Star Trek Online Release Date Announced.

Today, the official release and beta test dates were announced for Atari's long-awaited Star Trek Online game. Preorders for the game will begin on January 11, and each customer who preorders will get a beta download code for the beta run which will run from January 11 until January 26. The official ship date will be February 2, for those who don't preorder. The $79.99 collectors edition includes the following:

•Deluxe Packaging: Futuristic 3dX holography set in a high quality brushed aluminum finish. Heavy duty construction with magnetic closures and nested compartments for all components.
•Deluxe Manual: High end, hardbound, art book, manual, and disc case in a single, elegant package. “HD Printing” on over 40 glossy pages of exclusive art from the Star Trek Online Universe.
•Communicator Badge: High quality cast metal design based on the in-game badge model. Fully 3d Sculpted with recessed burst and curved contours.
•Guest Passes: Credit card style buddy passes to invite three of your friends for a three day trial of Star Trek Online.
•Red Matter Capacitor: A unique item that charges up and delivers extra energy to all of your ship’s equipment for a short time. A device that, when used, gives you a small bump in energy, has a long recharge.
•Next Generation Uniform: Uniform Options from and the Next Generation. The timeless look worn by Picard, Data and Riker.
•“Deep Space Nine” Uniform: Uniform Options from the “Deep Space Nine” Series. Grey shoulders, on a black uniform, just like Sisko, Worf and Dax.

Also, making this more tempting, those that preorder the game through Gamestop will receive a special downloadable code to unlock an exclusive in-game Starfleet Constitution Class Starship. This unique, upgradable starship comes equipped with blue phasers and an extra engineering station mod slot.

I've been waiting for this game for a LONG time, and it's going to be a tough choice between STO, and WoW. I guess I'll put a preorder through for STO with Gamestop, and at least give the game a try. "Scotty, Beam me up!"