Cryptic Launching "Star Trek Online"...

After years in development, Star Trek Online, a multiplayer online game 'will engage', according to game developer Cryptic Studios Inc.

Jack Emmert, Cryptic chief creative officer, said players will begin "Star Trek Online" as the captain of a small 'Starfleet' or 'Klingon Empire' ship, customizing characters from pre-existing species - from 'Klingons' to 'Gorn' - and can create entirely new alien races.

As they progress through the game, players can increase in rank and gain larger vessels and more crew.

"You'll venture through space exploring new civilizations and life-forms," said Emmert.

"You'll also beam down to planets and have adventures inside your ship. It's a galactic-wide game. There's going to be tons of space to investigate. We have a great system for exploration, which will allow for almost infinite possibilities."

Cryptic recently announced it had secured the rights to develop and publish "Star Trek Online" from CBS Consumer Products.

Players will also be able to battle against other vessels in laser-blasting, missile-firing deep space scuffles reminiscent of "The Wrath of Khan" and the 'Dominion War' in "Deep Space Nine".

"There might be a ship called Enterprise flying around, but it's probably not the same ship anymore," said Emmert.

"Most of the characters will have either retired or passed on, but you'll definitely be going to all the places you know and love from 'Star Trek'. Expect to see oldies like 'Vulcan' and 'Bajor' but also fan favourites like 'Andoria' and 'Qo'noS'."

Emmert plans to unveil footage and more details with Leonard Nimoy at a "Star Trek" convention Sunday in Las Vegas at the Gene Roddenberry Theater inside the Las Vegas Hilton.

Cryptic, the developer responsible for "City of Heroes" and "City of Villains" is also working on the superhero-themed online game "Champions Online", scheduled for release for Windows PC and Xbox 360 next year.

Other online games based on film franchises include "The Lord of the Rings Online", "The Matrix Online", "Pirates of the Caribbean Online" and "Star Wars Galaxies".

Sony Online Entertainment is currently developing "DC Universe Online" while MGM Interactive is working on "Stargate Worlds"...