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Is Champions Online the next great MMORPG?
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Let's face it, MMO's have become stale. Each year we see new MMO's that are basically last year's MMO's with a little bit of new packaging. Occasionally, we'll see something that tries to be a little different -- such as not having elves and orcs and magic -- but too often these games end up failing.
Champions Online is set to buck that trend. Based on the old pen-and-paper game, it is being developed by Cryptic Studios, the same people that brought us City of Heroes. And while it is going to have some similarities to their first superhero game, there's enough new in Champions Online to really get excited about.
The first thing about the game that really sets it apart from other MMO's is the character creation system. Similar to the pen and paper game, Champions Online will use a points system, which is basically a create-a-class system. When you go to create your superhero, you will be able to 'buy' superpowers, and you won't be restricted to what superpowers you can purchase because of your class because Champions Online won't have classes.
But that's just where the fun starts. City of Heroes was known for being the king of character customization, and Champions Online takes that to the next level. Not only can you create a completely custom look, you can also tell the game how your character moves, such as moving on all fours like an animal or floating inches above the ground like a ghost.
You can also customize your powers, so if you want to shoot green fire out of your fingertips, you can do it, or if you want those lasers flying out of your eyes to be blue rather than red, you can do that too.
But the neatest part is how you'll be able to control some of the content. Each superhero in Champions has a nemesis, and you will be able to create your own nemesis. This arch-villain will pop up in the game at various points, allowing you to have a unique storyline.
Cryptic Studios is also working on ways to include even more user-generated content.
The game will also release simultaneously for the PC and the Xbox 360 and will allow players from both platforms to co-exist on the same server, though PC-specific and Xbox 360-specific servers will also be available. And while all MMOs focus on group play, Cryptic is also promising a fulfilling solo experience that will allow those who like to go it alone to progress through the entire game.
MMORPG.com has nominated Champions Online as one of the most anticipated games of 2009.
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