DC Universe Online E3 Previews

Previews of DC Universe Online continue to stream onto the web, and they're all based on what was shown of the superhero MMORPG at this year's E3.

The first is at Big Download:
When creating a character, players need to fill in three different categories, the first being whether the powers are based on things like earth, electricity or light. Second, players must select a power source, which defines how abilities are manifested, like how Green Lantern's ring lets him use Light powers. Lastly, there's how characters get around environments, with abilities like flight, super speed or acrobatics to choose from.

The second is at Joystiq:
Though the game's creative director Jens Andersen kept assuring us that DCUO employs a physics-based combat system, it felt nothing like even the most basic of console action games (we're looking at you, X-Men Origins: Wolverine!). Which isn't to say it's no fun, it's just not quite the 1-to-1 physicality that Mr. Andersen chocks it up to be. You get knocked back by some characters' special attacks, but you're not going to see ragdoll physics either. For all intents and purposes, the fights still look like MMO fights.

The third is at Kombo:
As for continuity, this title takes place in the classical DC setting. Batman is Bruce Wayne, there is no secret formula out there capable of destroying all forms of known life. However, they do plan on trying to relive some of DC's more classic moments. Perhaps the death of Superman, or the crippling of Barbara Gordon would be plausible plots. These are things that so easily defined the DCU when they happened that the devs are looking at ways for players to experience that in a completely different light.

The fourth is at Gamervision:
There was a heavy focus on the teamwork aspect, as you will need your comrades to pick you up when you're down and assist you in a fight. One of my tasks was also to recruit new cronies to join the supervillain cause. At one point the game glitched out a little bit, putting me back at an older checkpoint, but keep in mind that DCU Online is still pre-alpha; Sony's not even talking release windows yet, and the game is nowhere near done. It won't be out until sometime until 2010 at the earliest, so some hiccups are to be expected right now.

And the fifth is at RPGamer:
Teen Titan aspirants will no doubt have endless fun spamming super attacks such as the the demo's selection of earth powers that made tossing rocks and encasing enemies in crystal as common as a Lois Lane special report. But the new game also has a physics system that turns every object, enemy, henchman, and alien mutant into a potentially powerful projectile that could be hurled at other evil doers. DC Universe Online's action game inspired combat will surely take over the playtime of the nation's youths and provide them with a more fulfilling and engaging experience while playing than other lesser MMOs. Readers might recall The Calculator's recently released Grind Time, an MMORPG where players were unwittingly sucked into a drunken stupor in order to fund a black market economy based on gold selling, which may have expanded and destabilized the world's economy if not for a steady shot from the Green Arrow successfully severing the game's major internet uplink in southeastern Asian seas.