DCU Online Officially Launches

It's time kids. After numerous delays and setbacks, DCU Online has finally launched. The game is the first MMO on PS3 and allows gamers to, well, you know, fight crime or commit crime. This has lead SOE President John Smedley to crow.

"We're redefining the genre and blazing a new trail in the gaming industry with the introduction of DC Universe Online," said John Smedley, President, Sony Online Entertainment. "This is the first true action MMO utilizing twitch-based combat and physics to deliver a completely unique and immersive gameplay experience that is reflective of the creativity, action and strength of the DC Universe."

Smedley added: "We worked closely with the talented masterminds at DC Comics on the development of DC Universe Online to explore creative ways we could approach the action, and look and feel of the game to ensure that it extended the DC Universe experience in a way fans have come to know and would expect - from intense action combat that delivers the sensation of having superpowers, to regular interaction with DC superstars like Superman and Batman, and intimate looks at settings like Arkham Asylum and Metropolis."

The game features top flight talent, including Jim Lee, Geoff Johns and Marv Wolfman. The MMO aspect of it allows gamers to either fight one another or alongside/against heroes and villains from the DC universe. I had a chance to play the Beta and I'll admit I was impressed. You create your character with either a hero or villain slant and then choose an existing character to model yours after. There are three major abilities (flight, super speed and acrobatics) that can be joined by an array of weapons and fighting styles. I created both a hero and villain and the story has you going the same route, but the way it's pitched is different (heroes get lead by Oracle for example) and works.

Here's my gripe though. It's an MMO and it will consume time equivalent to any other MMO. Don't assume that because it's on a console that it's an action RPG or something...it's an MMO. Also, since it's an MMO there's also a monthly subscription fee. It comes with a free 30 day membership for new uesrs, but after that I believe it's $14.95 a month. This is a huge risk for Sony in putting it on the PS3 since it's a console. Final Fantasy XI wasn't too successful and while I see more universal appeal in a DC branded game I just don't know if it's going to keep the audiences. Plus, with more and more MMOs moving towards the "core game is free, extras cost something" model DCU Online seems like the last of a dying breed.

You can get more information about DC Universe Online at www.DCUniverseOnline.com. Full press release and launch trailer after the jump.



Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) today announced the availability of its eagerly-awaited online action game DC Universe™ Online (DCUO) at retailers worldwide for both the PC and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system.Licensed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment on behalf of DC Entertainment, DC Universe Online is the first massively multiplayer online (MMO) game on PlayStation 3 for North America and the first MMO game based in the DC Universe, allowing fans to create their own superhero or villain while joining forces with their favorite DC Comics characters such as Superman, Batman and The Joker to aid in saving - or destroying - the planet.

"We're redefining the genre and blazing a new trail in the gaming industry with the introduction of DC Universe Online," said John Smedley, President, Sony Online Entertainment. "This is the first true action MMO utilizing twitch-based combat and physics to deliver a completely unique and immersive gameplay experience that is reflective of the creativity, action and strength of the DC Universe."

Smedley added: "We worked closely with the talented masterminds at DC Comics on the development of DC Universe Online to explore creative ways we could approach the action, and look and feel of the game to ensure that it extended the DC Universe experience in a way fans have come to know and would expect - from intense action combat that delivers the sensation of having superpowers, to regular interaction with DC superstars like Superman and Batman, and intimate looks at settings like Arkham Asylum and Metropolis."

To capture the true essence of the DC Universe and its iconic characters, Sony Online Entertainment tapped the top talent at DC Comics, including legendary artist and co-publisher of DC Comics, Jim Lee, who served as executive creative director for DC Universe Online and provided the art style for the game. Famed DC comic book writers Geoff Johns and Marv Wolfman were tasked with establishing the backstory of the Universe and creating thousands of compelling story arcs, epic quests and action-packed, in-game events.For example, players might be tasked with rescuing Batwoman from the fear gas that Scarecrow has unleashed in Gotham City's sewers, or battling Power Girl as they work with Lex Luthor to create an army of mutants out of Metropolis citizens.

DCUO combines the immersive environments and fascinating story arcs of MMOs with fast-paced, physics-based combat to deliver more super-powered action than ever before. In the game, players can pick up buses, fly into the air and throw them at enemies, run up the sides of buildings to engage in melee brawls while shooting flames of fire from their hands, or cling to the side of buildings while using a grappling hook to pull flying opponents out of the sky - all while interacting with the iconic characters of DC Comics.

"DC Universe Online transforms more than 75 years of action and adventure into a fully realized immersive experience that brings players into the world of DC like never before," said Jim Lee, executive creative director for DC Universe Online. "It has been a fascinating experience for me and the team to come up with entertaining and engaging ways to blend the MMO and comic book worlds."

Rated T for Teen by the ESRB with the content descriptors Mild Blood, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes and Violence, DC Universe Online is available in North America for PC and PlayStation 3 for the suggested retail prices of US$49.99 and US$59.99, respectively. One 30-day game subscription is included with purchase of the game for new subscribers, with monthly subscriptions available thereafter starting at US$14.99, with discounts for longer durations. For players of the PC version of the game, DCUO will be included in SOE's all-in-one Station Access subscription (game software is sold separately). DCUO is now available at Best Buy, Gamestop, Amazon.com, Wal-Mart, Target, Toys R Us and at other participating video game retailers.

For more information about DC Universe Online, visit www.DCUniverseOnline.com.