STO: Long-term Subs Offered
Cryptic’s put out a little bit about their lifetime and annual subscription plans. The real question is: is it worth it?
It’ll really come down to how long you think you’ll play it and how long you think it’ll last. I’m wagering that unless it really fizzles (and it could) or unless Cryptic does a terrible job of managing their business (remember, there isn’t a publisher to save them…though someone might be interested in buying the game if they went belly up), the game’s going to be around for at least 3-4 years.
Meanwhile, it’s going to cost you $14.99 per month if you go monthly (knock off a dollar a month for each step you take up the recurring payment ladder–e.g. 13.99/mo for the 3-month recurring plan).
The annual plan is priced at $119/year. Those of you with calculator or who are autistic will find that’s a price of $9.99 (ish) a month. Not bad. It comes with a couple of extra character slots to boot.
The lifetime plan (which I think is usually a serious waste unless you’re sure you’re going to be playing that game for ever) runs $239. In addition to the two character slots the annual sub comes with you also get an unlock allowing you to play a recently freed borg (a la Seven of Nine…breast implants not included).
If you assume you’re going to play the game for a solid 2 years, hands down, you’ve just paid $9.99/mo roughly. Now, you could just go for the annual plan, especially if you figure by the end of year two, you’re going to be bored and likely working on a different MMO.
Still, if you’re thinking you’re going to go die hard and play the game out for ages (I’m talking to you EQ/SWG peeps), then after a five year run you’re looking at an average of roughly $3.99/mo.
So, which one’s the best one for you?
If you’re a die-hard Trekkie/Trekker and you’ve tried the beta and loved it, then–assuming you have the cash/credit–you probably should just go for the annual or lifetime plans. Even if you take a break for a few months or do the WoW cycle like me (play for a couple months, move on for a few months, repeat), assuming you keep at the game for years to come, you’re doing fine with either package.
Of course, if you’re more of the MMO-of-the-month type and you’ve played the beta and aren’t impressed (hand going up here), then one of the typical packages are just fine.
For everyone else who isn’t sure? I recommend just sticking with the monthly to start. You don’t have to deal with the hassle of getting (or trying to) some of your money back and you’ll definitely know if you’re going to be there for a while after you’ve passed through the starter missions and get into space. This is one of those games that’ll either grind on you or make you feel right at home right away.
And, about the “bonuses”: unless you’re dead set on playing a “liberated” borg or really need those extra two character slots, I would ignore them in making your decision. Think of them as the icing on the cake…not the cake itself. You know at some point, they’ll offer up specials and bonuses (remember that whole Cryptic Points system? It’s got to pay for momma’s new dress some day) that’ll get you something you need, including character slots.
I don’t know about you but it was easy as hell for me to drop kick Champions. I love the Star Trek universe and all but right now the only thing that’s appealing to me is the starship combat. And, even that, right now, is starting to wear thin with some of the balance issues I’ve encountered. On one mission (team mission), I just made a mad dash for the objectives to end the damned thing after having faced the fifth fleet of three bops, two escorts and two of those monster Klingon warships (not the bcs, the big assed Na’Whatever) versus my fleet of three light (starter) cruisers. My team mates were dead set on battling for another 20-30 minutes to finish up. I couldn’t do it…after over an hour on a single friggin mission…I just couldn’t).
I guess you can figure out what sub plan I’m going for. 
g afk
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