When I initially discovered HoloTrek, I really wasn't sure what to expect out of a MUSH like this. At the time, I was looking for a Star Trek based game to roleplay in, but not something which would involve hours of endless grinding and hacking away to 'get the best character'. I had recently been dismayed with a popular MMORPG, having played that for several months at the recommendation of a friend, due to the aforementioned grinding and questing.

The MUSH environment was not at all new to me; I have been exposed to text-based games for quite some time now, beginning back in the 80's with Scott Adams' Adventureland and continuing on with Infocom--which still, to this day, remains some of my favorite games ever, and on to the MUDs of the 90s. What made these games special to me (especially the Infocom variety) was the wit, humor, and well-played out story behind it all. It was an experience that has stuck with me like no other computer game since has done and forever changed the way that I view games in general. In short, complex graphics and flashy visuals are great and all, but I find that for the large part these games are little more than forgettable when the next new, big flashy game hits the shelves; the real memories lie in the games which focus on story and development.

Much to my surprise, the people I met in HoloTrek felt much the same way that I did: they love the story. As a role playing MUSH, the plots and stories that I encountered served to provide excitement, character development, humor, and even downright intriguing political games. Members were warm and friendly to me when I was a newbie, encouraging me and helping every step of the way whenever I needed it. The quality of the roleplay was either on par or exceeding that of which I found in live action roleplay games I have been involved in previously, and even though I began my HoloLife right in the middle of an ongoing plot, the characters found ways to include me and make me feel welcome in this fascinating world.

So if you are like me and are seeking a game which you will come back to day after day with intriguing plots, a variety of characters and personalities to interact with, and the potential for developing your character and watching him or her grow and live out their life in this virtual universe, then I encourage you to give HoloTrek a try. It is an experience that I have never found anywhere else--online or off.