Dilithium tips, but Zero says that is only the start. Cryptic's plans for the future of the Foundry include a bevy of tools such as new character behaviors, multi-select, patrols, 3-D image previews, and a more streamlined process for creating new missions. The team's also including several new props and maps from other areas of the game. Finally, Zero says the studio is looking into ways to promote excellent STO player missions even further.
Some Assembly Required: City of Heroes' Mission Architect
The few. The proud. The quest writers. At the best of times, the fruits of their labors guide us along in our progression of a local or global story, immersing us in the world. Even the nefarious "kill 10 rats" versions can be mini stories that pull players in when done well. But how many of us have ever had a "I could do better than that" moment or have simply wanted to live out a personal story or share in a customized grand adventure with our friends? Someone wished upon the right star because with features like the Mission Architect in City of Heroes you can do just that. I am just going to come right out and say it -- the quest builder is one of the greatest boons ever for player-generated content in MMORPGs. Besides housing, it is the feature du jour for the creative crowd; I honestly can't see how any game can actually go without one. During this latest round of Choose My Adventure, I had the opportunity to check out the system in City of Heroes and revel in the creativity of others as well as try my hand at developing missions. And I tell you, it is addicting. Feel like trying your hand at shaping some stories for heroes (and villains) to star in? Stick with me, kid, and you'll be directing your own missions in no time.
