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The studio behind such persistent-world properties as EverQuest, Star Wars Galaxies, and Free Realms lends its development expertise to this comics-themed online RPG, which has players fighting for good or evil alongside iconic heroes and villains from DC Comics. The story involves a cybernetically enhanced Lex Luthor traveling back in time to warn of a devious plot by Braniac to control the world. Luthor also brings with him a device that will grant super powers to ordinary citizens, allowing the world to unite against Braniac and his minions. Could Luthor be telling the truth, or is this merely an elaborate ruse by the criminal mastermind? You will play as one of the newly "enhanced" citizens. Similar to City of Heroes and Champions Online, you'll create your own distinctive hero or villain, choosing from a variety of costume options, power sets, and travel options. The three movement types include super speed, flight, and acrobatics. Your character will also be able to draw powers from one of five areas of knowledge: fire, ice, mental, nature, sorcery, or gadgets, with each type offering two specializations. Nature, for example, has specialties in shapeshifting and plants. To receive quests, your character must align him or herself with one of six mentors: Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, the Joker, Lex Luthor, and Circe. The action-oriented combat system lets heroes throw objects (and even enemies), activate powers, and battle foes with fists or weapons. Characters can use martial arts, archery, dual pistols, hand blasters, staves, and other weapon types. The world in DC Universe spans multiple regions, including such notable areas as Gotham City, Metropolis, and Atlantis. In addition to player versus environment (PvE) content, special areas are available for player versus player (PvP) battles. While originally a monthly subscription game, DCUO became free to play on November 2nd, 2011. At the lowest access level, Free, a player can have 2 characters, carry a maximum of 1500 currency, have no ability to trade or sell on the auction house, but unrestricted access to all non-DLC content. After spending at least $5 on the game the player's account is permanently upgraded to Premium, which comes with additional character slots, unrestricted voice chat, and limited trade and auction house access. The highest access level, Legendary, still requires a monthly subscription, but includes additional character and auction house slots, unlimited currency access, and free access to all DLC content packs. The real-money-transaction store contains mainly cosmetic items, such as non-combat pets or unique or specially colored styles, but players can also purchase additional character slots or instant access to the Ambush Bug's Loot Vault. |
