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PAX Prime 2013: Breaking tables in DC Universe Online
During this year's PAX Prime, I was able to grab some hands-on time with the PlayStation 4 version of DC Universe Online. The demo was made up of content from the brand-new DLC, Sons of Trigon. The DLC features three new duos and an alert, whereas I feature slightly rusty DCUO skills. In fact, nearly all of my DCUO experience has been with a keyboard and mouse, so I reached for the controller with hesitation. I managed to pull slightly more confidence from a long history of PlayStation gaming and Sony's staunch refusal to change the basic layout of its controller for 19 years and counting.
More action-packed DC Universe screens released
Sony Online Entertainment isn't letting up with the DC Universe Online screenshot assault, and today's patch features a number of iconic characters and locations from the forthcoming superhero beat-'em-up. Now, we know the word "iconic" sends many of you into convulsions, particularly when uttered in the same sentence as SOE, but in this case there's simply no way around it. When you've got the Joker sucker-punching Batman in the Batcave, Bane flexing his muscles, and interior shots of Arkham Asylum, Metropolis City Hall, and various locations in between, it's really the only word that seems to fit. Take a peek at our gallery below for all of the action, including a Gotham City exterior and another PvP shot. %Gallery-106857%
DC Universe directors talk ranged vs. melee combat
Sony Online Entertainment is going absolutely video crazy with DC Universe Online. Not that we mind of course. The latest release is a new edition of Inside the Studio, hosted by game director Chris Cao and creative director Jens Andersen. The dynamic duo are here to answer your Facebook-submitted questions, and they touch on everything from maps and city exploration to the game's headline system and combat mechanics. Most of the time is devoted to combat, of course, as player skill and combat customization are clearly DCUO's talking points. The directors have some interesting things to say about ranged vs. melee combat, even going so far as to indicate that melee is the more important of the pair. "What we found that gave the most satisfying superhero experience is really a big brawler. But it's a brawler with ranged weapons," Cao says. If that makes you scratch your head like we scratched ours, keep watching, as it starts to make a bit more sense as the discussion continues.
DC Universe flexes more voiceover muscles
SOE is getting a lot of marketing mileage out of DC Universe Online's voice-acting, and with such a star-studded cast behind the microphone, you can hardly blame them. In a press release earlier today, the MMORPG maker outlined four new additions to DCUO's roster including two Star Trek veterans, a memorable Batman villainess, and one of radio's leading voice talents. First up is Arleen Sorkin, instantly recognizable to Batman fans as the voice and personality behind Harley Quinn. Next is Wil Wheaton, Star Trek: The Next Generation veteran and responsible for bringing DCUO's Robin to life. Dwight Schultz, also of Star Trek (and the A-Team) fame, signs on to portray the Flash, while Corey Burton, a veteran voice actor with hundreds of productions under his belt, will be powering the notorious Brainiac. Read more about DCUO on the official site, as well as our previous coverage of voice actor James Marsters.
Chris Cao talks mentors and progression in DC Universe
SOE's Chris Cao has checked in with Gamespot via a video interview that details several different aspects of the upcoming DC Universe Online superhero action MMORPG. Right off the bat, the goal is to immerse the players in the rich history of the license by choosing an established DC Comics superhero as a mentor during character creation. Meta-based heroes might follow Superman, for example, while tech-based players will initially look up to Bruce Wayne's caped crusader alter-ego. Cao also talks a bit about the game's progression. Every even level you'll advance your powers, first by choosing a base power like fire and then expanding on it as you level. Initially you'll be setting people on fire, then detonating anything that's on fire, followed by the ability to spread fire. "Every other level you'll get to choose more of those types of abilities," Cao says. Every odd level you'll choose skills, which are based on your weapon or your movement style. Skills basically give you combos, whereas powers give you the iconic, superhero-ish abilities you've come to expect in a comic-inspired game. Check out the video, and the extensive gameplay footage, after the cut.
First super details on Sony's DC Universe Online
Breaking a new title into the MMO market is difficult, as any game developer whose name isn't synonymous with an overabundance of frosty precipitation will attest -- especially when your title fits into a particular niche already explored by another developer. For instance, NCSoft's City of Heroes cornered the super hero MMO market when it debuted in 2004, creating an intimidating hurdle that other online vigilante simulators have yet to attempt to vault.The latest issue of Edge magazine features an interview with Jim Lee, creative director for Sony's upcoming DC Universe Online, who reveals the steps Sony is taking to set their title apart from NCSoft's. With their inclusion of a number of recognizable faces from DC's voluminous roster, and their focus on making the title a "kick-ass hybrid between a traditional MMO and a first-person action console game", the apparent differences between the two games are clear. As long as there's a rich, intricate fish-controlling engine, we'll give it a shot.
