Well there was a tidbit today concerning the DC comics MMO that SOE will be developing.  Both this title and Cryptic’s Marvel Universe sound very interesting.  Will it be an inevitable battle of the titans?

What about a rivalry with their counterparts at Cryptic Studios who are hard at work on Marvel Universe Online for the PC and Xbox 360? One company is backed by Sony (Playstation 3) and DC Comics. The other is backed by Microsoft (Xbox 360) and Marvel Comics. Clearly, there are going to be some comparisons.

Marvel vs. DC.  Microsoft vs. Sony.  XBox vs. Playstation.  Can’t ask for better than that!  I grew up reading comics, mostly Marvel titles, so that’s where my allegiance mainly lies in the comic realm.  Although I have always enjoyed Superman and Batman in both films and comics as well.  I guess I just like more stuff in the Marvel Universe, and have spent more time reading those books, than the DC Universe. 

From the MMO perspective, I had a blast in City of Heroes when it first launched and think Cryptic did a great job of capturing the feel of the genre.  Their character creation was second to none, and the super powers were genuinely a blast (pun intended) to mess around with.  The downfall of that game for me was the repetitive grind through the same three warehouse/cave layouts, fighting essentially the same bad guys for tens of levels, just in bigger groups.  So I’m a little wary of Cryptic and Marvel, but I’m more excited I think.  SOE and DC?  Hrm…I do have faith that SOE can make an incredible game, and I’m sure they will with the DC universe and Jim Lee on board.

Given that we know next to nothing about these games at present, my excitement level either way is premature.  But I can’t help myself from imagining some of the possiblities.  I did find it interesting (not surprising, mind you) that half of the interview was devoted to talking about how DC may not be the first because they want to be the best, take their time, Sony is committed to releasing a finished game, etc. etc.  I know Darren made the call early this year with the whole “polish” thing, but man, it’s starting to get a bit old.  I think we all get it and always have - quality matters!!

I’m really hoping that one or both of these games can succeed in the market in a big way, as I think CoH was as step in the right direction but not nearly enough.  I’m ready for a little more meat on the bones of the superhero genre MMO. 

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CoH made an announcement on 7/31 that they would be re-enacting their Character Name Policy for both CoH and CoV starting on 8/29.  This was designed to free up the names of characters level 6 and below on accounts that had been inactive for at least 90 days.  Well it seems they are finally done with that process, and players can now try and snag those hero or villian names they’ve always wanted, for only $10 or so.

City of Heroes Adds New Features and Frees Up Millions of Names

Two new features come to City of

Heroes: Character Transfer and Character Rename. Additionally, we have completed a sweep of un-reserving names of characters below level 6 on accounts that have been inactive and not subscribed for over 90 days. This has freed up millions of previously reserved names all for the taking with the new Rename feature, or for that new Hero or Villain you’ve wanted!

Both Character Transfer and Character Rename features are available from new buttons added to the Character Select Screen. Please keep in mind that these features cost $9.99 USD per use and require that you have a credit card on file.

I defintely like the idea - not sure about the cost associated with it.  I guess since I no longer play CoH it doesn’t really matter, but if you are actively enjoying the cape and tights scene (jokes are welcome), then you may want to check this out if you’ve had a favorite name you’ve been trying to get.  It may just be available.

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One of the MMOs I’ve been looking forward to the most since it was announced is the Marvel MMO being developed by Cryptic Studios.  I enjoyed my time in CoH, but quickly realized the game had some mind-numbing sameness to it after awhile.  I can only go through the same four warehouse maps a couple of hundred times before I break.  But beyond that, the super abilities were very fun and it had the atmosphere of the super hero genre.

 When I heard Cryptic was going to be making the Marvel MMO, I was pretty excited.  I grew up reading Marvel comics and love many of the books in their stable.  I’m hoping Cryptic will take the good from CoH, dump the boring stuff, stir in some sweet Marvel chunks of goodness, and come out of the oven with something downright delicious (no, I’m not a cook). 

 So it was interesting to see this article that shows Cryptic is bringing in some big guns to advise them on future strategy and direction within the “entertainment market”.  Sounds a bit broader to me than just MMOs, but we’ll see. 

“We are very fortunate to have such a high-calibre group of industry experts to advise Cryptic Studios as we continue our mission to deliver the best possible online gaming experience,” said Michael Lewis, president of Cryptic Studios.

“The knowledge and relationships held by this group are extremely beneficial to the continued growth of our studio in the years ahead.”

Anyhow, it appears this collection of uber folks is going to help Cryptic stay on course, make great games, and hopefully release a Marvel MMO worthy of several decades worth of comic history.

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