It seems that Atari has not been happy with the performance that has been occurring over at Cryptic Studios, and has started the process of finding a buyer for the studio, or it will start “unwinding operations”, code speak for shuttering the company.

Cryptic Studios had developed a name for itself with Company of Heroes and followed that up with Company of Villians, and it was fairly successful, but when it was snapped up by Atari, it was then tasked with two more MMO titles, Champions Online and Star Trek Online, with both titles severely underperforming early company estimates.

Cryptic tried to stem the flow, sending Champions Online to the Free to Play model, and it had been rumored that Star Trek Online would do the same, but it seems that both will meet an untimely end at some point in their futures.  Atari has stated that they will be providing support and updates for both titles in the near future, but nothing was clear about the life of either franchise.

Is it too soon to say another MMO bites the dust.

When it launched early in 2010, Champions Online was a decent success, but never seemed to grab the amount of players that I think Cryptic Studios and Atari were looking for at the time.  It had a great character creator and seemed to capture the look and feel of a comic book, but it never seemed to grab a solid player base.  Move forward to November of 2010 when Cryptic announced that Champions Online would go free to play and interest started to pick up quite a bit.

Well, starting today, the free to play version of Champions Online is up and running and it offers most of the gameplay found in the boxed copy completely free.  For those that have been paying the monthly fee, you can continue to do so and get a ton of extra content for free as a Gold member, or you can switch to the free to play model.  Also, anyone that joins as a free member can buy additional content at the C-Store, or bump up to the Gold Level membership at any time to get all that extra content.

I plan to go back into the world of Champions Online to give it a second look now that it is free and see what you get for that low price of free and see whether it is worth  your time to head back into this MMORPG.  I will say that it is going free to play at the right time, as DC Universe Online has just hit the PC market, but is charging a $15 monthly fee.  With the right content, it could be a great contender for those looking for something that does not require a monthly investment.

Check the jump for a few more screens as well as a trailer for the new free to play model.  Champions Online is from Cryptic Studios and published by Atari.

It is interesting to see the freight train in the industry that is pay to play MMORPG titles heading on the free to play bandwagon.  We have seen several companies try this out and so far, according to their numbers, it is making money.  First it was Dungeons and Dragons Online, followed by Lord of the Rings Online.

Now, Cryptic Studios and Atari are testing the waters with one of their MMO titles, Champions Online.  Yes, Champions Online is set to head into the realm of free to play starting in the first quarter of 2011.  And for those that want to see a little more of Champions Online free to play early, you can head over to the main site to register for the beta which starts on November 9th, 2010 for a select group of individuals.

Now, I have played Champions Online both in the first closed beta before it launched, as well as in several free trial periods on Steam and in all of these cases, I was never really drawn into the game because it did not seem to warrant a monthly subscription fee from me.  I loved the art style and the customization, but it never seemed all that fun.  Without a subscription fee, I am far more likely to take more time to give the game a chance.    Now, as with Lord of the Rings Online and Dungeons and Dragons Online, the free to play Chanpions Online will have some walled content that will require purchase.  All of the information is available on the Champions Online website, but it seems that you get less character slots, some adventure packs will cost as will some special powers and devices.  So your value may vary.

Check the jump for more info on Champions Online Free to Play from Cryptic Studios and Atari.

Atari and Cryptic Studios Announce Champions Online(TM) Free-to-Play for Q1 2011

Free-to-Play Closed Beta Begins November 9, 2010

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ — Atari, Inc., one of the world’s most recognized videogame publishers, and renowned MMO developer Cryptic Studios have announced today that the superhero MMORPG, Champions Online(TM), will be free to play beginning Q1 2011. Players will be able to download and enjoy the game at absolutely no cost.

Champions Online free-to-play will also feature additional premium content for purchase. Adventure Packs, items, powers and costume pieces can be selected a la carte inside Cryptic’s innovative C-Store. Additionally, current players may continue subscribing as Gold members, while new players may also optionally upgrade to Gold status, which unlocks most of the game’s content and includes extra features for a set price of $14.99 per month.

“Transitioning Champions Online to the free-to-play model is a great opportunity to reach a whole new audience of PC gamers that view subscription fees as a barrier to entry,” said John Needham, CEO of Cryptic Studios. “By taking care of our current subscription-based community and welcoming the addition of new players through free-to-play, Champions Online is poised to build upon its success and to establish a new leadership position as the first free-to-play superhero MMO.”

Champions Online has been lauded since its launch for the customization options it gives players. The switch to free-to-play gives players even more control over their gameplay:

– Unlimited Play Time – Play as much as you like, as long as you like, at absolutely no cost. No subscription or credit card required.

– Your Own Hero, Your Own Story – Become a hero, encounter his or her Nemesis, and advance to maximum level at no cost.

– Play Your Way – Utilize the optional web-based and in-game C-Store to purchase gameplay upgrades or additional premium content.

The Champions Online free-to-play closed beta test begins on November 9, 2010 and will be made available to a subset of current players, with potential openings for new users.

Champions Online brings epic heroism to the MMORPG genre with depth that challenges the most experienced online gamers, while its fast-paced action engages new entrants to the online superhero universe. Join with Defender and the legendary Champions to stop Dr. Destroyer and his minions in the ultimate showdown between good and evil.

To learn more about Champions Online Free-to-Play, please visit: http://www.champions-online.com/f2p.

ABOUT ATARI, SA

Atari group is a global creator, producer and publisher of interactive entertainment. Atari’s brands and content are available across all key traditional and digital distribution touch points, including browser-based and social online platforms, PC, consoles from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony, and advanced smart phones (i.e. iPhone, Android and RIM devices).

Divisions of Atari, SA include Cryptic Studios, Eden Studios, Atari Interactive, Inc. and Atari, Inc.

Atari benefits from the strength of its worldwide brand and its extensive catalogue of contemporary classic game franchises (Asteroids®, Centipede®, Missile Command®, Lunar Lander®), original owned franchises (Test Drive®, Backyard Sports®, Deer Hunter®), MMO games from Cryptic Studios (Star Trek(TM) Online, Champions(TM)) and third party franchises (Ghostbusters®, Rollercoaster Tycoon®, Dungeons and Dragons®). Atari also leverages the power of its franchises to deliver movies and merchandise to consumers around the world.

For more information please visit: www.atari.com

© 2010 Atari Europe SASU. All rights reserved.

Atari word mark and logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc.

ABOUT CRYPTIC STUDIOS

Based in Los Gatos, CA, Cryptic Studios is a leading developer of massively multiplayer online games committed to delivering the next level of MMO gameplay. Cryptic develops AAA titles for PC and consoles, including Star Trek Online and Champions Online. For more information on Cryptic Studios, please visit the official website at: www.crypticstudios.com. Cryptic word mark and logo are trademarks owned by Cryptic Studios, Inc.

Star Trek Online is expanding its geographical area to include Deep Space 9, the famed space station outpost that was featured in the show of the same name.  While it seems that Commander Sisko will not be seen in this addition to the universe, it does look like the station will be put on the defensive, as it is attacked by a huge alien fleet.  Want to see the battle in action?  Hit the jump for the full trailer.

I can’t say I’m disappointed in it not coming to the 360, not because I don’t have one, but because that’s not exactly the platform I’d choose for porting an MMO. Not only do gamers have to pay their annual online gaming fee to Microsoft, but they need to pay for their MMO subscription? And not be able to play on their own personal computer away from the television when their family wants to watch a movie instead?

Probably the best candidate for an MMO platform would be a handheld if you ask me. Something with good graphics and beefy storage and good WiFi support that is dependent on servers being there to avoid a piracy problem, something like, say, the PSP? There is that pesky no-keyboard problem, but it could probably get by with preset phrases — something that can greatly reduce a language barrier — and an option for tapping out a custom message with an on screen keyboard.

I was going to say that maybe Square Enix might want to take note of Cryptic’s surrender with Final Fantasy XIV well underway but they have lots of experience running Final Fantasy XI on Windows, PS2, and Xbox 360, so maybe that’s a lesson they don’t need to learn.

Where would you rather play an MMO?

Star Trek Online is gearing up to add in a new race and a new ship class for the newly launched MMORPG.  The new race are the Unidine, a strange looking race that seems to be very formidable.  In the video, we see them take out several Borg cubes without breaking much of a sweat.

The new Destiny class cruiser is a multiple role ship, that is good for fighting in ship to ship combat as well as small solo player missions.

No word on when the two items will be added into the game, but you can see videos for each of these new additions after the break.

Species 8472 aka The Unidine

Destiny Class Federation Ship

Okay, as a Star Trek fan, I have always loved the Borg Collective.  I mean, they are a networked race of cyborgs hell bent on assimilating anyone and everyone they encounter.  After events unfolded in Star Trek: Voyager, it appeared that the Borg were all put destroyed.  Of course, no one is ever truly dead when dealing with comics, or insanely huge science fiction films, so the Borg have come back and are meaner than ever.  As you can see from the screens and video in the article, the Borg seem to look a tad bit different, with each Borg member wearing a lot more armor than I remember from the show.

The Borg will show up in three dedicated episodes in Star Trek Online, and are meant to be played by higher level characters, at about level 43 and above.  Lower level characters are invited, but looking at the destruction in the video, you might be wise to wait.

For a few bucks, you can now get access to Klingon and Ferengi Federation officers, something that was in the beta at one point, and then was pulled due to development issues.  Now we find out that Cryptic was doing business as usual, milking consumers for content that was in the game at one point.  I hope that some people start to wise up and not buy this stuff, to show the developer that when you are already paying $50 for a product, $15 a month for a subscription to the game, fluff content should not cost you a dime.  Expansions yes, but a costume skin should not cost you any money. 

See a full sized shot of the ad from the Cryptic site after the jump.  Also, here is a link to the Cryptic Studios page where the content can be viewed.

Today, Cryptic studios and Atari laid out their plans for the preorder bonuses that you will get for their upcoming title, Star Trek Online.  In what I think has to be a first, there are a total of seven different pre-order options for the MMORPG title, depending on where you go to get it.  Some are trivial, but at least two, the Direct2Drive and Steam versions seem to offer the best options for players looking to get an advantage in-game.

Also, all pre-orders, no matter where you order, will guarantee you access to the open beta in January, as well as early access to the final game.

Check the jump for the full press release, and all the pre-order options.

ADVANCED RETAIL PROGRAMS ANNOUNCED FOR STAR TREK ONLINE

December 7, 2009 – New York, NY – Atari, Inc., one of the world’s most recognized videogame publishers, and acclaimed MMO developers Cryptic Studios™, are pleased to announce several pre-order programs for the highly anticipated Star Trek Online for PC. Based on the world renowned sci-fi series, Star Trek Online gives gamers and fans of the fiction a chance to boldly explore the Star Trek universe for the first time on a truly massive scale. Star Trek Online is available at retailers in North America on February 2, 2010.

All Star Trek Online pre-orders receive guaranteed access to the Star Trek Online Open Beta test from January 12th to January 26th, 2010. In addition, Star Trek Online also offers an exclusive Early Start Program with pre-orders at all participating retailers that runs January 29, 2010 through launch on February 2. The Early Start Program allows players to get a leg up on other interstellar explorers and access the Star Trek universe the weekend prior to the game’s launch. Unlike beta play, all in-game progress made during the Early Start Program will carry over to the live adventure.

All customers who pre-order Star Trek Online receive access to the Open Beta and Early Start Program. Details on exclusive pre-order content for Star Trek Online include:

GameStop

GameStop customers receive the ability to command the exclusive and always classic USS Enterprise from Star Trek The Original Series.

Best Buy

Best Buy is offering their customers a fun in-game pet. As a Federation Captain, players own a famed Tribble of Star Trek lore that will accompany them on their travels into the final frontier. As a Klingon commander, players control the boar-like Targ, a beast found on the Klingon home world of Qo’noS.

Amazon

Amazon is offering an exclusive “Liberated Borg” Bridge Officer. This bridge officer, who comes with unique nanotechnology augmentations, assists in missions and gains experience as the player does.

Wal-Mart

With the Wal-Mart Bonus Skill Points package, receive addition skill points that enable players to improve their characters quickly.

Target

Target customers who pre-order Star Trek Online receive a unique ground weapon – a TR-116. This rare projectile weapon is used in dampening fields and other challenging environments; it is also modified with a micro-transporter which beams the fired projectiles to targets at close range so that a user can fire without a direct line of site.

Direct2Drive

Direct2Drive customers receive an exclusive Multi-Spatial Personal Shield. This advanced personal shield system is based on Borg technology, which constantly regenerates itself and the health of its wearer.

STEAM

STEAM is offering customers Chromodynamic Armor. This armor is based on technology brought back from the Delta Quadrant by U.S.S. Voyager improves the damage and critical hits of energy weapons.

In Star Trek Online, players will visit iconic locations from the popular Star Trek fiction, travel to unexplored star systems, and contact new alien species. Every moment spent playing Star Trek Online will feel like a new Star Trek episode in which you are the hero. Immerse yourself in the future of the Trek universe as it moves into the 25th century: a time of shifting alliances and new discoveries. As the Captain of your very own ship, it’s up to you to lead your crew on missions that span the galaxy.

For more information, please log onto www.startrekonline.com

ABOUT STAR TREK ONLINE

Star Trek Online is being developed by Cryptic Studios, creators of the critically-acclaimed Champions Online. It’s built on the Cryptic Engine, a core technology that means the designers can focus less on a game’s nuts and bolts and more on creating a game that captures Star Trek’s essence, guaranteeing that both longtime fans of Star Trek and people new to the universe will feel at home. For more information, please visit: www.startrekonline.com

ABOUT ATARI, SA

Atari group is a global creator, producer and publisher of interactive entertainment for interactive game platforms that include PC, online, consoles from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony and advanced smart phones (i.e. iPhone). Divisions of Atari, SA include Cryptic Studios, Atari London Studio, Eden Studios, Atari Interactive, Inc. and Atari, Inc.

Atari benefits from its global brand and an extensive catalogue of popular games based on classic owned game franchises (Asteroids, Centipede, Missile Command, Lunar Lander), original owned franchises (Test Drive, Backyard Sports, Deer Hunter), MMO games from Cryptic Studios (Star Trek Online, Champions Online) and third party franchises (Ghostbusters, Project Runway, Dungeons and Dragons).

For more information please visit www.atari.com.

© 2009 Atari Europe SASU. All rights reserved.

Atari word mark and logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc.

About Cryptic Studios

Based in Los Gatos, CA, Cryptic Studios is a leading developer of massively multiplayer online games committed to delivering the next level of MMO gameplay. Cryptic develops AAA titles for PC and consoles, including Star Trek Online and Champions Online. For more information on Cryptic Studios, please visit the official website at: www.crypticstudios.com.

Cryptic Studios was nice enough to send over a series of new screenshots from their early 2010 title, Star Trek Online.  Currently the game looks like it is getting a lot more polish as it goes through the final stages of development.  Now if we could just get a price point, all would be well.

Check the jump for the rest of the screens.