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Amazon moves DCUO shipping date ahead three months
Fans who pre-ordered DC Universe Online from Amazon awoke to a pleasant surprise (or is that a tease?) in their inbox this morning. An order update email was sent out by the online shopping megalith indicating that SOE's superhero extravaganza will be shipping in mid January with an estimated arrival date somewhere between the 18th and the 20th. "We have received new release date information related to the order you placed on October 08 2010 (Order# XXXX). The item(s) listed below will actually ship sooner than we originally expected based on the new release date," says the message. SOE has been mum so far, but we'll bring you the very latest on the official release info as soon as it becomes available.
SOE teases Gotham City fly-through video
Look! Up in the air! It's a bird, it's a plane, it's the latest DC Universe Online fly-through video! Unfortunately for you Man of Steel fans in the audience, it has nothing to do with Superman. I know, that was mean. SOE's Gotham City is cooler than Metropolis though, and glimpses of its gothic glory are enough to give cynical game journos a reason to grin, so what are you going to do? At any rate, feast your eyes on the creepy confines of Arkham Asylum, the rusty, run-down facade of Ace Chemicals, and the dimly lit digs of Crime Alley, the Gotham Freight Yards, Amusement Mile, and more. Don't forget to check out the legendary Bat-signal atop the Police Department while you're skulking about. Gotham City. After dark. It's all yours after the cut.
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%
DC Universe devs talk trinity, changes to the game world
Thirsting for more information on Sony Online Entertainment's DC Universe Online? Comic Book Resources has your long cool drink of water in the form of a lengthy studio visit recap. Last week, SOE invited a gaggle of game journalists to "DC University" for a tour of the game's development headquarters that included lectures from the likes of game director Chris Cao, creative director Jens Andersen, producer Wes Yanagi, and writer/resident DC legend Marv Wolfman. In between geekgasm-inducing peeks around the studio, the lucky invitees got some hands-on time with the upcoming title as well as the opportunity to ask the developers a few questions. When the discussion turned to combat, it became apparent that DCUO isn't going down the traditional MMO "holy trinity" path with its classes and builds. Cao states that while tank, healer, and DPS parties may be possible, they won't necessarily be the norm since "everybody's a damage dealer." Cao also talked about accessible and inaccessible portions of the game world and whether players would be able to unlock more locations as the title ages. "We've bottled the city, the idea is that somebody's going to have to unbottle it," he said, referring to the storyline angle in which Brainiac cuts off access to Metropolis' Daily Planet. While the devs were noncommittal in terms of specifics, Wes Yanagi commented that permanent changes to the world would likely occur via seasonal events and new players would be able to experience the pre-event world.
DC Universe reveals Tomorrow District, today
If you are looking for the district that is the epitome of Metropolis, look no further than the Tomorrow District. This apex of technology guides all scientific advancements for the entirety DC Universe Online. Every gizmo you can imagine -- and not imagine -- is found here. Ever heard of a thermal-nuclear toothbrush? Yeah, neither have we, but the scientist in STAR Labs invented it. And STAR Labs is just one of the many gargantuan buildings your hero will find in this district of the future. If it's gameplay opportunities you seek, the Tomorrow District is is designed specifically for your high-level character. Even though Jenet Kylburn works for the good guys, sometimes she cannot maintain control of everything STAR Labs produces. As Game Director Chris Cao said in regard to the STAR Labs scientists, "Sometimes their optimism exceeds their wisdom," and they have to call on the heroes to come save the day. However, because of the heaping amount of new technology in the area, the Tomorrow District attracts its share of villains looking to get their grubby paws on these advanced inventions. After the break, Chris Cao provides a travelogue of the ups and downs of this exciting zone.
Massively Exclusive: More DCUO PvP screens
Last week we showed off a batch of PvP screens from Sony Online Entertainment's upcoming DC Universe Online MMORPG. This week, we've got more where those came from, but this time you'll only find these images here on Massively. SOE treats us to twelve new images of player vs. player superhero action, featuring everything from outlandish costumes to fireballs, ice shields, and laser beams (though, sadly, no sharks with frickin' laser beams attached to their heads as of yet). Oh, and don't forget the giant spring-loaded boxing glove. DCUO, currently slated to release in early 2011, is undergoing closed beta testing. You can read more about the game at the official website. %Gallery-106561%
Gina Torres as Wonder Woman in DC Universe
The hits just keep on coming for DC Universe Online, as SOE has added another A-list performer to the game's star-studded voice cast. Gina Torres, well-loved in geek circles for her role as Firefly's Zoe Washburne, lends her vocal talent to one of DC's classic heroines: Wonder Woman. In the latest Voices of the Game video, creative director Jens Andersen narrates a brief look at Wonder Woman's in-game appearances as well as Torres' work in the recording studio. Torres, who also guest-starred in Joss Whedon's Angel, is the third Whedonverse veteran to sign up for SOE's superhero extravaganza, joining James Marsters (Lex Luthor) and Adam Baldwin (Superman). Other DC Universe Online notables include Arlene Sorkin, Wil Wheaton, and Dwight Schultz. Take a look at Torres, Wonder Woman, and the rest of the video after the break.
SOE shows off DC Universe PvP screenshots
What's scarier than a gallery full of Scarecrow screenshots? Why, PvP of course. To cap off a pre-Halloween week rife with thrills, chills, and superhero stills, SOE has released a new gallery full of DC Universe Online screenshots showcasing the player versus player action in its upcoming men-in-tights MMORPG. While we don't have a lot of information on how the PvP plays, we do know that it's full of flashy spell effects and bone-crunching hits. This week's gallery is a bit of a departure from earlier DCUO showcases, in that the legendary comic book heroes associated with the game have given way to a player character cast. Check out the gallery below and visit the game's official website for more info. %Gallery-106282%
DC Universe Online reveals the Scarecrow
SOE has taken the wraps off another iconic villain in DC Universe Online via a new screenshot gallery. This time around the subject is one of the original internet tough guys: Johnathan Crane, also known as the Scarecrow. Crane suffered through an awkward childhood as a result of his uncanny resemblance to Ichabod Crane, eventually parleying his academic brilliance into a position of some notoriety at Gotham University. After a series of unethical experiments involving his students and the nature of fear, Crane was dismissed by the university board of regents. His fall from grace lead to prolonged episodes of psychosis and gave birth to the Scarecrow, a straw and sackcloth-wearing villain who preys on the fears of his enemies using a variety of psychological and chemical weapons. Check out all the new screens in our gallery below. %Gallery-106037%
New DCUO video details Metropolis Police Department
DC Universe Online may have been delayed from its original November 2010 start date, but the SOE marketing department is still faster than a speeding bullet (and arguably more powerful than a locomotive). Lately we've been privy to everything from voiceover videos with the game's star-studded audio cast, to new screenshots galore, to fly-through videos of the expansive game world. Today brings another fly-through clip, this time showcasing the Metropolis Police Department that functions as an in-game hub for your characters. In addition to footage in and around the station, the video also provides a bit of background on the use of the wanted posters inside the station. The posters provide lore about DCUO's more noteworthy personalities as well as serve a gameplay function by helping you track them down for various missions. Check out the full video after the break.
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.
Turn your MacBook into the Justice League
We've written about MacBook decals in the past, but I couldn't resist showing this one to you guys and gals (especially the comic book fans out there). Stuff Off Decals is selling a Justice League sticker for MacBooks. The sticker is designed in the Justice League animated series fashion and features (from left to right) Martian Manhunter, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, Superman, Batman, The Flash, and Hawkgirl. Superman's "S" symbol lights up when you overlay the sticker on your MacBook's lid. The sticker is made of high quality vinyl and leaves no residue should you decide to remove it. At US$18, it's a little pricey, but for DC comic book lovers, this is a must have! Thanks to TUAW reader John for the tip! UPDATE: The creator of this decal (who had no idea I was going to write about it) just sent me an email. He is offering all TUAW readers 15% off the JLA decal as a thank you to TUAW readers for making his Iron Man decal a best seller after appearing on this site. Just enter "TUAW" on check out (will only work with Google checkout at this time, darn Paypal!) to get your 15% off! Sweet!
DC Universe Online delayed until early 2011
In a move that almost certainly had nothing to do with the impending MMO doom that is Cataclysm, Sony Online Entertainment has just announced that its DC Universe Online superhero MMORPG has been delayed until 2011. Originally scheduled for a November 2010 release on both the PC and Playstation 3 platforms, the game will now force players to be a bit patient before they traipse around virtual recreations of Metropolis and Gotham City. While the exact new release date has not been made public, SOE announced in a press release that those players who have already pre-ordered, as well as those who pre-order prior to November 15, will get a guaranteed spot in the ongoing beta.
Gamescom 2010: DC Universe Online trailer impresses
Our friends at Joystiq have the scoop on the latest trailer for DC Universe Online, the forthcoming superhero MMORPG from Sony Online Entertainment. Unlike last month's cinematic story trailer, this one is all gameplay, and it features heavy doses of action (yes, that guy did toss a helicopter on top of a skyscraper), as well as a voice-over narrative that hints at how player characters can co-exist with DC legends while carving out their own niche. DCUO launches in November for both the PC and Playstation 3 platforms, and you can sign up for beta, as well as pre-order, at the game's official website. Don't forget to fly past the cut to view the trailer.
Official DC Comics app is live
ComiXology has done it again. First the Marvel Comics app was released, powered by the company's familiar engine, and then one recently for BOOM! Studios. Now DC Comics has finally released its own app, running on ComiXology's familiar interface. So far the DC store's offerings are rather slim, especially when you take into account all of the titles the publisher handles. Most of the titles available are the more recent ones, such as Green Lantern: Rebirth and Frank Miller's Batman. One very awesome offering of note in the store: Neil Gaiman's Sandman; it's only one issue so far, but that's a much better start than zero. ComiXology also has their own comics app and, just as the DC, Marvel and BOOM! apps are, it is free. Some of the same titles offered in the individual comics apps are available within the ComiXology app, though you can only get DC titles within their official app. [Update: ComiXology's official app was just updated with a specific DC Comics section.]
SOE confirms subscription model for DCUO
Fans of Sony Online Entertainment's highly-anticipated DC Universe Online title can chew on an additional piece of news to go along with all the goodies revealed at E3 last week. Several websites have run unconfirmed reports on the game's pricing model, so we went straight to the source to get the skinny. "The revenue model will be subscription based, with a monthly fee of $14.99 per month. The PC version will carry a suggested retail price of $49.99 and the PS3 version will carry a suggested retail price of $59.99," said an SOE public relations spokesperson. Rumor has it that the superhero title will also feature some sort of microtransaction model to go along with the traditional subscription fee, but when asked about it directly, SOE responded "we have not confirmed microtransactions at this point." Stay tuned to Massively for more details as they become available.
DCUO video shows off new combat
Sony Online Entertainment's Jens Andersen, Creative Director on the studio's forthcoming DC Universe Online title, is featured in a new video over at GameTrailers. The four and a half minute clip, a preview of next week's E3 2010 coverage, highlights a bevy of features for the new superhero title, and also shows off the improved combat animations and mechanics. "We took this great combat model from action games, because it pays off in the superhero experience, and we put it together with all the great online features that MMORPGs have, with the community, the progression, and being able to feel that sense of accomplishment that you have as you're leveling up your character," Andersen enthuses. The video showcases the physicality of DCUO's combat, as well as quite a few cameos from superheroes (and villains) that call the storied 70-year old franchise home. Check it out over at GameTrailers or after the jump.
iPad in the family: What it'll take
When Steve Jobs announced the iPad, I thought it was neat, but I didn't see how it would really fit into my life. What could it do for me that my iPhone or MacBook Pro couldn't? It seemed like that gap Steve Jobs said the iPad filled was targeted at a group of people I didn't belong to. So I asked the TUAW readers if you'd be getting one. Then I began talking to my family about the iPad and discovered some surprising things: the very people I thought would never buy one plan to, and the people I thought would jump at it are holding off. So here's a rundown of four very different people in my family and if/why they will be getting an iPad: Person: My mother. 62. Queen of the Luddites. Computer proficiency: Absolutely none. Will she be getting the iPad? Yep. The 16GB 3G model. Why? My mom has never owned a computer. She doesn't have an internet connection. She couldn't explain to you what Facebook is. And she refers to my iPhone as "that information device."
Ihnatko says Apple tablet could play hero to comic books
Speculation based on rumor can be frustrating. But when the rumor is of Apple's fabled tablet, and the speculation is of a new golden age for comics, the 13-year-old kid in me comes alive. Writing for the Chicago Sun-Times, Andy Ihnatko says there are hints that Apple is getting into the digital comic book market, a statement he likens to saying "Apple is helping to create the digital comic book market." Digital comics today, he argues, are where digital music was in 2002. Legitimate businesses are so fractured, clumsy, and behind the times that pirated comics (online illegally one day after hitting store shelves) provide the best user experience. Enter LongBox, a company that has made the rounds at comic book conventions this year pitching an iTunes-like store for buying and selling digital comic books. Ihnatko talked with LongBox CEO Rantz Hoseley, peppering him with questions and looking for reasons that LongBox was doomed to failure. What he found instead was a company that respects the comic book as a medium, that has made publishing to the LongBox format (.LBX) as simple as adding a plug-in to the software publishers already use, and that has plans for outfits as big as Marvel or DC all the way down to the lone artists publishing on their own.
Watchmen Director's Cut movie / PlayStation 3 game Blu-ray combo now available
If you have the dominant high-def optical storage format -- which can serve both movies and games with equal aplomb -- built right into your consoles, shouldn't you be leveraging that synergy? Well, the assimilation is now complete, as Watchmen Director's Cut launched today with The End is Night Parts 1 and 2 for PlayStation 3 in tow. The price of admission here is a penny under $50 before tax / shipping -- and considering both parts of the game cost $30 total on their lonesome, that's none too shabby of a deal. It'll be interesting to see what film and tie-in game make the merge next -- anyone up for a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory re-release?
