DC Universe Online's 'classes' and combat explored

by Kyle Horner Jan 12th 2009 at 12:00PM

Filed under: Super-hero, New titles, News items, DC Universe Online

While DC Universe Online was being shown at CES 2009, there hasn't been too much new information coming out of the show. Whether that's a product of a videogame being at a tech and gadget show, or simply because SOE doesn't have anything new to show yet, is hard to say. Still, Opposable Thumbs got a chance to spend time with the game at the show and came out with some new information.

There are no classes in DC Universe Online, instead players spend talents on individual powers. Anyone can switch between three combat stances: offensive, defensive and support. Offense stance gives more damage but takes more, while defense gives less and takes less and support boosts healing and buffing powers. And each stance offers access to certain powers, as well. It is important to remember, however, that a tank-spec character will always do better with a defense spec than, say a hybrid-spec. The goal of this system seems aimed at designing a flexible partying system, where certain people can fill a role in a pinch.

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Tags: ars-technica, ces2009, classes, combat, dc-universe-online, dcuo, opposable-thumbs, soe, sony-online-entertainment

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

MrGutts said on 1:31PM 1-12-2009

So who is going to make is to the shelves first? Will it be DC online or Champions?

Kyle Horner said on 1:32PM 1-12-2009

Champions Online is slated for an early 2009 release, while DC Universe Online is still "to be announced" with a speculated late 09/early 2010 release.

Haggs said on 1:57PM 1-12-2009

Cryptic was working on the exact same "stance" system for Champions. But I think they scrapped it in favor of a more open system.

Vulturion said on 2:27PM 1-12-2009

An interesting, but slightly ominous system.

I think that it will add a lot to soloing - e.g. players with a support type build can switch to Offense and hold their own - but in my heart of hearts I was hoping DCO and CO would be classless AND roleless.

Once an MMO has Tank & Healer roles available it is pretty much inevitable the devs will design foes which deal such damage that Tanks & Healers must be present to defeat them.
Then you can't go start missions/whatevers till you find a Tank & Healer...
To ensure there are lots of those players are expected to play up to max. level as joyless healbots and meat-shields...

"Healers are arrogant/extortionists/incompetent !" etc.
"Stop attacking Darkseid everyone or Ill lose aggro !" etc.
"Show build plz. Show build or I kick. Lmao you're not running ISPX240 on a E/T? Noob" etc.

Cannot we all just don our spangly spandex pants and ALL have good clean comic-book-violence-dealing fun ?

double9s said on 2:37PM 1-12-2009

There's a great new 3 part video dev walkthrough on GameTrailers:

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/44275.html
http://www.gametrailers.com/player/44274.html
http://www.gametrailers.com/player/44273.html

I think it's really starting to look good.

Pingles said on 3:30PM 1-12-2009

Oh, how I yearn for a day when an MMO can be flexible enough where a raiding group doesn't only accept specific class/spec combos!

Perhaps this is it?

Jack said on 3:58PM 1-12-2009

I do want DC online and do not care about Champions.
Champions got only wannabe superheros they mostly are direct rip offs of the DC/Marvel ones.

Where in DC online you can become the next Batman sidekick or superman flying buddy. Really I can care less about the better systems Champions use! I will buy DC online base on there IP alone!