Star Trek Online's event is now live. Cehus discusses Cryptic's additions to Risa's renown resort![prbreak][/prbreak]

Surfing around in the waters of Risa.As of today, the summer event is now in full swing in Star Trek Online. Attendees will find many improvements and additions from last year include: a new ship, swimwear, adorable monkey non combat pets, hoverboard racing, and sandcastle building. More on that later. The new mini-games are both creative and fun additions that have brought new life to an already fun event, admittedly with a few drawbacks.

The hoverpack daily is how you unlock this year’s grand prize: the Risian Luxury Cruiser. The daily itself remains unchanged from last year. However, this starship boasts both an impressive bridge officer layout and console set-up that puts the exorbitantly expensive Galor-Class to shame. The ship itself is relatively small but boasts a unique design that is sure to cause waves among avid STO players. Stats are as follows:

Rank Required: Rear Admiral / Brigadier General /Subadmiral I
Availability: Summer 2014 Event Project
Hull Strength: 41,400
Shield Modifier: 1.1
Crew: 1500
Weapons: 4 Fore, 4 Aft
Device Slots: 4
Bridge Officer Stations: 1 Lieutenant Commander Tactical, 1 Ensign Engineering, 1 Commander Engineering, 1 Lieutenant Science and 1 Lieutenant Universal
Console Modifications: 3 Tactical, 5 Engineering, 2 Science
Base Turn Rate: 10
Impulse Modifier: 0.16
Inertia: 40
+10 Shield Power
+10 Engine Power
Console - Universal - Soliton Wave Generator
Solar Sail Quantum Slipstream Drive
R.X.S. Registry Name Prefix Option
Cruiser Communications Array
Command - Shield Frequency Modulation
Command - Strategic Maneuvering
Command - Weapon System Efficiency
Command - Attract Fire

The Hoverboarding mini-game is probably my favorite piece of content added to Star Trek Online in recent memory. The races are leaps and bounds better than their winter alternative. The boards are easy to control, very maneuverable and above all fast! The placing system is remarkably similar to the winter PvP race, where you will need to grab a flag before any other player in order to secure your rewards.

Building a 'Peaked Fort'.Another addition this year is the sandcastle construction mini-game. This is probably the most frustrating part of the event. With little time, and a very limited number of spots to make these sand castles, there is a great deal of competition among players. There is a good chance that the adorable monkeys may also try to sabotage construction. Several accolades and designs are available to players the more they take part in the event.

In addition to the two new events listed above, the dance party event and the Hoga’hn Hunt remain from last year. These both are excellent sources of Lohlunat Favors, but may grow tiresome after repeating.

These 4 different events that take place every fifteen minutes. These events consist of Horga’hn Hunts, Hoverboard racing, Sand Castle Building and Dance parties. Participating in all of them of them can seem like less of a vacation and more of a guided tour, making replayability less appealing as time progresses.

All of last years rewards remain, with some exciting additions this year. After a long year of players asking, swimwear has been added! Including a range of both male and female options, players have the option to wear these outfits anywhere on Risa. That does indeed mean players cannot take their swim wear into battle. In addition to swimwear, players also have the option to buy different variants of powerboards.

What are your thoughts on the Summer event? Have you enjoyed your time spent on Risa this summer? Discuss in the comments below!