I’ve always wondered what the default setting on a phaser is if it isn’t stun which seemed to be the most used, and probably most sensible setting to avoid unnecessary deaths (or embarrassment if the default is ‘off’).

Anyway, as any MMORPG fan knows, in a couple of weeks “Star Trek Online” will be released to the masses so it’ll be time to put down the level 80 Night Elf Druid and take a trip to the stars – the key question for any would-be market leader in this space is of course “but for how long?” as Warcraft has a tendency to very very sticky.

I liked this piece of news from C&VG showing how the various retailers are differentiating themselves as purchasing points for the game (as in the client software) by offering different virtual in-game goods as incentives. For instance: you get a Borg Bridge Office from Amazon, or a Tribble from HMV. An interesting crossover that’s obvious in this space but I wonder where it could lend itself to for traditional retail customers. (Wouldn’t it be cool to have a virtual wardrobe on Facebook that populated itself with virtual versions of the clothes you bought?)

Talking of Star Trek, I loved the plotline generator in the back of the last issue of PC Gamer. No link unfortunately as it appears to be print only, but I found this slightly older version online. An excerpt from the end:

And the…

• … amazing piece of technology that would solve most future problems …
• … life-changing transformation of a key crew member …
• … pointless death of a brave young ensign …
• … massive violation of the Prime Directive …
• … irreparable damage to the timeline…

… is never mentioned again. Cue titles.

Lastly, I loved these Star Trek wetsuits as seen in Wired.