Interview with Maddoc

From Star Trek Game Information

With Star Trek: Legacy nearing its release, we were given the opportunity to ask Bethesda/maddoc some of the most commonly asked questions from the community (15th November).

STGU: How will Star Trek: Legacy incorporate the various sounds/themes across such a vast range of the star trek timeline?

MADDOC: Legacy features an extensive amount of original music that has a true Trek feel across each era. Similarly, the sound effects cover a vast number of ships from all the eras and races. These sound effects and music are all tied together through the storyline of the single player campaign.

STGU: With the most welcome news that the five-captains have given voiceovers, are there any other famous people providing assets to Legacy?

MADDOC: We decided early on that the five captains and their ships were the stars of the game. To that extent, they are all here in the spotlight as far as voiceovers are concerned. We did however, work with famed ship modeller Rick Knox in designing each of Legacy’s ships and we also worked with famed Trek writer, D.C. Fontana and her writing partner, Derek Chester to provide the storyline.

STGU: Can you describe each of the natural phenomenons such as nebula’s and wormholes, and what type of effect each has on ships in proximity?

MADDOC: There are various types of nebulas in the game which have varied effects: from damaging your ship, to lowering your shields, to interfering with your sensors and engines – and, they also look fantastic.

STGU: There have been frequent mentions of “special moves”, other than the “Picard Manoeuvre” can you describe a few others?

MADDOC: Players have full control over all of their ship’s systems and the systems of their fleet. This allows you to create your own tactics and moves as you battle through space.

STGU: How extensive is the ship upgrade system? For example, can the firing arcs be altered? Can players change each specific phaser one at a time, or the entire system?

MADDOC: We had experimented with a more traditional upgrade system, but we found it to be redundant with the energy allocation system. Each ship can reroute power to one of three main systems. More power to your shield system increases shield strength. Allocating power to your engines means faster speeds and better turning. Power to your weapons will boost your recharge rates and ranges. Keep in mind that allocating power to one system will take it away from another. This energy allocation system means no two players will command the Defiant quite the same.

STGU: How has “cloaking” been implemented in the game and what methods are available to counter the threat of “cloaking”?

MADDOC: Cloaking is used as a stealth tactic in Legacy. During cloak your enemies will be unable to target you, however cloak also means that you will be unable to use your weapons.

STGU: Do players have the option to use “self-destruct” and other non-conventional tactics such as “ramming”?

MADDOC: We do allow self destruct, which is a very useful tactic in Multiplayer. We looked into ramming, but found it to be a big headache with so many ships fighting simultaneously.

STGU: How will tractor-beams be used in Star Trek: Legacy?

MADDOC: Tractor beams are used during the campaign to trigger story specific events.

STGU: In previous interviews, Maddoc has highlighted the fact they will be using various xbox live features for the 360 version (for example, ladders and ranking). What plans are there for the PC version? Will Maddoc be using a 3rd party to host games?

MADDOC: The PC version will use Gamespy and be similar to the Xbox Live Experience.

STGU: In addition to the usual patches, will we see any downloadable content post release?

MADDOC: We don’t have any announced plans for downloadable content. We’ll let you know if anything changes.

STGU: There have very few videos of actual game play footage of interface post E3, will we see some soon?

MADDOC: Yes, expect a larger rollout as we get closer to release.

STGU: And finally, when’s it coming out?

MADDOC: Very soon. Expect to have it in your hands in December.