DC Universe Online Thread

[NamPaehc]

Official Website. (http://dcuo.station.sony.com/)

Official Trailer. (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/37075.html)



The first project out of Sony Online's Austin studio, this action-based MMO explores the various worlds of DC Comics' superheroes and villains. Key collaborators include comic veterans Jim Lee (who serves as the game's Executive Creative Director), Ale Garza, Carlos D'Anda, and Scott Iwahashi, in addition to EverQuest developers, Chris Cao and Shawn Lord.


A massively-multiplayer experience, DC Universe Online brings high-energy action to the forefront with a combat system designed to deliver a fast-paced action experience with the extraordinary powers of your personally created heroes and villains at your disposal. Battle with or against their favorite DC Super Heroes and Villains including Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Joker. For the very first time, players and fans will be able to enter this fabled world as an active force for good or evil.Image Gallery. (http://media.ps3.ign.com/media/755/755358/imgs_1.html)

Gametrailers game page. (http://www.gametrailers.com/game/8708.html) Has videos and interviews with the developers.

CES Preview (http://ps3.ign.com/articles/943/943880p1.html)
http://media.ign.com/games/image/object/755/755358/DC-Universe_RPboxart_160w.jpg (http://ps3.ign.com/articles/943/943880p1.html)

DC Universe Online = "Female Friendly". (http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2009/02/09/dc-universe-online-devs-explains-how-their-game-is-female-friendly/)

Preview with some interesting details on powers, PvP, and missions. (http://www.crispygamer.com/previews/2009-02-09/dc-universe-online.aspx)

Controller Walkthrough. (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/45247.html)


IGN NYCC09 Hand's on. (http://pc.ign.com/articles/952/952460p1.html)

Here are the highlights…


Factions are going to be a big part of the game -- both for you and NPCs. The panel named LexCorp and STAR Labs as factions (they popped up in the demo) but didn't really expand on the statement.
Although we've only seen Metropolis and talked about Gotham, you'll be fighting all over the world.
The team was split on Zatanna wearing fishnets.
Although Jim Lee and WildStorm redid some character costumes for the game, nothing will be super extreme. "At the end of the day, you're going to get all the characters you're familiar with, but I think they're going to look really cool and unique to this game," Lee said.
Wolfman said he was "blown away" by John's overview of the story for DCUO.
This is an action game; don't expect to be reading lots of text.
There still hasn't been a decision as to whether PS3 owners will be able to play PC owners and vice versa.
Hints from the panel suggest telekinesis is a superpower in the game and that it is hard to program.
The demo took place in Midtown Metropolis, which is 300 city blocks, and that's only one-eighth of the town. The Tomorrow District and Suicide Slum are in the game.
A fan asked if you'll be able to shrink like the Atom, grow like the Atom Smasher, or wield powers like Plastic Man. The panel would only say that there are a lot of power systems to choose from when creating a character. If you don't feel like experimenting with the creation options, you'll be able to click "inspired by" and have your stats and powers set to be like Batman, Superman, or some other character.
Civilian reactions will depend on what you're doing, what you've done, and where you are -- a villain walking down the street will garner different reactions based on where he or she is and what he or she has done.
Pedestrians are not targets -- heroes don't have to worry about hurting bystanders when they hurl a bus or whatever.

[m_d_amore]

Looks good and interesting. Im more of a Marvel fan but seeing theres not really Dc guys in it so id give it a shot

[BlueScrote]

I'm a Marvel person also (only Batman and Green Lantern interest me from DC). Coincidentally I'm also not much of a MMO person either.

I will keep an eye on this though, because from the previews the combat looks to be more action-esque than most mmos. And its a Comic Book Game. So I have to keep an eye on this.

[DarkKenpachi]

looks good. I am also more marvel myself, but this game does have an universal appeal to it. I am a big Jim Lee fan as well. love what he did to the Xmen in the 90's

lets see how it pans out. Definately interested though

[ChiefsFan21]

Sorry, but I don't think this game will really do well. Yet, I will play it anyways....weird..

[NamPaehc]

Hah yeah, I was a bit disappointed with the Marvel camp went with M$ and DC ended up going with $ony. I was hoping it would be the other way around too.

Sony has a few MMO's in the pipeline for the PS3, and this looks pretty good so far.

[riddler]

seems interesting...i wonder why it isn't also on the 360?
anyway, kinda looks like city of heroes...haven't played it myself though so maybe someone who has can give some insight

[mwynn]

seems interesting...i wonder why it isn't also on the 360?
anyway, kinda looks like city of heroes...haven't played it myself though so maybe someone who has can give some insight

Developer(s) Sony Online Austin
Publisher(s) Sony Online Entertainment

[mwynn]

Looks good and interesting. Im more of a Marvel fan but seeing theres not really Dc guys in it so id give it a shot

What do you mean there are not DC guys in it?

[Loonknight]

I'm curious about this one, so only time will tell if I pick it up.

[NamPaehc]

New Dev Interview is up. (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/44343.html)

[NamPaehc]

I'm interested in what kind of "mounts" they have. I mean, not everyone should be able to run the whole city on foot right? I wonder if we'll see cars and bikes like Batman has. Would help to make the game stand out further if done right. Right now it just looks like City of Heroes with a DC coat of paint on it to me.

[m_d_amore]

What do you mean there are not DC guys in it?

the first video gave me the impression that actual DC characters are NPC

[bornrunnin31]

the first video gave me the impression that actual DC characters are NPC

I believe that they only are NPC. You only play as your created character, but you get to fight/fight alongside popular characters.

Watched this 3 part dev walkthrough (in a thread at evilavatar.com) (http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=74495) from CES yesterday, and it certainly has me interested. Just have to wait and see what the pay structure is like.

[m_d_amore]

monthly fee = fail for me

[NamPaehc]

I just saw this, I wonder if similar models could work for this game too. (http://www.destructoid.com/preview-crimecraft-117700.phtml)

Vogster had originally announced CrimeCraft as a free to play game, while offering gamers the option to purchase weapons and items. Vogster is currently reevaluating this plan, and has decided to take out the option of players spending real-world money on in-game weapons that could create an unfair advantage. However, players can spend money for aesthetic changes, such as a gold plated pistol, for example, as well as consumable boost items, such as a double XP item. Ultimately, Vogster has not decided on a pay-to-play plan, a free-to-play plan, or a combination of the two.

They are, still undecided but I'm interested in seeing the different options out there these days.

[NamPaehc]

Pretty good preview with interview video too. (http://ps3.gamespy.com/playstation-3/dc-comics-mmo/945612p1.html)

He mentioned that you can earn enough respect to join the JL which is cool.

[c335harp]

I'm not so sure about this game. The universe is rich, no doubt, but everything they've showed thus far looks really really lackluster. Has SOE had a proven winner since Planetside (and even that game had very questionable quality)?

[NamPaehc]

I'm not so sure about this game. The universe is rich, no doubt, but everything they've showed thus far looks really really lackluster. Has SOE had a proven winner since Planetside (and even that game had very questionable quality)?

What portions are you referring to that are sub par in your eyes, even at this early stage? (did they say pre-alpha?).

[Richlough]

Why would Marvel fans complain about this game when you can potentially create a Marvel hero for it ?

[NamPaehc]

Looks like people in New York next month will be able to check this out on the show floor of NYCC (http://www.nycomiccon.com/App/homepage.cfm?moduleid=2577&appname=100453).

[NamPaehc]

Looks like the Wolfman's out the bag! (http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/30/writer-marv-wolfman-signs-up-for-dc-universe-online/)

Earlier this week we heard about a secret comic book "legend" joining the DC Universe Online development team. The silhouetted individual was supposed to be revealed at New York Comic Con next weekend. Of course, you didn't expect it to remain a secret until then, did you? The latest issue of Wizard magazine (via BigDownload) has let the Black Cat out of the bag: writer Marv Wolfman will be enlisting with previously revealed comic veterans Geoff Jones and Jim Lee and the rest of Sony Online.

The creator of Blade and writer of Crisis on Infinite Earths will be expanding and adding to the narrative already written by Jones, while Lee is handling the art direction. Even though the surprise has apparently been spoiled, you'll still be able to enjoy a brand new playable demo at the convention. Look for the DC Universe Online panel on Saturday, February 7.

[Richlough]

Marv Wolfman can only be a good thing .

I read The New Teen Titans religiously in the 80's . There were 2 back then .

[Lynsanity]

It's a it early, but is anyone interested in starting some type of Clan/Guild? If so, I can host it on my website.

[NamPaehc]

It's a it early, but is anyone interested in starting some type of Clan/Guild? If so, I can host it on my website.

Yeah way to early, game might still be pre-alpha.

Here is a document though outlining some interesting things pertaining to guilds and what SOE might be looking to do with future titles. (http://www.station.sony.com/images/community/blogs/FundamentalGuildTools.html)

[NamPaehc]

Interview with dev on their hesitation to put cross-platform play into the game. (http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2009/02/05/dc-universe-online-developer-not-sure-if-ps3-pc-gamers-could-happily-co-exist/) ... WOW. Basically he says "because the two user bases won't like each other". That is a new one. I thought I've heard it all when it comes to cross platform play but that was just weak.

Anyway... Another dev interview here. (http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/joystiq-interview-wes-yanagi-on-creating-dc-universe-online/)

[Kanik]

Played the game at ComicCon yesterday...freaking amazing. I love how fluid the game is and incorporates everything I wanted other MMOs to be (two factions getting missions with the objective to stop each other). So great. I ended up wiping the floor of everyone else playing on the villain side, one game rep turned to me "WAS THAT YOU?!" right after clearing all the villain players. Love how they handle death (no pentalty, option to get up after 5 seconds or teleport to a safe spot if being camped). It just promotes fun and not a grind.

In contrast - I played Champions Online and hated it. Felt like City of Heroes with a new skin and some much needed balance patches like the inability to just fly away when you're getting beaten up. =/

[Ahadi]

Tagging for future updates.

Here's hoping I can be the best Captain Marvel knock off ever :lol:

[NamPaehc]

Nice that you got to try out the game, sounds good!

Also here is a great interview with Marv Wolfman about his role of story teller for this game. Check it out! (http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/rpg/dcuniverseonline/news.html?sid=6204256)

[Kanik]

Sat through a DCUO panel today and later attended a dinner that the developers held. Pretty much heard everything they had to say about the game so far.

The game is in alpha, everything shown so far is only Midtown Metropolis. Other districts like Suicide Slums will have a different vibe to it.

The streets will eventually be filled with citizen NPCs as well as traffic. Citizen NPCs will also react differently depending on faction. Example: NPCs in midtown Metropolis running from Villains while the ones in Suicide Slums don't mind them. Citizens also can't be targeted or attacked. They hinted that they're "agile" - no word on whether that means attacks will go through them or if the NPCs will jump out of the way. It looked like it was leaning towards the latter.

They seemed very anti-vehicle. Meaning, they enjoyed the idea of travel powers over batmobiles. "How many times has Batman had to be flown by Superman from place to place?"

Looks like most of the action will come in the form of "Missions". Meaning, enemy NPCs don't just hang out. They took a jab at City of Heroes "Don't expect Ninjas on one corner and Snake People on the other". Rather, it will be story oriented along the lines of "investigate this area" then when you do enemies will have spawned.

Metropolis and Gotham will be the first two cities. Expansions will continue content to go elsewhere - they mentioned space and other planets.

In addition to choosing your costume from the beginning, you'll also be able to collect armor pieces. You'll be able to customize how armor pieces look on you, whether you want some to show or not and if you want to keep your character's sillhouette. This feature was likened to Batman's different armor suits - they all still look like Batman.

Buildings can't be destroyed but while playing I did notice the ability to cause cracks. A fireball that missed ended up causing a dent in the glass doors of a building.

Oh! And they hinted at Telekinetic powers. Being able to lift and control pieces of the environment. They already had one character available to play that had a shield that propelled any object nearby.

It got me very excited. :D

[NamPaehc]

Sat through a DCUO panel today and later attended a dinner that the developers held.

...

It got me very excited. :D

Thanks for your info! Very cool of you.

Sad about the vehicles, but I guess it makes sense. Perhaps it'll have build up team work needing others to get around large distances. I really want to swing around on a grapple line though at least.

There are some cam videos floating around the net, I'll be linking to them in a while.

[Kanik]

Played some more today. Found out a bit more about combat that I didn't know before.

That's not an energy bar underneath the health, it's a fatigue bar. The more punch attacks you swing the more fatigue you get which affects damage output.

Special Attacks aren't tied to an energy bar system, only by their cooldown.

The game is heavy on physics. You don't lock onto an enemy - you target whoever is in front of you. So if you shoot a fire ball attack and aren't facing an opponent it will not hit them. The projectile has to make contact. This makes dodging attacks possible.

Was low on health and had a projectile fight with another character. Because I circled around him, I managed to not get hit and win.

The game definitely feels more like an action game than a RPG.

[NamPaehc]

I edited in a few links I thought were good into the 1st post. I might go back and add in the ones I've seen posted in the thread too later on.

The control layout (video in first post) looks really simple which is good. He did mention a lock on button I think so I ponder how that'll work with the system you describe.

Also there is footage (on gametrailers) of a villain basically doing a mission/cape that is opposite of what the heroes were doing in the previous outing. I think that is a nice touch and the interaction in the world between the two player types and then the different private instances for both is something I hope they can pull off.

[jza1218]

I got to play it as well, and not to rehash what I wrote on my blog(for my sake, not yours), I really enjoyed it. I felt that there were two flaws: some kind of targeting/lock on, which after reading above I understand why it may not work, and a better on screen map. I felt like I had no idea which way to go. On the upside, I played as a speedster, and you get a real sense of zipping along, even running up/horizontal walls.

[BlueScrote]

Crispy Gamer has a preview on it (warning: their website layout sucks.)

http://www.crispygamer.com/previews/2009-02-09/dc-universe-online.aspx

and it looks fairly interesting. To be honeest this type of Superhero MMO would be the kind that would actually interest me (Although I still do like the Marvel Universe better) since its heroes and supposed to be more action based than normal MMOs I have fairly high hopes that it'll turn out good.

[Kanik]

A good comparison to the combat in DCUO is Justice League Heroes. Just starting playing it yesterday to calm down my urge to play DCUO.

It feels similar because of the whole need to face an enemy to land a hit, combo system with heavy/light punches, and the ability to pick up anything and proceed to either wail on enemy with it or chuck it.

[NamPaehc]

In this interview, the dev mentions that they are looking to have cross-platforming (http://loot-ninja.com/2009/02/11/interview-dc-universe-online/)between the PS3 and PC happen.

Mentions PS3+PC servers, along with PVP/PVE server types.

[Lynsanity]

Too Bad it has been pushed back to 2010...