Deck Eight: A Star Trek Online Podcast

STO Voyager. In this episode of Deck Eight, Colin, Tom, and Shervin talk about the possible future Voyager content for Star Trek Online, discuss yet another mining event, and go through some of the latest Patch Notes. 

Battleship Royal Rumble. In this episode of Deck Eight, Colin, Tom, and Shervin discover the Tribbles Giveaway, get mixed up with the Friday screenshots, and discuss in detail the new Elachi Lock Boxes that have appeared in the game. In the Foundry Corner, Shervin and Tom do their first pure combat mission called “Battleship Royal Rumble” by Juggeranut47. Plus, we announce the winners of our 50th show competition and go through some of the new patch notes. 

Alpha Flight. In this week’s episode of Deck Eight, Colin, Tom and Shervin discuss STO’s Star Trek Las Vegas plans and go forward in time to check out the new Romulan Time Ships. In the Foundry Corner, Tom and Shervin get their gold wings as they explore RemairTamec’s “Alpha Flight,” which won Foundry Challenge 7. Plus, we go through some forum posts on builds.

50th Anniversary. This week we hit the half-century mark as the Deck Eight crew celebrate their 50th episode by raking in some Romulan veteran awards, checking out the gold subscription sale, and going mining for dilithium (the traditional golden anniversary celebration in the world of Star Trek). In this week’s Foundry Corner Tom and Shervin explore chivalrybean’s “Unexpected Reflection,” plus we check in on STO’s plans for Star Trek Las Vegas and peek into some Tal Shiar Lock Boxes. 

State of the Game for July 2013. This week Tom and Shervin find themselves trapped in Shuttlepod One for Deck Eight as the rest of the crew succumb to the many ailments of life in space. With so much time in a confined space, they discuss the State of the Game for July 2013, the Carrier Command Interface 2.0, an update on the Foundry Challenge 7, downloading Arc for the first time, and more from the world of STO. 

The Syndicate Extraction. While Colin takes shore leave, Mark takes the helm in this episode of Deck Eight as the crew look at Massively’s visit to Cryptic, throw on some new TNG Romulan uniforms, get their Tribble test reward, and recap more STO news. Plus, Shervin and Tom explore the Foundry mission “The Syndicate Extraction” by Galactrix and Mark brings you another segment of “The Build Doctor.” 

Mark On the Bridge. In this episode of Deck Eight the crew welcome a new member, Mark McCulloch, who many will know from the Priority One podcast. Mark, Colin, Tom, and Shervin try to differentiate Romulan ships—which are so green—and recap more STO news. Plus, Shervin and Tom explore the Foundry mission “One Too Many” by XR-447 and Mark introduces his new segment “The Build Doctor.” 

Summer’s New Resort Island. In the episode of Deck Eight the crew take you to the climate-controlled paradise of Risa for a jetpack ride and a chance to win a Risian Corvette starship. Plus, we bring you the usual round of Romulan talk and Shervin and Kate play “Order of Hov’lw” in the Foundry Corner.

Brandon “Bran Flakes” Felczer Interview. In the episode of Deck Eight, Shervin and Kate sit down with Perfect World Community Manager Brandon “BranFlakes” Felczer and his European counterpart Manni for an in-depth interview about Star Trek Online, upcoming projects, and even some hints about this summer’s Risa event. 

Darths, Brandons, and Romulans. In the episode of Deck Eight, Colin, Tom, Shervin, and Kate, bring you the latest on their Legacy of Romulus experiences, check in on Perfect World Community Manager Brandon “BranFlakes” Felczer’s upcoming London adventure and player meet-ups, and introduce a new segment on the show, “Forum View.” 

Repairing Utopia Planitia. While the Legacy of Romulus rolls on, there is still more happening in the STO universe beyond the borders of the Empire. In the episode of Deck Eight, Colin, Tom, Shervin, and Kate, fill you in on the Perfect World’s unified login launch, also known as Arc, and journey to the Sol System for the Foundry Corner. Go hands-on with bruckner’s “Repairing Utopia Planitia” mission and also delve into this month’s Ask Cryptic. Plus, because the Romulans currently are everywhere, the crew offers updates on their characters and experiences in the expansion. 

Playing Romulan. Now that the Romulan expansion is in full swing, the Deck Eight crew share their first thoughts on the changes to the game. We also look at the return of Feature Episode reruns, Romulan ships in the C Store, a sale on Lifetime subscriptions, and Tal Shiar Lock Boxes… which Tom gets too close to early in the show and is never heard from again.

Nimbus Adventures and Desperate Prey. The Romulan expansion of Star Trek Online has officially launched, and in this episode of Deck Eight the crew take you to Nimbus III for some fun in the Paradise Lost Adventure Zone, bring you some Romulan console information, dive into warp cores, and find out what items have been added to the Legacy Pack. Plus, in the Foundry Review, Kate and Tom explore “Desperate Prey.”

Thomas Marrone. As we enter into our 40th show, we are joined by Star Trek Online UI Artist Thomas Marrone to discuss his early gaming experience and how he got hired by Cryptic. We also follow his path into game creation as we learn who initially bought some mini games that he had developed. Moving into the STO game interface, Thomas talks about how he approached it development, and we go off on some odd tangents into his personal likes and favourites in Trek—even the fact that he likes Barclay. 

Depths or Nukara Prime. Of course the Romulans are still hanging around, and now they’ve been joined by Remans as we continue the build-up to the launch of STO’s Romulan expansion. But apart from another round of Romulan news, Colin, Shervin, Tom, and Kate bring you another look at the Foundry… and mark the return of Admiral Aaron! In the Foundry Review Kate and Shervin explore “Depths of Nukara Prime” by P_Sutherland, and the whole crew check in on Denise Crosby as she speaks about reprising Sela, and look at a new giveway from StarTrek.com and Perfect World. 

The Spirits of Ramok Nor. The Foundry Review is back with a visit to “The Spirits of Ramok Nor.” Also in this episode of Deck Eight Colin, Shervin, and Kate explore Romulan Warbird singularity powers along with new customisation features for your embassy. We’ll delve into the April Ask Cryptic as well, and find out what Kate thinks about the Defiant’s small size. 

Romulans! They're Everywhere! As the launch of Star Trek Online’s Romulan expansion quickly approaches, Colin and Shervin are joined by Kate Walsh for a news rundown that would make the Praetor proud. From Romulan ship progressions to the Nukara Strikeforce to a revamping of the trait system, we get you set for The Legacy of Romulus. In addition, Kate and Shervin play through Captain Revo’s “Sacrifice of Angels” in our Foundry Review. 

Hive Onslaughts and Crystalline Catastrophes. In this episode of Deck Eight, Colin, Shervin, and Tom take a look at the latest Star Trek Online news including a sale on Zen and lock boxes, the Crystalline Catastrophe event, skill planning, a sunroof for your embassy, and Tom and Shervin’s experience with the Hive Onslaught.

Romulans… and more Romulans. In this episode of Deck Eight, Colin, Shervin, and Tom dig into the upcoming Romulan expansion with the special Legacy of Romulus Ask Cryptic, Massively’s Legacy of Romulus interview with Dan Stahl, and a look at the new Romulan ships coming to STO. Also in this week’s news are in-game First Contact Day celebrations and the unprecedented hacking of the Caspian Fleet. 

To Helna and Back. In this episode of Deck Eight, Colin, Shervin, and Tom are joined by Foundry author and Podcast UGC host Havraha to discuss some of the inside nuggets behind Podcast UGC as well as some Foundry tips and tricks. They also discuss Havraha’s “To Helna and Back,” a mission that has evolved over time to become one of the firm favourites amongst STO players and Foundry authors. In fact, Cryptic liked the mission so much they created a Duty Officer named Helna and gave her a unique mission of her own. 

Legacy of Romulus. In this episode of Deck Eight, Colin and Shervin take a look at the latest Star Trek news including the Neverwinter tie-in promotion, duty officer promotion, and a chance to win a very logical hand protection device. Then in the feature they delve into the upcoming expansion of STO, “Legacy of Romulus.” This major update to Star Trek Online gives you the chance to reshape the Romulan Empire in the aftermath of the destruction of Romulus and Remus.  

The Foundry Academy and Starbase UGC. In this episode of Deck Eight, Colin, Tom, and Shervin are joined by Oliver Smith to talk about the new Foundry Academy. Over the course of six weeks, three online video streaming events will take place. By the end you’ll know all you need to build your own foundry mission. Oliver also talks about Starbase UGC, a great source for Foundry hints and tips.  

Meeting Res. In this special episode of Deck Eight we bring you the first of our new “Meet the Author” series as Colin and Shervin sit down with Res, author of the Foundry mission “The Anomaly,” which is the story of a Borg search for the Omega Particle. 

The Kumari Line. In this episode of Deck Eight we recap some of the latest Star Trek Online news including new Andorian Kumari Line escort ships, patch notes, and the new starships spotlight video. Plus, in the Foundry Review we look at “The Anomaly.”

New Fleet Ships. In this episode of Deck Eight we recap some of the latest Star Trek Online news including new fleet ships, patch notes, Starbase Feature #13: Magestic Instruction, and the February Ask Cryptic. Plus, in the Foundry Review, we look at “To Helena and Back.” 

Brigadier General Ships. In this episode of Deck Eight, Colin Higgins, Thomas Baddeley, and Shervin Sabeghi welcome back Admiral Aaron and recap some of the latest Star Trek Online news. Shervin and Aaron share their thoughts on the Ambassador ship and mission… and Q’s party, too. We also cover patch notes and the Brigadier General ships for Klingons, and in the Foundry Review Aaron and Shervin review Woody Valley’s “The Floods at Home.”

Romulan Speculation and Temporal Ambassadors. In this episode of Deck Eight, Colin Higgins, Thomas Baddeley, and Shervin Sabeghi recap some of the latest Star Trek Online news including the STO Third Birthday Mission, the Temporal Ambassador Mission, the reveal of what Denise Crosby was doing in the studio recently, and speculate on a tantalising Friday Screenshot featuring Romulan wings. We also look at the third Embassy Featured Project, the January 2013 State of the Game report, stats on the third-anniversary ships, and an incredible infographic that sheds light on the real numbers behind STO. 

Dominion Lock Boxes and Q&A. In this episode of Deck Eight, Thomas Baddeley, Shervin Sabeghi, and Kate Walsh recap some of the latest Star Trek Online news including the arrival of Dominion Lock Boxes and the Friday Screenshot, which teases STO’s third anniversary. After an extensive rundown of the new Lock Boxes, Kate presents another Q&A session to help those venturing into the STO universe for the first time. 

STO and the Dominion for Newbies. In this episode of Deck Eight, Colin Higgins, Thomas Baddeley, and Shervin Sabeghi recap some of the latest Star Trek Online news including UGC Prepaid Cards and bonus Zen, the end of temporal lock boxes, and an extended sitdown between Brandon “BranFlakes” Felczer and Denise Crosby about her secret STO project at the STO studios. Admiral Aaron is on leave this week, so in place of our normal Foundry review the crew is joined by STO newbie Kate Walsh for a Q&A. Kate sits on Tom’s big chair to learn her way around. 

Ambassadorial Speculation. In this episode of Deck Eight, our crew of hosts, Colin Higgins, Thomas Baddeley, Shervin Sabeghi, and Admiral Aaron recap January’s edition of Ask Cryptic, speculate on the Ambassador Class Friday screenshot and Denise Crosby’s visit to the STO studios, and review recent patch notes. Plus, in their Foundry review, Shervin and Aaron explore Bazag’s “The Honour of Profit.” 

Breen Ships and Tactics. In this episode of Deck Eight, our crew of hosts, Colin Higgins, Thomas Baddeley, Shervin Sabeghi, and Admiral Aaron return from the holidays to bring you the latest news including STO’s Free MMORPG of the Year win and winter costume sale. Shervin and Aaron explore Rogue Enterprise’s “Cause and Effect” in their Foundry review, and the crew break into a general discussion about Breen ships and tactics. 

Starships for Commanders. In this episode of Deck Eight, our crew of hosts, Colin Higgins, Thomas Baddeley, Shervin Sabeghi, and Admiral Aaron, take you through the latest STO news including the an about-face by Perfect World regarding Investigate Officer Reports, and Shervin and Aaron explore Wilv’s “Life Is But a Dream” in their Foundry review—with the help of an extended crew. Plus, Tom takes you through starships for Commanders.

Brandon “BranFlakes” Felczer of Perfect World Returns. In this episode of Deck Eight, our crew of hosts, Colin Higgins, Thomas Baddeley, Shervin Sabeghi, and Admiral Aaron, take you through the latest STO news including the PvP Boot Camp, Friday Screenshot clues, the Master Key sale and promotion, and Shervin and Aaron explore Eurrsk’s “Operation Demon Storm” in their Foundry review. Plus, Perfect World Community Manager Brandon “BranFlakes” Felczer joins us for another extensive Star Trek Online Q&A session. 

Tribbles, Warships, and Winter Wonderland. In this episode of Deck Eight, our crew of hosts, Colin Higgins, Thomas Baddeley, Shervin Sabeghi, and Admiral Aaron, take you through the latest STO news including the deadline for account linking, a return to Q’s Winter Wonderland, how to get the Breen Chel Grett warship, Embassy Featured Project #2, feature episode reruns, and the Tribble Test Weekend reward. Plus Aaron and Shervin review @alimac30’s Foundry mission, “The Mayns of Balnar Moon,” with an intro by the author himself.

Patches and Ground Combat. In this episode of Deck Eight, our crew of hosts, Colin Higgins, Thomas Baddeley, Shervin Sabeghi, and Admiral Aaron, take you through the latest STO news including the massive patch update, Starbase Featured Project 11, and holiday greetings from Q. Plus Shervin and Aaron bring you a review and Colin’s Tip Box focuses on ground combat. 

Saturday’s Child, Ground Shields, and the State of Q. In this episode of Deck Eight, our crew of hosts, Colin Higgins, Thomas Baddeley, Shervin Sabeghi, and Admiral Aaron, take you through the latest STO news including the Steam Starter Pack promotion, TOS promo codes, a special fleet project, F2P’s interview with Dan Stahl, and some information about the newly launched Season 7. In this week’s reviews, Aaron and Shervin take on “Saturday’s Child” and “State of Q.” Then in the Tip Box Colin gives you advice on ground shields. 

PvE Improvements and STFs. In this episode of Deck Eight, our extended crew of hosts, Colin Higgins, Thomas Baddeley, Dee Tite, Shervin Sabeghi, and Admiral Aaron, take you through the latest STO news including patch updates, PvE Queue improvements coming in Season 7, The Vault: Ensnared, and an extended chance to grab the Duty Officers promo pack. In this week’s Foundry review, Aaron and Shervin explore “Left to Die,” and then Colin takes you on an in-depth trek through STFs in the Tip Box. 

Deck Eight Renovations. In this episode of Deck Eight, hosts Colin Higgins, Thomas Baddeley, and Dee Tite introduce two new members of the show: Admiral Aaron and Shervin Sabeghi. Together the expanded crew will preview changes to the show’s format that will begin next week, and also take you through a wide range of STO news including the Duty Officer Pack Promo, Q’s upcoming winter event, the latest Starbase Feature Project, New Romulus, Morn and Klingon strippers… and even salt vampires! 

New Romulan Zones. In this episode of Deck Eight, hosts Colin Higgins, Thomas Baddeley, and Dee Tite take a look at the new Romulan Zones in STO. In addition we delve into a wide range of STO news including the STO Gateway for mobile devices, the Azure Nebula Rescue Event, Ambassador post details, changes to the reward structure, and the reputation system. 

Brandon W. Felczer, Perfect World. In this episode of Deck Eight, host Colin Higgins is joined by Deck Eight crew member Dee Tite for an in-depth look at the 1,000-Day Veteren Rewards that kick off next week. Then we’re joined by Brandon W. Felczer, Community Manager for Perfect World, for an extensive Q&A session about Star Trek Online.

Kirkfats Foundry Mission. In this episode of Deck Eight, co-host Thomas Baddeley is joined by Dee Tite, who is sitting in for Colin this week. In news we cover the current Cryptic-Perfect World linking promotion, the 7th Starbase Featured Project “Where Decisions Are Made,” news on Star Trek London, the 1,000-Day Veteran Award, and the Stitcher Radio Awards. In the feature, Tom takes us through a Foundry mission by Starbase UGC’s Kirkfat aboard his very own ship, the U.S.S. International Sex Symbol… Tristan Riddell. 

Time Ships and Mirror Universe Ships. In this episode of Deck Eight, hosts Colin Higgins and Thomas Baddeley cover the new Temporal Lock Boxes and Lobi ships, Wells Class temporal science vessels, Mobius Class temporal destroyers, the Korath Class Klingon temporal science vessels, Aeon timeships, Rozhenko timeships, and from the Mirror Universe the Krenn Class temporal destroyers. We also look at the the Lobi Crystal Store’s Space Equipment Box, Chroniton Dual Beam Bank, Temporal Disruption Device, Tachyokinetic Converter, and the Time Traveler Jumpsuit.