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Green Lantern powers crash-land in DC Universe Online with new DLC
DC Universe Online gives players their choice of several comic-inspired powers, but one genre of abilities has been notably absent: stretching your body into crazy shapes like Plastic Man. Oh, and the Green Lantern's light powers. Sony Online Entertainment has decided upon this summer to rectify that missing power set, with the first DCUO DLC, "Fight for the Light." In addition to about a million player-created Lantern types, Hal Jordan and other Green Lantern characters will appear in the $10 DLC. Three new scenarios will also bring players to S.T.A.R. Labs, Hal Jordan's home of Coast City, and the "Sciencells Prison" on the planet of Oa. If any of those words mean anything to you, and you don't have Green Lantern PTSD from the movie, you'll want to check out the gallery below.%Gallery-128132%
SOE Fan Faire 2011: DCUO reveals new downloadable content: Fight for the Light
At SOE's Fan Faire this year, DCUO fans were treated to a look at the Fortress of Solitude, part of the new game update that's coming soon. But while the community address highlighted the fact that heroes and villains alike will work together to defeat Brainiac, it seemed that any news about the game would be the same thing fans had already heard and seen at E3. Little did they know that there was much more on the way, because later this summer, DCUO will have its first download pack arriving on both the PC and PS3. Curious about what the new content will be? Put on your power rings and read below the cut!%Gallery-128108%
Alter-Ego: In blackest night, no pilot's light, awaits the city frights
Another week passes when those of us who want to get back to stomping around in DC Universe Online are left to our own devices. Meanwhile, Sony is continuing to work toward restoring its service as the days of the longest large-network MMO outage tick by. (We are, after all, all about the MMOs here at Massively!) Since last week's column, Sony Online Entertainment has announced that not only will subscribers be getting the free month plus a day for each day the network is down along with the Batmask, but there will be additional goodies as well. For DC Universe Online players, that means the previously mentioned Batman and new Two-Face inspired masks (no word on whether this will be one mask per side or both masks for both sides) and 30 Marks of Distinction. Station subscribers will also get 500 Station Cash, and Lifetime subscribers get 10 additional Marks of Distinction. (For those not familiar, Marks of Distinction are what you need to get Tier 2 raiding gear.) Personally, I think the marks are a wise choice of bonus since locked out players re essentially losing the chance to run dailies and raiding, both of which involve timers. The amount is also especially wise -- it's a good portion based on outage time but isn't so huge that people can immediately jump into lots of T2 gear. The cheapest piece (back-slot) would take all 40 marks a Lifetime subscriber had. Meanwhile, as SOE remains locked in its security and networking cocoon, we're left on our own to hunt down other DC Comics entertainment. As I'm also a player cut off from running around and then using this column to write about things I'm experiencing in the game, this week I figured I'd once again diverge from the game to the larger DC Comics universe and take a look at a few cool DC things to come.
Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters will shine in 3D
"In brightest day, in blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight. Let those who worship evil's might, beware -- holy crap! A bunch of missiles and fighter jets just flew right past me! I bet that if someone were watching my every action from an over-the-shoulder perspective on some sort of three-dimensional display unit, that would have looked really, really awesome!" –Green Lantern Vol. 2, #76, 1970 DC Comics and Warner Bros. Interactive have announced that Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters is now slated for a release on the 3DS, joining the standard DS and console versions. Additionally, the game -- which drops June 7 and ties into the events of the Green Lantern film (which hits theaters June 17) -- will feature a 3D option on PS3 and 360, provided you own the necessary accoutrements. We can only imagine how rad flying around and shooting stuff out of power rings is going to look in a stereoscopic context.
Chris Cao: DCUO's Update 2 is all about "chance"
We heard some tantalizing details of what Sony Online Entertainment has planned for DC Universe Online's March patch a few weeks ago when Game Director Chris Cao and Art Director and Mark Anderson sat down on the Stickam chat to offer a teaser of what players could expect. Following up, we had a chat with Cao to find out some more specific details on what exactly our superheroes can expect coming in March. According to Cao, the primary theme for this update is "chance," which is reflected both in our chance to face off against The Penguin as boss and in the addition of Two-Face/Harvey Dent in Legends PvP play and as an instance character. That fifth-dimensional trickster Mister Mxyzptlk is likewise being introduced to the game as part of a holiday event themed around St. Patrick's Day. We knew most of this from the Stickam chat; that's why we went digging deeper for the scoop on DC Universe Online's development. Check it out behind the break! %Gallery-50201%
Exclusive Interview: Terrorizing the Green Lantern with DCUO's RadarX
It isn't often that I get the opportunity to play a game with someone who is actively working on it. Even more rarely do I get to play a game before it is released. So when Sony Online Entertainment asked whether someone at Massively would like a virtual tour of its newest innovation, DC Universe Online, how could I say no? Community Manager Tony Jones -- or as most players on the DCUO forums may know him, RadarX -- met me on the sprawling streets of Metropolis (home of Superman), where the Sinestro Corps was absolutely convinced the Green Lantern Corps was draining the power of its rings. Sinestro and his gang began feeding off the fear of Metropolis citizens to empower the rings again. Now, when the Green Lanterns heard about this, of course, they attempted stop the terror, and RadarX, in all his villainy, couldn't let the Lanterns get away with that. I was invited to join in the fun. My tour of the game gave me the chance to ask some questions about what's in store for the community in this exciting game, as well as the chance to beat up some good guys. Follow me after the break to ride along on my adventure!
DC Universe shows off more location screens
It's Friday night, do you know where your alter-ego is? If you're lucky, he or she is logging into the DC Universe Online closed beta. If not, we'll point and laugh, but we'll also hook you up with some new location reveals via the latest screenshots courtesy of SOE. Feast your eyes on Green Lantern and friends flitting about Metropolis City Hall, Robin and Poison Ivy deep in the swampy bowels of the femme fatale's lair, and a few shots from around Gotham City (including the Botanical Gardens, East End Hotel, and Gotham University). You'll also catch a glimpse of a player character fighting his way free of the maniacal Brainiac tutorial missions. DC Universe Online is currently scheduled to release for PC and Playstation 3 platforms in early 2011. %Gallery-107324%
NYCC 2010: DCUO's Q&A panel and fan event
The gods of New York Comic Con smiled upon Detective Comics fans and MMO junkies alike this weekend, as DC Universe Online kicked butt and took questions at not one, but a senses-shattering two Q&A sessions on Saturday. Conventioneers enjoyed a glimpse into the character-creation process at the "Creating the Next Legend Panel," and then Sony Online Entertainment invited fans to a special Q&A event afterward. And I would not be exaggerating if I said the audience reaction was riotously positive. Executive Creative Director Jim Lee, Creative Director Chris Cao and Art Director Mark Anderson shared details and fielded dozens of questions about the DC-based MMO at both events. Discussion ranged from costume creation to endgame content to the game's recent delay to early 2011.
Chris Cao claims DCUO will be the "ultimate superhero experience"
The superhero MMO genre isn't as sparse as it used to be, but DCUO's Chris Cao isn't sweating the competition. In a recent interview with The MMO Gamer, DC Universe Online's creative director expresses supreme confidence that DCUO will be the one superhero title to rule them all. "It's just the ultimate superhero experience," he said. "You're not playing Batman this time. You are there with thousands of other players, working for and against him. That's never been done." DCUO's simultaneous rollout to both the PC and PS3 was a significant part of the interview. Cao admits that he was attracted to the project specifically because it was going to be released for the console market as well, something he feels is largely unexplored territory. Cao also discusses the relationship that his team built with DC proper during the game's development. Instead of being at odds with having thousands of player-run superheroes entering into the DC universe, DC worked hand-in-hand to both educate SOE's crew and help meld the comic book experience with the MMO. Cao shares one example of this: "In fact, just a couple weeks ago, Geoff Johns and I were talking, and we thought of a feature we wanted to put in, and he goes, 'No problem, we'll write it into the comic books. So now it's instant canon.' I don't think you can get much better than that." You can read the full interview over at The MMO Gamer.
SDCC 2010: Part two of our DCUO panel report
Today we have more from the question-and-answer portion of the DC Universe Online panel at the San Diego Comic-Con last week. (Part one of the panel was posted earlier this week.) Panelists included Creative Director Jens Andersen, Game Director Chris Cao, legendary comic book writer Marv Wolfman, Jim Lee, and the voice of the Joker, Mark Hamill. Will there be a mechanic for switching from hero to villain or vice versa? No. You make the choice of hero or villain at character creation, and it can't be changed after that. This is so it is clear to other players in PvP who is on what team. Will current storylines in the DC comic universe affect the MMO? The game will launch "pristine"; that is, the DC Universe in the game will be the popular, well-known one. Wonder Woman will be in her classic costume; Bruce Wayne will be Batman; etc. From there, storylines from the comics may start altering the MMO universe, but at least from the get-go, the game will start with a clean slate. DCUO will be getting its own bi-weekly comic as well.
SDCC 2010: Up, up and away at the DCUO panel
Are you pumped for DC Universe Online after watching the recent "Who Do You Trust?" trailer or our own interview with John Smedley? We can hardly blame you -- it's tough being a superhero waiting in the wings. While we count down the days until its November 2nd launch, there's a lot more DCUO goodness to be had. Massively was on hand at the DCUO panel at this year's San Diego Comic-Con, where Jens Andersen, Chris Cao, Marv Wolfman, Jim Lee and Mark Hamill (who is reprising his voice work as the Joker) were on hand to answer questions about DC's upcoming title. Hit the jump for the full skinny on time travel, heroes, villains and Bat-shark repellent.
SOE and Blur release DCUO story trailer
Sony Online Entertainment has just released a lengthy story trailer for its forthcoming DC Universe Online superhero MMORPG. Debuting early Saturday morning on GameTrailers, the massive video clocks in at over six minutes in length and features nearly all of the DC Comics notables, including Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, the Flash, Wonder Woman, the Joker, and others. The hyper-violent cinematic is the latest creation of Blur Studio, also known for its Star Wars: The Old Republic teaser work. The cinematic sets up DCUO's overarching story, in which the heroes team up with Lex Luthor to stop Brainiac and his latest threat to humanity. You can view the trailer, appropriately named "Who Do You Trust," after the cut or at GameTrailers.
Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters to take shape next summer
Next summer, after you're done gallivanting across the galaxy with celluloid Green Lantern Ryan Reynolds, his adventures will (unsurprisingly) continue on your home video game console in Warner Bros.' Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters. (We know what you're thinking and, yes, it will be confusing when Sex and the City 3 is released next summer with that exact same subtitle.) Details are scant at this point, but as you can tell by the name and image (bigger version after the break) sent out with the press release, GL will apparently be battling the robotic Manhunters, an interstellar police force replaced by the Green Lantern Corps. As you might remember, the title's being developed by Double Helix games, a studio that's had mixed success up to this point. Here's hoping for a home run ... made by giant green baseball bat composed entirely of mind energy.
Hal Jordan, Green Lantern, DC Universe Online screenshots
"In brightest days, in blackest night, No evil shall escape my sight. Let those who worship evil's might, beware my power, Green Lantern's light!"If you're a comic book fan, then chances are you've heard this at one time or another. If you're a Green Lantern fan, then what's more likely is you say it at every opportunity you get. But let's face it, life doesn't really offer many favorable circumstances for reciting the Lantern's Oath. That's why we're hoping against hope that SOE goes all out and allows players to join the ranks of the Green Lantern Corps, which is essentially an intergalactic police force, in DC Universe Online.Considering Geoff Johns, who is currently finishing up his amazing Green Lantern comic run, helped pen the game's storyline, we expect nothing less than amazing things when dawning our green (or otherwise?) ring once DC Universe Online is out. Check out the rest of the bevy of new Hal Jordan screenshots in our gallery.%Gallery-50201%
Green Lantern PSP spotted at Comic-Con
Sony isn't giving up on the not-expensive PSP-3000 series. In fact, Siliconera spotted this special Green Lantern themed system at San Diego Comic-Con not too long ago. Inspired by the upcoming "First Flight" animated feature, this PSP-3000 stands out due to its unique glossy green color -- something you won't find on American retail shelves. Less exciting is Comic-Con's Caprica-themed PSP, if only because the idiotic "SyFy" brand stands so large on it. Yuck. While you may not be able to get this Green Lantern PSP any time soon (or ever), you can still get some free Green Lantern digital swag off the PlayStation Store. For a limited time, you can download a 16 minute sneak preview of the upcoming animated film on your PSP or PS3. Simply visit the video section of the PlayStation Store to download.
Double Helix creating Green Lantern game with sheer will
Hot on the heels of the news that Warner Bros. has picked Ryan Reynolds to play the Green Lantern in an upcoming film, the company has announced that it will work with Double Helix (the studio behind Silent Hill: Homecoming and G.I. Joe) to bring the Emerald Knight to the video game world. VentureBeat got the scoop on the Xbox 360/PS3 game, which it believes is connected to the film coming June 17, 2011. ... Wait, is this the first Green Lantern game? That can't be right, can it?
An inside look at the DC Universe Online studio
The latest bit of info about the upcoming game DC Universe Online comes to us through a video walk-through of the developers' own Hall of Justice. Michael Daubert, Studio Art Director for DC Universe Online, blogs on Myspace about what it's like to work on the game in the setting they've created.It's a place where every Friday is "Green Lantern Friday" when studio employees either wear GL's requisite green or Sinestro yellow. Monday is "Batman Monday"-- we think you get the picture. But having Wednesdays devoted to Aquaman... dubious. One pictures employees bringing their goldfish to work and willing them to perform office tasks. One tradeoff for having to dress in orange and green is that employees at the Austin studio are surrounded by artwork for DC Universe Online from Jim Lee and the Wildstorm Productions studio. The video gives us a glimpse at the roughly 1200 pieces of concept art Lee and his team have produced that literally wallpaper the studio. Plus you get to meet some of the dev team as Daubert alternately attempts to stay awake through Scrum explanations or avoid tirades from his colleagues. Unfortunately we can't embed the video for you right here, but if you head over to the DC Universe Online site, you can't miss it.
Geoff Johns revealed as writer for DC Universe Online
How do you make DC Universe Online with Jim Lee in charge of the art direction even more exciting for comic fans? You bring Geoff Johns on as writer for the game's backstory. Geoff is the man responsible for one of the best runs on The Flash, his envisioning of Green Lantern: Rebirth and the highly engaging cooperative effort that was 52. Basically, if you're a fan of DC comics and haven't bothered with them for a while, you should really check his stuff out.According to the Newsarama interview with Geoff, he's only responsible for writing the general state of the world, its characters and the whole story behind why all these new superheroes (that'd be us) are suddenly cropping up everywhere. Beyond that, nothing has been confirmed, although he did say it'd be possible to come back to write more stuff. In that regard, Geoff also says the game will be set more or less within the current DCU at the time of launch. Players can expect to see story arcs both new and old -- or something like them -- to eventually show their faces. If DC comics fans were only a little excited before this is a reason to start smiling, or maybe even do a fist-pump. Go ahead, we won't look.[Thanks, Haggs]
PAX08: Interviewing Champion Online's writer, John Layman
Amidst the rather large -- but also surprisingly polite -- crowd surrounding the Cryptic Studios booth, we were able to talk with the writer for Champions Online, John Layman. Discussions revolved around the breadth and depth of content within the game's zones and the possibilities of space-based zones lying in wait for higher level characters. Two words to get you excited: interplanetary threats. We also learned about John's fondness for sprinkling lots of homages throughout the game. Overall, it was a fun trip into the mind of a man who really loves zombies, pajamas and nerdy in-jokes that future players of Champions Online will be able to find some humor from.%Gallery-30683%
GC 2008: Joker, Green Lantern duke it out in new MK vs. DC screens
Let's put a smile on that face by checking out Midway's latest batch of Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe screenshots, rife with cross-dimensional brawling and enough continuity issues to drive fanboys round the bend. While you enjoy the sight of The Joker blasting Scorpion right out of the Batcave or the Green Lantern putting the squeeze on Shang Tsung, we'll frantically attempt to figure out how Ed Boon managed to steal all our closeted fan fictions. If these guys don't pummel your fancy, Midway has also informed us that series stalwarts Raiden and Kano will join the game's kombatants, along with the DC universe's Wonder Woman and Deathstoke.%Gallery-30030%
