Implementing the Holodeck

[PugPug]

Perhaps no aspect of Star Trek is more sci-fi than the Holodeck. Whereas most Trek technologies are at least based on present-day theory, the Holodeck includes unfathomable processing power, and even demonstrates some limited creative ability.

How then, do you implement it into a video game in any meaningful way?

Star Trek Voyager: Elite Force (and it's sequel) tackled this problem by including a few limited combat scenarios where the player could test new weapons as they were discovered in the story.

Star Trek: The Next Generation: A FInal Unity used the Holodeck to replay video cutscenes the player had accessed in the story.

There could be some "just for fun" programs, such as the sunset on Risa, but the fact is most players will visit such a program once, and never again.

There has to be a gameplay reason to keep coming back, or the feature is a waste. At the same time, the Holodeck was never the focus of the series, so it can't take too much focus away from real exploration.

CONCLUSION:

I see the Holodeck as a "I only have a few minutes to play before going to work" kind of feature. Players could jump in for a few rounds of combat, and perhaps get some combat skill experience points in the process.

I'd also like to see the Holodeck grow with the player. Perhaps combat programs could be added as players visit new and different worlds.

[Decius]

They could have some mini-games in the holodeck, like beachball or something.

[Wolf503]

I think there are aspects to the holodeck that have so much potential that I would rather see an entire expansion devoted to that rather than something less just so its ready for release day. That my opinion of course.

With that being said... options I would like to see on the holodeck include:

Combat Simulations.

Terrain and Weather Simulations.

Space Suited Simulations to the exterior of the ship.

Historic Recreations and Simulations.

Use as a 3d Star Mapping room.

These are a few I hope are eventually included.

[ToadMonkey]

It would be cool if we could create mods for the Holodeck.

[igrokdou]

It would be cool if we could create mods for the Holodeck.


Then have missions of trying to undo the terrible holobeings running amok!

[Trekkie]

I think that the developers have a tremendous opportunity to make the holodeck something that defines Star Trek Online, and I would like the holodeck to be very expandable as well as functional in a number of different ways.

[USS_Parallax]

Custom Cryptic and Player-made maps for multi and single player using an editor. You enter your holodeck and you can immediately play a custom-made game or basically go into a list of people hosting games like in an RTS or FPS and download and play their custom games.

'nuff said.

[PugPug]

Then have missions of trying to undo the terrible holobeings running amok!

Well, it wouldn't be the Holodeck if the safety protocols didn't fail once in awhile.

As for player-made holo programs, that would likely go above and beyond the expected $15 a month. It would require a separate staff to examine, playtest, and QA the mods. That's not to say it can't be done, it would just have to cost more money.

[Johnny_Velocity]

Historical missions just for kicks: your captain and crew in the Old West for a mission or arc; a pirate themed mission; the 1930's; a mission in the TOS or ENT eras; etc.

I'd love that.