In a recent interview Perpetual Entertainment's Glen Dahlgren talked about his company's newest title, Star Trek Online. According to the MMORPG's lead developer, Perpetual Entertainment has the right to use content from all Star Trek series currently available. Players can create their own virtual alter ego by choosing among seven races and three major subtypes: analytical, versatile or aggressive. Players will get promoted in five steps: cadet, crewman, command, commission and armada. As they move through the ranks, characters will age physically. Another feature of the game's customization is choosing a specialty, such as flight control, science, medical, engineering or tactical/security. However, all cadets regardless of their specialty will undergo combat training.

Dahlgren explained that the game will feature a world changing event that will affect all players. What kind of event that might be remains to be seen, though.

Gameplay-wise, Star Trek Online centers around space travel in the series' trademark starships. Onboard a starship players will be able to use their respective specialities either on the bridge or the engineering bay. A captain player will supervise their activities and direct for instance the flow of power to the ship' various systems. In addition to bridge and engineering bay, all ships will feature common social areas, where players can have a walk or play games like pool or darts, when they are off-duty.

The objective of the game's bridge missions will be to defeat an enemy ship, and after successfully destroying its shields send players onboard to destroy its warp core. Away missions will take place on planets. In selected areas, players will be able to enjoy cooperative first person shooting sequences. On the holodeck all other content, including mock PvP battles or crew-versus-crew bridge missions, can be simulated.

Star Trek Online has yet to receive an official release date.

• GameSpot