Last week saw the second of the new Star Trek Online weekly episodes released, and after the huge success of the first episode, could this one live up to expectations?

Well, yes and no. From a plot perspective, this is very much in the middle of the story. Too early for any major plot revelations, so instead things are just moved on a little, with the revelations that the Breen are now not only attacking Deferi vessels in space, but have also been capturing their people alive for some unknown reason.

The rich level design from the previous episode is here in force as well. The space combats are set against what looks like several giant meteor fragments and the ground segment brings a much needed revamp to the “underground cave base” style of map to make it look like a much more realistic base.  Hopefully we’ll see this style of map added to the star cluster missions to revamp their cave bases as well.

Its slightly harder to talk much about this mission.  It was definitely a lot of fun to play, and the time and care being spent on the level design on these missions to my mind helps show the developers dedication to make these episodes into more of an event, and help turn around some of the bad press the game has gotten since launch.

And that feeling of an event is a great thing in game.  With so many players spread across the game, its really nice on a Saturday to log in, and see things buzzing.   Having seen a lot of negativity in the past, its great to see the player base enthusiastic about these missions, and its a lot of fun, logging in on a Saturday at 6, and seeing the sector filled with players all waiting on the new content.   Certainly the weekly episodes seem to be a big hit, and I look forward to seeing them continue for some time.