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SOE releases DC Universe launch trailer
Launch day for SOE's long-awaited DC Universe Online is finally upon us, and in addition to breathless anticipation, server queues, and coordinating friend meet-ups, we also have a brand new trailer making the rounds. The clip, which clocks in at around a minute and a half, starts with footage from last summer's Blur Studios cinematic before segueing into in-game material featuring heroes, villains, and player characters from the storied DC mythos. The video also plays up DCUO's superhero flavor in a manner reminiscent of Hollywood's greatest action movie trailers, from the heroes and villains facing off in the streets to the dramatic orchestral score and the "save this universe...or destroy it" titles. Check out all the mayhem after the cut, and let us know your early impressions of the game as the servers come up.
Alter-Ego: A community guide to DCUO
You don't know me. You think you do. You think you have me figured out. I keep to myself. I do what I'm told to do. I'm the one whose name people forget instantly. I'm average. Boring. Forgettable. That's what I want you to think, if you even think of me at all. They called me a masked vigilante. They're wrong. The mask is the face I wear during the day. The one you see when I'm flying over the streets of Gotham on mechanical wings? That's the real me. All else is Alter-Ego. Whether they love all things heroic or prefer the dark and twisted ways of the villain lifestyle, DC Universe Online players know by now that their characters' powers have been granted by a time-traveling Lex Luthor -- or more properly, from exobytes he carried back. As the story goes, Braniac had traveled back to Earth at various times and stolen powers from the world's greatest heroes and villains. As a means of reversing the future, Lex has also traveled back in time, scattering exobytes holding those stolen powers. Welcome to a new day, full of all manner of new heroes and villains around the world. Will this stop Braniac? Only time will tell. In the meantime, allow me to welcome you to Alter-Ego, the newest column here on Massively, which will deal with all things DC Universe Online! I'll be your host on this adventure, covering all the details players are curious about when it comes to this action-packed MMO. Also, our very own Larry Everett will be taking charge of the official Alter-Ego livestream on Wednesdays, offering a fast-paced look at the game. However, as this is our first week, allow me to get things rolling in fine Massively tradition -- a community roundup! %Gallery-50201%
All MMOs 20% off at Direct2Drive
Looking to pick up some MMORPGs on the cheap? You could go for one of the hundreds of free-to-play titles crowding the market, or if you're looking for something a bit more traditional, Direct2Drive's latest sale might interest you. From now through January 10th (at 10:00 a.m. PST to be exact), you'll enjoy 20% discounts on what D2D deems "top tier MMOs." Titles include (but aren't limited to) the Guild Wars trilogy, World of Warcraft, City of Heroes: Going Rogue, and Champions Online. The discount also applies to MMO pre-orders, so if you're looking for that extra nudge needed to push you towards an early purchase of RIFT or DC Universe Online, look no further.
Iomega SuperHero iPhone dock backs up contacts and photos to SD card (video)
In addition to Boxee-addled media devices and the customary run of new storage solutions, Iomega's got its own take on the iPod dock to show off. The SuperHero can back up photos and contacts from your iPhone (3G model and up) and iPod touch (second-gen and up) to an SD card -- no apps or music, unfortunately, due to restrictions in the API. The associated app pops up automatically when you slot in the device, and there's a few options for fine-tuning what exactly gets saved. A smart idea, but it'd be nice if we had more output options like audio (for an elegant stereo solution) or USB (just in case you did have a computer handy, with or without iTunes). SuperHero'll set you back $69.99 and comes bundled with a 4GB SDHC card, but more importantly, there's an amusing video ad to see. It's after the break. %Gallery-112411% %Gallery-112410%
New DC Universe video shows off Area 51 alert
It's hard to tell which pending AAA MMO release has folks more worked up around these parts. In one corner, you've got Trion's forthcoming RIFT fantasy opus, and in the other corner you've got perennial contender SOE and its heavyweight intellectual property courtesy of DC Universe Online. Score one for the crusty veteran, then, as DCUO's Facebook page has just updated with a new video that throws a stiff jab at the competition. The clip features game director Chris Cao talking about the title's alert system, a quick-grouping mechanic that allows players to jump in to action-packed scenarios for vital defense missions at locations around the globe. The video showcases the infamous Area 51 research facility and features a group of players breaching the compound in order to fend off Brainiac's nefarious takeover plans. Area 51 is the first alert mission you'll tackle as either a hero or villain character, so be sure to give the video a look-see (on the official Facebook page or right here after the cut) to get a heads up.
DC Universe Online sets pricing and new launch date
After a much needed push-back from the original launch date of November 2nd, Sony Online Entertainment has set a new launch date for DC Universe Online. We announced a rumored launch-date move yesterday. And today, SOE has confirmed that its new action-MMO will launch on January 11th, 2011. Game Director Chris Cao sent along this statement: "Creating DC Universe Online has been a massive undertaking, and we're excited to be that much closer to launch. We're grateful to our beta players for providing us invaluable feedback in these final stages that has enabled us to put the finishing touches on a fun and exciting experience when the game launches in January." The superhero game will launch simultaneously on the PC and Sony PlayStation 3 with the MSRP of US$49.99 and US$59.99 respectively. Purchase of the game grants one month free, after which a subscription costs US$14.99 monthly. PC customers will be able to take advantage of a US$29.99 StationAccess subscription which allows access to all current SOE games. Don't miss our launch-announcement interview with the DCUO creators coming soon!
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.
DC Universe video touts world, combat physics
The DC Universe hype machine is in full swing, what with this week's partial NDA drop and the steady stream of information flowing out of Sony Online Entertainment pertaining to the superhero title. To that end, game director Chris Cao narrates the latest DCUO video, which focuses on physics and physics-based combat. Note that when Cao says physics, he's talking more comic book and less Stephen Hawking, and the two-minute short does a good job of demonstrating the possibilities generated by what SOE is calling the MMO genre's first fully integrated physics system. Whether you're looking to encase your enemies in blocks of ice and toss them out of the fight, or use them as a frozen weapon to bludgeon any nearby baddies, it's all doable according the video. Check it out on the official DCUO Facebook page.
UbiWorkshop selling mysterious 'superhero' concept art on shirts
Ubisoft won't say what this 'superhero' concept design is for ... but it'll happily sell you a t-shirt of that design. Perhaps later, when the company actually reveals what this design (featuring "an old-time soviet exoskeleton?") is about, you'll be really cool for having the shirt even before it became a thing. The design comes from UbiWorkshop's Concept Lab. Ubi's Julien Cuny teased some of the possible destinations for these images: "A comic book? Animated movie? Or live-action? A novel maybe? Anime? I don't know... a boardgame? Again, it's obviously not a video game..." Obviously? Again? The only "answer" provided is, "The best Superheroes are the ones you've never heard of," which suggests that the new property is about Batman erasing the entire world's memory. The shirt will only be offered through December 6, for $20 CAD (also about $20 USD).
The Perfect Ten: Reasons why it's great to be an MMO fan today
After my last Perfect Ten list, I strongly debated creating a new one revolving around the issue of spiders and their relation to insects and gigantism, but my editor told me that that wasn't enough of an MMO topic to suit Massively's needs. So, bowing and scraping in apology, I must instead present to you my back-up plan: Ten reasons why it's great to be an MMO fan today. I can hear some of you grimacing right now: "But Justin -- if that is your real name -- are you really so doe-eyed and naïve? Don't you know that all MMOs suck, that it's all the same old crud, and that you have gray in your beard?" That's where I'm different, I guess. I'm not blind to some of the serious issues that plague the MMO industry, and I've had my fair share of burnout, disillusion and frustration with the games, but I can't bring myself to become an MMO cynic. On the contrary, I feel that part of being an MMO fan is that it's fun to look on the bright side and get excited about this hobby we all share. So in that spirit, I present to you 10 reasons why it's a great time to be an MMO fan right now more than ever before. And, yes, I'm still calling spiders "bugs." You can't stop me. I'm immune to all conventional weapons!
Heroes to test Champions Online free-to-play
Defender, the greatest hero of all time in Champions Online, has begun choosing a select group of players to test out the new free-to-play version of Cryptic's superhero MMO. Would you like to get in on the action saving Millennium City from Doctor Destroyer while helping the developers mold the F2P experience? Well, don't worry: If you are already a subscriber to CO, then you are in the pool of potential participants. Be sure to periodically peruse your inbox for an invite. Beta testing is set to begin tomorrow, November 9th. For those who have not heard the news from last week, Champions Online has joined the growing number of MMOs that are going free-to-play. Cryptic has announced a new payment model as well as a new structure for skill building. The developers assure us you will be able to play the game to max-level as well as encounter your nemesis without paying a dime. For full details about what the "Play Your Way" model has to offer, be sure to check out the Champions official site. F2P Champions is set to launch at the beginning of next year. The next free champion is you!
Champions Online previews the new Archetype system
When Champions Online first announced that it was joining the ranks of other games offering a no-subscription option, it included a mention that free members would be locked into archetypes. Archetypes were described in broad strokes as a chance for players to develop along the lines of famous heroes from comics, with a locked progression path but the same basic power level. While the development team hasn't yet expounded on what the precise archetypes will be, it has put together a short description about the differences players can expect between the normal free-form heroes and the coming archetype heroes. As it turns out, archetypes will end up with slightly fewer overall powers than freeform heroes but with the same general power level. The preview explains the split as being one of versatility -- freeform heroes will be able to take many roles, but archetype heroes will perform one role well and that's it. If you're one of the players looking forward to trying Champions Online as free-to-play, or if you're just interested in the new build system, take a look at the full rundown and keep your eyes peeled for the coming details on the archetypes themselves.
Updated: Win a City of Heroes Origins Booster Pack!
A few weeks ago, the City of Heroes team announced the upcoming Origins Booster Packs. The new capes and origins were "tentatively" set to arrive in the NCsoft store by November 3rd. It looks like that date was accurate, because the Origins Booster Packs are available as of today for $9.99 each. Nature, science, technology, magic, and mutant packs are for sale, but if your gaming fund is a little nonexistent at the moment, Massively's got you covered! We have Origins Booster Packs for 10 lucky Massively readers. It couldn't be easier to win; simply take a peek at our contest rules, then leave a comment here telling us which part of the pack is your favorite. We'll choose 10 winners at random from those who comment before 11:59 p.m. EDT on Friday, November 5th. But wait, there's more! Those of you who simply cannot wait until the drawing can pass the time by watching our Twitter page this afternoon and evening. Yes, that is a hint. Good luck! [UPDATED: All 10 winners have been chosen and emailed. Check those inboxes, and congratulations to the winners!]
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%
DCUO screens feature Power Girl, amazonian action
Sony Online Entertainment has graced us with its latest batch of weekly screenshots for its recently delayed DC Universe Online title. The superhero action MMORPG, tentatively scheduled for early 2011, looks to feature healthy amounts of beat-'em-up action if these screens are any indication. Check out our gallery below where you'll see Power Girl getting pwned by Parasite and a player-created biker chick. We're not sure who makes up the delectable double-team that's going down in the Batcave, but it looks cool regardless. There's also a shot of Amazons running amok at a Metropolis subway station, as well as some players duking it out in the Egyptian-themed Temple of Isis. Check out Massively's extensive DC Universe Online coverage for the latest on the game. %Gallery-105181%
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.
Environment and customization spotlighted in new DCUO images
As Sony Online Entertainment continues to reveal images from DC Universe Online, the game environment is emerging as one of the game's standout features. Players have admired the attention to detail in familiar locations, and that's not all. Some fans were a little concerned about available character customization -- particularly after the announcement regarding the ability to dress as your favorite hero -- but the last few rounds of screenshots have showed a wide range of available options and looks. The newest screenshots are no exception. Check out the gallery below for another snapshot tour of DCUO and its citizens, both good and bad. %Gallery-102654%
Behind the Mask: Six editions of legacy can't be all bad
Before we get into today's discussion on the merits of Champions Online's lore, I want to do a quick brief on the pet pass and the Demonflame update for those not hounding the forums. Demonflame is a little under a week away on PTS and about two weeks on live; you can get the skinny from Poz here. The pet patch is currently on PTS, and it's not bad, but it still needs some work. If you're interested at all in bashing out pets I strongly advise getting on PTS, going to the boards and dropping some feedback. A few other things have been tweaked too. This week on Behind the Mask, we're going to talk about lore. I'm not talking about the game's lore, although I'll cover some of that too. I'm talking about the book lore! I finally gave in and picked up the PDFs (you can buy them from the Hero Games website), and I browsed through a lot of the lore content. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Most of the content in Champions Online consists of parodies of comic and MMO culture, and those elements dilute the serious and interesting lore content that is available. If you've read the lore entries that you can find throughout CO, you'll find that most of them actually sound kind of cool. Unfortunately, that lore is scattered and doesn't show a lot of the big picture. Fortunately, I blew a ton of cash on PDFs (including even the rulebooks) to get a good sense of the game's lore.
Smith and Tinker talk of green goo, Marvel partnership
Smith and Tinker is a company that is building products for today's "roaming audience," such as 2009's collectible-monster game Nanovor. Essentially, tweens battled microscopic silicon-based monsters that lived deep within their PCs. While it garnered much attention, Smith and Tinker decided it was time for a re-do. Now, we have Nanovor Evolution, a newly rendered 3-D multi-platform version of the game that offers "every player complete gaming satisfaction anywhere and everywhere, and by evolving our Nanovor digital collective game and future titles onto multiple platforms, we are on track to making that a reality." The new version runs within a browser, with future versions available on iPhone and iPad. After our discussion, I decided to a look at the game myself. True to the company's word, it loaded and ran within my browser and looked great. I walked through an animated tutorial, customized my avatar, learned the basics of combat, and was introduced to the public area -- a square for players to chat safely and challenge each other to matches. Really, it's a miniature version of many full-scale MMORPGs, built to be played on many different devices and while on-the-go. Take a look after the jump to catch a glimpse at the action!
DC Universe previewed, Andersen talks character customization
With the launch of DC Universe Online just around the corner, we're starting to see a bit more information revealed about Sony Online Entertainment's superhero extravaganza. Gamespot reports on its lengthy hands-on at SOE's Austin development studio; highlights include a quest chain in the city of Metropolis as well as observations on the game's RPG and gear mechanics. Fan website DCUO Source also contributes some interesting info in the form of a collation of comments from the game's Facebook site. Ordinarily, reader comments regarding teaser videos aren't anything to write home about, but the fact that SOE's Jens Andersen chimed in to answer questions provides some interesting reading. One exchange that seems particularly noteworthy is Andersen's response to a fan concerned with the lack of information on DCUO's character customization options. "Character creation will be ongoing throughout the game with our appearance collection system and real items with stats forming a great fusion between form and function," Andersen says. "This means less choices upfront but more meaningful ones as you go through the game. It's a far cry from starting in rags and a loin cloth like in fantasy MMO's but it also isn't a fluff fest of everything which takes away the impact of getting cool stuff in games you can show off to your friends," he writes.
