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SOE touts one million new DCUO players
The success notices keep rolling in for DC Universe Online. This time Sony Online Entertainment is touting the fact that one million new players have joined the game's community over the past week. Executive director of development Lorin Jameson says that the numbers are split 50/50 between the PC and PlayStation 3 platforms, and he also intimates that more good news is in the works for fans of the superhero MMO. "We have a lot of exciting things coming up for players to enjoy in the game and are thrilled at the initial enthusiasm for the game's free-to-play transition," Jameson said via press release. [Source: SOE press release]
SOE announcing DCUO's freemium launch date tomorrow
Well folks, we'd love to tell you the official date that DC Universe Online is switching to its freemium business model. The only problem is that Sony Online Entertainment isn't making that information available until tomorrow. Why this post, then? So you can mark your Bat-calendars of course! SOE will make the date official at 7:30 p.m. EDT on October 27th via its Stickam portal (so, yes, this is effectively an announcement about an announcement). As we reported last month, SOE will be moving DCUO to a tiered access plan and eliminating the barrier that is the monthly subscription fee -- although gamers who choose to continue paying it in the form of the Legendary plan will enjoy numerous perks including free DLC and lots of character slots. [Source: SOE press release]
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment talks strategy, new Hobbit game and other upcoming titles
The release of Batman: Arkham City this week marks a nice success for Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, a division of the movie studio that started out with the less than popular The Matrix Online, and has slowly built up an empire that includes the Batman franchise, the Lego video games, and the Mortal Kombat series. The LA Times has a short profile of the company, and goes into detail on how it worked with studios like Traveller's Tales and Netherrealm to build up popular video game franchises that stand on their own even compared to the movie products. That's not to say that the plan always works (remember the Green Lantern game?), but Warner Bros. seems to have built up a few solid properties independent of tie-in movies. The next, then, is apparently a Hobbit game -- the article says there will be a game based on Peter Jackson's movie sometime next year. The company will also release a Lego Batman sequel, and some other casual online games featuring Warner characters. Oh, and there's one more: an unannounced game based on a different DC superhero. Has anyone else been J'onzzing for a Martian Manhunter escapade?
The Man of Steel returns to video games ... on iOS
There's a lot going on in the DC Universe these days, what with the radically controversial reboot of all its franchises and the new Superman movie that's currently in production, so of course now is the perfect time to announce an iOS Superman title has nothing to do with any of that stuff. IGN reports that veteran iOS publisher Chillingo and Denki Blocks! developer Tiger Games (No, not that Tiger) will bring the last son of Krypton to Apple's mobile operating system, heat-vision and arch-nemesis Lex Luthor in tow. Each level will pit Supes against various sets of challenges, with metals awarded at the completion of each level, ala Angry Birds. Little else is known at the moment, but here's hoping it turns out better than Superman 64.
DC Universe Online Facebook page teases fifth update 'soon' [update: how about now?]
DC Universe Online's official Facebook account has teased the fifth update for the popular console and PC MMO, hinting at new features and new characters to play with. The "Fate of the Fortress" update will include a new difficulty mode for the Hive Alert zone (with new loot to match), a duel feature for fighting friends, the ability to fight in the Batcave as yourself (rather than as the premade Iconic characters), and appearances from both Jor-El, Superman's dad, and the evil General Zod. We're not sure how that last one will be used, but best guess is that you'll have to /kneel before him. That's just a little MMO humor for you there (very little). DCUO is scheduled to go free-to-play by the end of this month, and so presumably the update will drop sometime right around then. In fact, the official account comments on the Facebook page that "Update 5 is soon, F2P is Late October," so we may even see this new content out sooner than the changeover. [Update: The DCUO Update 5 is now live.]
DCUO's latest update takes you to the Fortress of Solitude
We still don't have a date for you with regard to DC Universe Online's impending payment model switcheroo. We do have the latest Sony Online Entertainment press release, though, and it's full of details about the superhero MMO's latest content patch. Listen up, Superman fans, as today's patch brings about the second phase of a three-part raid in which players must stop Brainiac from harnessing Kryptonian technology and using it to destroy the entire planet. The update, appropriately titled The Fate of the Fortress, features Superman's iconic arctic hideout known as the Fortress of Solitude, and the patch allows would-be heroes to team up with Kal-El, Lex Luthor, and their fellow players to tackle a challenging eight-man group combat raid. There's a bunch of new loot to be had as well, and today's update also features a new hard-mode option for the HIVE tier-two alert as well as a new Batcave PvP map. Finally, SOE has incorporated a new dueling mechanic into DCUO, so fire up your launchpads, button up your underoos, and get ready to save Gotham City and Metropolis from the clutches of the megalomaniacal Brainiac. [Source: SOE press release]
Massively Exclusive: SOE's John Smedley reveals F2P model for DC Universe Online
For those of us who lack Batman's financial resources, maintaining several monthly MMO subscriptions can be a challenge. Sony Online Entertainment recognizes this, and as a result, the company has just announced that DC Universe Online will be officially joining the freemium revolution toward the end of October. The new business model will feature a familiar tiered access plan with three membership levels. The Free, Premium, and Legendary plans feature full access to the current game while offering different levels of "convenience and flexibility." Free players will be limited to two character slots, and new "downloadable game packs/updates, additional character slots, powers, and more" will be available for purchase via microtransactions. Premium players, i.e., folks who have spent at least $5 US on the game (including former subscribers and in-game item purchasers), will receive additional character slots, inventory slots, and higher cash limits. Legendary players will take home "maximum features and benefits" including free DLC, more than 15 character slots, and more than 80 inventory slots, all for the regular $14.99 monthly fee. DCUO will also continue to be available on SOE's Station Pass (and subscribing to the monthly all-in-one service nets you Legendary status in DCUO as well as access to all of SOE's MMORPGs). Finally, Massively sat down with SOE president John Smedley and producer Lorin Jameson to chat about the new model, and you can find that transcription after the break.
[Updated] Fight for solitude in the newest DC Universe Online update
Brainiac is back on the offensive in the latest DC Universe Online update, and this time his sights are set on Superman's Fortress of Solitude. Players must join forces with Superman and his reluctant ally Lex Luthor to fend off Brainiac, lest he use the Fortress' Kryptonian technology to destroy the Earth. Why Superman has Earth-destroying technology in his Fortress, we're not too sure. Just in case someone really pisses him off is our guess. The Fortress of Solitude is an eight-man raid which will reward successful players with Marks of Distinction, which players can use to purchase powerful new gear. The update also includes new high-level armor sets, including sets for heroes featuring Superman's logo, and sets for villains emblazoned with a 'Z' for "Zod." New hard-modes are also making an appearance, in the form of the Batcave and Hive hard-mode alerts. All this new content is available now, so jump right in and fight for some peace and solitude! UPDATE: Sony Online Entertainment released two corrected details today, August 4th. Players will earn Marks of Krypton good towards purchasing new gear in the Watchtower or Hall of Doom, rather than Marks of Distinction. There is no Hard Mode Option for the Hive Alert.
E3 2011: Enemies unite in new DCUO trailer
Amidst all the buzz at this year's E3, Sony Online Entertainment is showing off the latest developments coming for its superhero MMO DC Universe Online. In the new Enemies Unite trailer, we get a possible glimpse at upcoming content that turns the roles of hero and villain on their heads. Supervillain Brainiac launches an attack on the Fortress of Solitude, and the DC heroes are forced to team up with their adversaries to fight the common foe. The only information released so far is a trailer that's currently showing at E3. Details on how the new content will work and when it will arrive are still forthcoming, but this is sure to be an interesting update for fans of DC. Massively is on the floor at E3 right now trying to get the scoop on this interesting upcoming addition to DC Universe Online. Skip past the cut to watch the full trailer video, embedded in HD. Massively's on the ground in Los Angeles during the week of June 6-9, bringing you all the best news from E3 2011. Whether you're dying to know more about Star Wars: The Old Republic, RIFT, or any MMO in between, you can bet we'll have it covered!
Screen Grabs: HTC Hero caught running WP7 on Smallville, Tess Mercer due for an upgrade
Screen Grabs chronicles the uses (and misuses) of real-world gadgets in today's movies and TV. Send in your sightings (with screen grab!) to screengrabs at engadget dot com. It looks like Tess Mercer's got more than one hero in her life, but only one of them is running Windows Phone 7. In this week's episode of Smallville, Lois Lane places a call to Tess Mercer, who appears to be packing a white HTC Hero. Oddly enough, though, it's not rocking Eclair. That's right, this Hero's a Microsoft man -- which has us wondering: what OS is Superman running? [Thanks, Rich]
Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology Blu-ray set arrives June 7th
Superman fans pay attention, Warner Bros. has announced the Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology package will be released June 7, 2011 with an MSRP of $129.95. All five theatrical releases are here, but the eight discs include two alternate versions (Superman: The Movie Extended Edition and Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut) and a bonus disc. There's over twenty hours of extras in all including the commentaries, two HD documentaries and a slew of other extras from previous releases. Check out the complete list of features and trailer embedded after the break. %Gallery-120247%
Play for keeps: Forsaken World launches
Just like how Clark Kent and Superman are one and the same, so too is Forsaken World's open beta and launch. The free-to-play MMO was scheduled to go live on March 23rd, but Perfect World Entertainment surprised us all by moving it forward to... today. While the website calls this an open beta, the studio insists that this is indeed the official launch of Forsaken World. Semantics aside, players can now roll characters without fear of any future wipe as Perfect World Entertainment declares that from now on it's all "for keeps." From pets to prayers to floating guild halls, Forsaken World is trying to keep life spicy in the F2P market. Head on over to the official website to get into the game today, and don't forget to check out our exclusive Perfect World Entertainment interview of this darker MMO.
DCUO examines the meta-human power suits
Is that a bird? Is that a plane? Is that Superman? No, it's you in the House of El battlesuit. This piece of iconic gear, as well as the Lexcorp Salvation suit, is available to level 30 characters in DC Universe Online. However, the suit isn't just handed to you for nothing; you have to earn it. These two suits are specially designed for heroes or villains who follow the Meta-human storyline. They contain the best stats for either tank, controller, healer, or DPS, and they can only be bought if you have the right influence with the right faction. Chris Cao, the game director for DCUO, gave Massively an exclusive video outlining exactly what it takes to get your hands on this special armor. If you are looking to follow the mega-billionaire Lex Luthor or the Man of Steel himself in the DC Universe, fly past the cut and pay close attention to this video.
Kinect hack: 'FPS' is for 'First-Person Superman'
Utilizing a Vuzix video headset and the Kinect, this project from the University of Amsterdam lets you pretend to be Superman. The experience offers many of Supe's abilities, including ice breath, super strength, heat vision and, best of all, first-person flying. Bonus, you can also zap Darth Vader.
SOE shows off DC Universe Online newbie video
For those of you who haven't run through DC Universe Online's tutorial instance 36,000 times by now, SOE has posted a new video to its Facebook page previewing a bit of the goings on aboard Brainiac's prison/invasion/newbie ship. The one-minute clip is full of furious fists, physics-based combat and flying containers -- and in a bit of a spoiler -- the Man of Steel himself shows up to lend newbs a helping hand. Curiously, Superman's video voiceover isn't performed by Adam Baldwin, but other than that, the footage is exactly what you'll experience after you've fired up DCUO's character creator and taken your first steps into a larger world. Check it out after the cut and visit the game's official website for more details.
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.
Superman revealed in DC Universe Online
You'd be hard-pressed to think of a more iconic superhero than Superman. The Man of Steel is instantly recognizable, the archetype that defines superheroes in every medium, a paragon of decency despite his titanic power. His presence has been felt in DC Universe Online for quite some time, and in a rather fitting turn of events, Sony Online Entertainment has decided to use the last weekend prior to the game's launch to reveal screenshots of Superman in action. In addition to the concept sketch of the last son of Krypton and several neutral renders, the gallery shows off Superman fighting in a variety of environments, displaying both the range of his powers and the sheer level of power he operates at. While we can't promise that the most iconic hero in DC Universe Online will really ameliorate the wait until Tuesday's release, it might at least help take the edge off. %Gallery-113339%
DC Universe Online beta ends today with a big ol' fight
Saturday night certainly is alright for fighting, but DC Universe Online would rather you engage in battle today, ending the beta for DCUO with an event: "Battle of the Legends." Players can either align with good or evil and battle alongside the likes of Joker, Batman, Superman, and Lex Luthor -- a full list of the battles can be found after the break. We'd suggest hopping on the PC version around 5PM PST and joining up with Future Batman (as piloted by famed comic artist Jim Lee) to take down evil, or if you're feeling more edgy, the PS3 version around 7PM PST to join Lee as Future Joker in creating chaos. If you miss the whole event, well, the game officially launches next week, so no biggie. That said, if you're really sore about missing it, the full play-by-play will be broadcast via DCUO's Facebook page. "Like" away!
DC Universe Online closes its beta with a bang
With release just a scant week away, DC Universe Online has a loose end to tie up -- specifically, the still-ongoing beta test. In the grand tradition of betas, of course, it won't be with a simple message to buy the game and a server shutdown. No, players will get to take part in something epic in the tradition of the source material, with a grand battle involving iconic characters of the universe as well as player characters. Each of the closing events involve two iconic DC figures going head-to-head -- either Superman against Lex Luthor or The Joker versus Batman. Players will have the opportunity to fight alongside the iconic villain or hero depending on character alignment, with times varying based on the server. And in the event that you can't attend, the team will be helpfully posting status updates on each iconic battle, as well as possibly introducing a few new wrinkles to complicate the event. DC Universe Online testers should still do their level best to be present for the battles -- after all, who wouldn't want to close off a beta by teaming up with Batman?%Gallery-112847%
DC Universe Online enlisting recruits Jan. 11 in NA, Jan. 14 in UK
Since being pushed to an amorphous "spring 2011" release window back in October, DC Universe Online has been given a solid launch date once and for all: January 11 in North America and January 14 in the UK. Sony Online Entertainment confirmed the dates in an interview with IGN, also announcing the game's $199 lifetime subscription price (a bit over 13 months worth of sub. fees), as well as it's main pricing structure: $49.99 on PC / $59.99 on PS3 with one month subscription, $14.99 for subsequent months. "We're going to be here for far more than a single year. We've got a lot of universe to build, and we're not going to stop anytime soon," game director Chris Cao said of the lifetime subscription pricing. Cao also detailed an end-of-the-world event that will take place within DCUO before it launches in January. "Jim Lee and our friends at DC are going to join us in a live, end-of-beta event where players will fight alongside and against the iconics as Brainiac's menace yet looms," he explained, adding, "It will be an epic end and thank you for beta. And it will set the stage for the real struggle to come in live." Another struggle to come alongside the game's launch? How to get players to choose another mentor -- as expected, Superman was the favorite "by far." Of course, we'll be bucking the trend with a super villain mimicking hip-hop personality MF Doom. Too obvious?
