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Champions Online - Open Beta has begun!
Pony
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
From Cryptic Studios, the creators of City of Heroes, comes a new super-hero MMORPG for the PC and Xbox 360.
Due for release in September 2009, Champions Online is currently in closed Beta testing. They are still accepting applications to get into this closed Beta, so you still have a chance to try the game before it's out!
So what makes Champions Online a game that should be on your radar?
Here's some of the things that set this game apart from some of the other MMORPGs on the market right now:
Character Customization
Champions Online takes the character customization of City of Heroes and turns that dial up to 11. Beyond simply configuring costume pieces and colors, Champions Online gives you full control of your character's height, weight, body proportions, and even their stance and running animations. Want a giant, oversized brute with massive arms who stalks forward with menace? Done. How about a savage beast, who runs on all fours? In Champions Online, it's possible.
In addition to being able to customize the appearance of your individual character, Champions Online also gives you control over the color of your character's powers, and the look and color of your character's weapons (if any). If you want green flames, lavender eye beams, or a gold-plated shotgun, the choice is yours.
But where is Champions Online truly different from other MMORPGs, especially its spiritual predecessor, City of Heroes?
Combat
In Champions Online, you have your fairly standard "Green and Blue bars" of Health and Energy. Predictably, your Health is the amount of damage you are able to take, you use your Energy bar to utilize your powers.
But where is this game different? Every hero has a basic attack, whether it's punches or fire blasts or pistol shots or whatever, that actually builds Energy, rather than using it.
The result is that truly, your Energy bar is never really empty for long. Combat is an action-packed game of building up your Energy bar with combos of basic attacks, and then using that Energy to unleash your more potent powers.
Downtime is minimal, combat is fast and very few powers have "cooldowns" or "recharge time".
Additionally, very few attacks "root" your character in place, allowing you to freely move about the battlefield. In many cases, this sort of "run and gun" style not only looks dynamic, it's good tactics, as some enemies sport area of effect attacks and other effects that are going to make you want to move out of the way.
Every character is capable of using a Block function, as well, mitigating incoming damage at the expense of continued attacks. Many of the higher level enemies have "tells", indicators that a large and very damaging or dangerous attack is incoming, and you better block!
The combat system in Champions Online is closer to "beat 'em up" games like Marvel Ultimate Alliance than traditional MMORPGs. There is a bunch of tiny details that collectively different in pronounced ways. For example, much of the objects in the game are destructible and, depending on your strength, can be lifted and thrown at enemies.
A very dynamic combat system, featuring unorthodox power usage, is really important, because the game is very big on...
Create Your Hero, Your Way
More than just offering visual customization options, Champions Online truly allows for freedom in character design by featuring a classless, powers-based level structure.
That's right, in Champions Online, there are no classes, and few limitations on what powers you are able to select from.
Powers in this game all fit into Frameworks, loose collections of related powers that constitute something of a "set". For example, all the Fire-related powers are in the Fire Control framework, while all of the gun and explosive based powers are in the Munitions Framework.
However, you can choose from any Framework you want, and mix them however you want. If you want a gun-toting half-dragon necromancer who carries an assault rifle and raises the dead and can breath fire, that's your business.
There is, obviously, a reward for specializing in a single Framework: Every power in the game is on a Tier, from 1-3. The higher Tier powers are, obviously, more powerful and unlock at later levels. If, however, you have a multitude of powers from a single Framework, the higher Tiers of that Framework unlock at a lower level for you than for someone who dabbles in multiple Frameworks.
Inevitably, though, all Tiers from all Frameworks are available, and high level characters can really take any power they want.
On top of your attack, defense, support, and utility powers there are also...
Travel Powers
These deserve a special mention, because unlike many other MMORPGs Champions Online does not make achieving a method of swift travel around zones into a chore or something you have to earn towards the end of the game.
Travel powers in Champions Online become available at level 5. To give you a sense of perspective, just finishing the tutorial of the game leaves you at level 5-7. So, your character can fly, teleport, swing, or whatever the case may be more or less right from the beginning of their career, no waiting till level 14 or 40.
PVP
In Champions Online, you are super-heroes. Super-villains are not, at this time, playable (although see the Nemesis system later for a bit on that).
But, the game still does feature PVP. There are duels (as depicted above) which you can do at any time, any where, with consenting parties.
There is also the Hero Games, a sort of in-universe professional fighting league for superhumans, which features multi-hero bouts and even cage matches.
Finally, a rather unique feature of Champions Online is the...
Nemesis System
In Champions Online, high level heroes have more concerns than villain groups like VIPER or the machinations of Doctor Destroyer.
As you advance in the game, you eventually get the opportunity to create your own Nemesis, a foil and opponent for your hero who will have an entire series of story arcs tailored just for you. You design your Nemesis using the same extremely versatile and creative character design tools available to player characters, and set aspects of their personality and powers for the game to use to generate missions for you.
Your Nemesis will ambush you, send their minions after you, and engage in diabolical plots you will have to stop. You can recruit friends to help you fight your Nemesis, but beware... they may have Nemeses of their own!
Hopefully, all of this has highlighted some of the exciting ways Champions Online is bringing a new and different MMORPG to the table, and I hope to see you all in Millennium City!
I am no longer maintaining a list of people who are in the beta, as there is like over two hundred of you guys in by now and the constant PMs are killing me. Please stop PMing me your account names! Just make sure to join the PA channel and ask someone in the PA SG to invite you, okay!
Also, when you start each new character, make sure to right click on your chat tab and join the channel Penny Arcade.
Pony on
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Posts
Account is same as forum name.
Also
me and you pal. its like good cop bad cop....
ok its not like that at all....
ANYWAY
Martial Arts Single Blade Revealed
behind a work filter? NO PROBLEM
Energy Builder
Energy Generation, Melee Slashing Damage
Reaper’s Touch uses your blade to rapidly slice apart your enemies.
Click
* Single target slashing damage
* Generates energy
Reaper’s Caress
No Requirements
Melee Cone Slashing Damage
Reaper’s Caress is a rapid series of attacks capable of leaving the enemy with multiple bleeding wounds.
Click
* Single target particle damage
* Deals slashing damage to targets in melee range in front of the owner
* Deals double damage on every third attack in succession
* Generates energy if affected by Momentum
Focus of the Unconquered Swordsman
Requires 1 power from Single Blade or 2 non energy building powers from any framework
Slotted Passive, Damage Buff
While Focused, an Unconquered Swordsman is able to sense the weak spots of their enemies, delivering blows with deadly precision.
Slotted Passive
* Can be slotted in an Offensive or Balanced passive power slot
* Increases damage dealt with Slashing attacks
* Each time you take damage you gain an Opportunity Strike buff, increasing your damage for a short time
* Allows the Dragon’s Bite power to be charged
Sneak
Requires 3 power from Single Blade or 5 non energy building powers from any framework
Stealth
When you need to go unnoticed, sneaking can get you to otherwise inaccessible spots.
Click
* Places you in stealth, reducing the chance for enemies to see you
* Entering combat will remove you from stealth
* While stealthed you will move at half speed
Dragon’s Bite
Requires 3 powers from Single Blade or 5 non energy building powers from any framework
Melee Charged Slashing Damage
Dragon’s Bite is a technique that is highly effective in both attacking the enemy and in setting yourself up to efficiently press your attack.
Tap
* Single target slashing damage
Charge
* Applies Momentum for a short time if fully charged. Momentum reduces all Martial Arts ability energy costs to 0 and allows specific powers to generate energy.
* Damage increased by size of available energy pool
* Drains all energy if fully charged
* Can only be charged if affected by Focus of the Unconquered Swordsman
Reaper’s Embrace
Requires 5 power from Single Blade or 8 non energy building powers from any framework
Melee Slashing Damage
Reaper’s Embrace is a powerful slashing attack capable of taking advantage of any bleeding wounds the enemy may have.
Click
* Single target slashing damage
* Damage is increased if the target is affected by Bleed
* Generates energy if affected by Momentum
Scything Blade
Requires 5 power from Single Bladeor 8 non energy building powers from any framework
Melee Slashing Damage, DoT
Scything Blade delivers a powerful blow to your target, leaving them with a lingering wound long after the initial attack.
Click
* Single target slashing damage
* Applies Bleed. Bleed deals slashing damage over time.
* Generates energy if affected by Momentum
Shuriken Throw
Requires 5 power from Single Blade or 8 non energy building powers from any framework
Ranged Slashing Damage
Shuriken Throw allows you to throw shuriken with deadly precision.
Click
* Single target slashing damage
* Generates energy if affected by Momentum
also some characters, because I am a super original bastard
http://champions-online.com/rate_my_champion/490892
http://champions-online.com/rate_my_champion/517196
http://champions-online.com/rate_my_champion/471004
This is real nice for us eurofolk, we get to join the PA peeps while still having people online during our prime-time.
Definitely makes me more interested in getting this.
I don't get that last one.....also have you made your avatar yet? GEEZ COME ON NINJA BIRD TIME
:?:
Just do that and give him that "Pointy Jester Nosepiece"
If you don't I will....
what is your AV from anyway? Can't place it....
my av is from chrono trigger. the little bastards threw rocks at you from across the map.
Also, since they're gonna wipe em this weekend anyway here's the latest couple of characters I've come up with:
Red Mask
Batterin' Ram
I'm particularly fond of Batterin' Ram, he's got some nice details on the armor but the whole thing is just so simple. Now if only the upper tier force powers did a little bit more damage...
Love it.
females at max body mass are not massive at all. just like, well toned or something. males at max body mass are gigantic though
Things like that, the life-time subscription only available before the game comes out, and microtransactions are really throwing me off for the game. Things like that kind of make a voice go off that says the makers aren't confident in the quality of the game and want to score your money first, before you realize it's not that great. I know I'm no the only one that feels that way, but I really want to play a new superhero game.
I'm torn.
there will be a free trial for the game most likely and it'll probably be called a free trial
Open Beta = No NDA. It does not mean "Open to Everyone" There is also Fileplanet for the Beta access.
Life-Time sub as discussed in the previous thread is there to reward beta testers and provide an influx of cash. They cannot offer it forever. If the game lasts 3 years or more, but everyone signed up for Lifetime -- they aren't making money. I did the Lifetime sub, it is a great value for me. If I get 3 years out of this game and never buy a MT -- they lost money on me.
Just as LoTRO provided the lifetime sub -- it was cheaper before the game launched, then the price of the lifetime sub increased. Now they offer the lifetime sub via refer a friend (if that friend already has the lifetime sub) and during events. I imagine Cryptic will do something like that.
Listen, did you like CoX?
Because I really can't see many reasons to go back once this game goes live. Yes, it will not be as polished initially as CoX, a game which has been out for like...4 years+, but DAMN it is GOOD.
Also- seriously drop the whole "OMG MT's AND LIFERSUB MEANZ THIS GAME IS GONNA SUCK AND THEY KNOW IT". Everyone needs to drop that shtick. You can talk about whether or not you think it is a good idea for the company financially or whether or not you will get one, but I swear the next time I see one of those statements I am gonna cut something.
I mean, I understand that 40-50 bucks is a little much for some people to just drop, but you DO get a free month! And as we have seen from CoX, they may do retarded "trial accounts= poops" business in that style, but they may not.
I would advise picking it up on release, playing the month, and then deciding.
As to how only pre-orders are allowed into beta....I mean, why is this a bad thing? I just don't get it....its not like a headstart, all characters will be wiped, and it may also not be close to the final product. It could potentially hurt people.
Now as to why/when there will be a free trial...you got me there.
My account name is the same as my forum name - AustinP0027.
Not really.
I'm out.
I liked CoX but got bored of it really fast, but would go back every couple of months only to be bored fast again. I really liked it because I love the concept of a superhero MMO.
Also, it's not a schtik, it's a legit (albeit cynical) concern. It's like a car company offering you a discount on your car but you're not allowed to test drive it first. If the lifetime sub exists after launch maybe with a price hike, it'll make a lot more sense to me.
For me, personally, pre-orders only in the beta is a bad thing because that's typically my time (in mmos) to demo them and decide if I want them. I've spent literally tens of thousands of dollars on video games in my lifetime, and I'm at the point where in order to get my money the game has to get fantastic reviews, or let me demo it and decide for myself. MMOs are strange in that regard, because reviews often won't be complete for 3-4 months or more, and by then I could be involved in something else. It means the company will probably get less of my money (if any) overall.
More than that though, being in Canada I'm not even sure if pre-ordering will get me in the Beta at all anyways. They're making things more difficult than they need to be for the customer, which is rarely a good thing.
I don't know how it works in Canadaland, but I was able to cruise on over to Gamestop (or I could have gone to Best Buy) and lay down 5 measly bucks to get a ticket into the Open Beta. How is that not worthwhile? I'm not paying the full price of admission, and if the game sucks or is just not for me, I don't even care about marching back into the store to get my money returned... the money was worth finding out for sure.
By the way, when does the OB start? At work so can't check at the moment, but Gamestop has still not called me and I'm getting antsy. I saw the $5 pre-order things in Best Buy, so if Gamestop continues to jerk me around I'll just get my money back and walk next door into BB to buy theirs.
@Toxic: I believe the OB starts on the 17th (I can't check 'cause I'm at work as well).
To be fair, it's more of a "Not really... YET!" I think I remember someone saying that letting the scales go to make really obese characters did wonky things to the doodads you can customize your character with, and that they'd need to make a option specifcily for obese characters with their own version of all the parts and details before it could work right.
A bit gutted as I wanted to try to reach the UNITY missions on at least one character before I go ahead with my pre-order. Will have to play my ass off to do that next week but at least I guess it means I can play the aion beta on the weekend instead of champions now.
I want to know more PA people on Twitter.
Open Beta starts on the 17th. If you pre-ordered in the store, according to their site, you should get your code mid august. I preordered online, and just got my email this morning with my code, so I would assume they are getting them out soon. If you don't have it by the 16th, I'd probably start asking some questions.
Mainly I want to make sure I have the game downloaded and patched as much as possible, so that when the OB starts, I can just get in and play.
3DS FC: 2148-8300-8608 WiiU: AgahnimD
Now goodbye forever while I buckle down for OB.
Should be two codes for the same thing I would imagine, so you've got a spare to give away to whoever.
Question Re: Gamestop online orders. Do they charge you for the product immediately, or upon shipping? Wondering if I can order, get a code, and then cancel the order. I'm planning on buying it at Best Buy because I have gift card to use there but would like to get preorder codes from as many places as possible.
Because that would be a selling point for me.
The Mansicle
In his previous life Jack Westing made a very good living as a male model, largely working in undergarments and sports apparel. But for all his success, Jack still wasn't where he wanted to be in life. Looking to get an edge up on the competition he contacts one of the cities largest scientific research facilities (which he is now contractually obligated to not disclose) to volunteer himself for testing new make-up technologies. All goes well until a horrible accident with an experimental cold cream formula gives him amazing ice powers and bright blue skin. Unwanted on the mainstream runways (because of the blue skin) he now models super hero costumes exclusively. Over time he came to understand his mistake and vanity and decides to use his powers and good looks to fight evil under the name - The Mansicle!
When not patrolling the streets for pickpockets and mp3 pirates he spends a great deal of time trying to foil his nemesis, Falsa Meretrix, an early robotic "escort" given true AI by Dr. Destroyer himself. Now completely self-aware Falsa is fairly insecure about her titanium figure. Her poor body image has led her to begin a quest to become a "real girl" by harvesting the best parts of various supermodels and starlets around the world. Using them she hopes to be able to synthesize the perfect female body and be totally irresistible to any man, even THE MANSICLE! Until she reaches that goal she shoots at him with laser eyes and shoulder mounted rocket launchers.
Surely not forever.
Seriously, though, when are we officially allowed to scream our heads off about this game without breaking NDA?
I actually waddled my ass down to the nearest Gamestop on my lunch break and after standing in a long-ass line filled with clueless tourists and their annoying, yammering children, when I finally asked about pre-ordering CO and the associated pre-order bonus I was met with a look of mute incomprehension roughly akin to what I'd assume I'd get if I tried to explain the rise and fall of the Roman Empire to a two year old.
So I'd say that in-store code getting is a hit or miss proposition.
Yeah I dunno, i got my code from gamestop online but now I can't just cancel? I think you need to call or something. I want to cancel GS and preorder from steam instead whenever that comes up.
FFBE: 898,311,440
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/dElementalor