As the second major entry into the “superhero MMO” genre I can honestly say
that while Champions can easily stand alone as it’s own game. Champions has
it’s own distinct feel, lush graphics, and some very interesting twists on the
typical MMO fare we all expect. Staggering degrees of customization for each
character combined with a combat system that is both complex and easy to learn
make Champions Online a very attractive massively multiplayer online (MMO) title. Based on a long-running
pencil-and-paper RPG, Champions Online has taken full advantage of the history,
lore, and creativity that has gone into the Champions universe.
Champions Online gives players an unparalleled list of things they can customize
about their characters. Everything from your appearance, your costume, how you
move, to your individual powers can be customized. For example, two characters
could both use flaming attacks. The first could use standard red and orange
fire while the second could use electric blue flames. As characters develop
more options become available as more powers are gained.
In addition to the cosmetic options players have, players also have a great deal
of control over how their characters develop. Each player can make individual
choices as they grow their characters. As is typical fare for the “superhero” MMO sub-genre, players can choose which powers to gain. They can also choose
which stats to raise. Some stats will increase your character’s raw power. Others will increase recovery rate or accuracy or the ability to shrug off
blows. Training packages also effect stats – offering players the chance to
make major decisions about how their characters will develop. Players can
spread their points out, creating a jack-of-all-trades style character or build
into a specialization.
One of the most interesting facets of Champions Online is the way characters
handle their endurance – mana in a more traditional RPG setting. Each character
starts with two attack powers. As their career progresses they will earn more. The attack skills fall into two categories. The first are “build up” powers. These powers are always available. The have minimal effect but they generate
endurance every time they trigger. The second are what I call “finishing
moves.” These attacks drain endurance and require a set amount to even
activate. While build up powers typically do little damage, finishing moves do
significant damage or have a significant effect. Players also have access to
generic powers that can be activated for a price. Powers that let players fly,
run at super speeds, or have other beneficial effects.
The dynamic between attempting to charge up your character’s endurance combined
with the temptation of using that endurance to quickly obliterate your opponents
is an interesting strategic twist for the game. It is worth noting that the
give in take is very intuitive. Beginning players will be able to jump right
in. All characters also have access to a “block” ability. While blocking a
character is almost immobile and cannot attack. Any incoming damage is
seriously reduced. In addition, some attacks have additional effects. A
character can be thrown to the ground, stunned, or affected in other ways. A
blocking character is protected from many of these effects. Enemies display a
very visible sign over their heads before they unleash one of their devastating
attacks.
As these factors combine, Champions Online is blessed with a very interesting,
engaging combat system. While other MMO’s are often mocked for having combat
systems that devolve to “press one button, go get a sandwich” or “press one
button repeatedly” a true master of Champions Online will be immersed in the
combat from start to finish, weaving attacks, defense, charging up, and
unleashing their power in a deadly dance.
The final innovation that Champions Online boasts is the Nemesis system. When
players reach level 30 they will be allowed to create a nemesis. They can
design this enemy as they see fit – create a back-story, a look, choose a theme
for their powers, and the same level of customization that players enjoy for
their own characters. Over your hero’s career this nemesis will appear in
missions as a “boss” you must face. Over time you can even permanently defeat
your nemesis. And at that point you can choose to have a new nemesis. Perhaps
your previous villain had a sibling, an employer, or a close friend who now has
a certain vengeful gleam in their eye when they think of you..
Champions Online is one of the most innovative MMO’s I’ve seen recently. While
it has many features any MMO must have, it also gives players extreme
flexibility. Each character can be built from the ground up as the player sees
fit. The interface for Champions Online is easy to use. While Champions Online
will take players a moderate amount of time to master, any player will be able
to learn the basics of the game very quickly. By allowing players to create
their own arch-rival, the nemesis system will allow players to have an even
greater sense of immersion in the world – and control over their personal,
heroic journey.
