Filed under: Champions Online

Champions Online expansion is now free

by Kyle Horner Feb 9th 2010 at 10:25PM

Filed under: Super-hero, Patches, News items, Champions Online

A lot of upset has been swirling around the Champions Online community lately. Much of it has been due to the announcement of a paid zone expansion and implementation of a "Kitchen Sink" patch that was pushed out too soon. In an effort to heal wounds and correct mistakes, Cryptic has released a new State of the Game targeted at addressing player concerns.

There are a couple big things to take away from this news. For one, the expansion is now completely free. It's also now known as Champions Online - Revelation and is due out in mid-March 2010. New play areas, new powers, new rewards, and greater challenges are all promised by Cryptic. Expect a tidal wave of screenshots, videos, interviews and sweet juicy information in the coming weeks.

The other big change is the way in which the Champions Online team is interacting with the community. They're adding a bevy of new features and community events -- like a Cryptic Studios Supergroup in-game -- that should help open up the lines of communication and hopefully add some much needed transparency to the game.

Gallery: Champions Online: Revelation

One Shots: Oops, sorry

by Krystalle Voecks Feb 9th 2010 at 2:00PM

Filed under: Super-hero, Screenshots, One Shots, Champions Online

One of the things that we love in superhero MMOs like Champions Online is the sheer creativity that people employ in coming up with their costumes. We know we spend hours stuck in the character creator. Then, just when you think you've got a great looking costume; someone whips by in some combination that will either elicit envy -- or baffled amusement. Today, we have a Champions Online screenshot that apparently edged more towards the amused side of things (although we're not entirely certain why) from CorayThan. He writes in to tell us more about it:

I met Cylon-Man (a.k.a. Flame Runner) while running around killing irradiated humans. I thought his costume was so hilarious I just had to do a photo shoot! I chased him for about 5 minutes taking all the screen shots I could. Then, in the middle of my screen-shot UI-less frenzy, I saw him yell, "help!" He'd pulled about 6 mobs at once. Sadly for him, they got revenge for their fallen comrade before I could put my UI back up and help him out. He thought it was pretty funny when I apologized for letting him die because I was too busy taking screen shots.

One Shots is all about what you're doing as players, but we can't post your screenshots if you don't send them in! All you have to do to take part is to email them to us here at oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what's in the screenshot. We'll post it out here, and give you the credit.

Gallery: One Shots

Fans express concerns in newest Ask Cryptic

by Rubi Bayer Feb 9th 2010 at 1:00PM

Filed under: Super-hero, News items, Champions Online

The folks at Cryptic wanted to hear from you, and hear from you they did. Last week, the call went out for fan questions for the next installment of Ask Cryptic, and the current round of questions was posted last night.

It's no secret that concern has been growing in the player community for a while now regarding all things Cryptic. While a bit of Star Trek Online made its way into the Q&A, things primarily focused on Champions Online and the company as a whole.

Fans asked questions regarding the future of Champions Online and Cryptic's commitment to the game, what they plan to do in order to rebuild faith in the company, and what they've learned from the rocky ride they have had so far. A few questions made it in that were less "big picture" as well, regarding themed characters and the upcoming melee rebalance.

The latest Ask Cryptic can be found on the official site, so take a look and see what you think.

Anti-Aliased: A Cryptic opinion

by Seraphina Brennan Feb 4th 2010 at 6:00PM

Filed under: Sci-fi, Super-hero, Culture, MMO industry, Opinion, Star Trek Online, Champions Online, Anti-Aliased

So, wow, what a set the last week and a half has been. There seems to be a very strong theme going on in my inbox recently, and that's, without a doubt, Cryptic Studios. I've read unflattering comments about my integrity as a journalist, the usual statements of how this site is Cryptic's lapdog due to all of the Star Trek Online and Champions Online coverage, and, even more oddly, people want to know my opinion of Cryptic's recent actions -- specifically Star Trek Online and Vibora Bay.

Well, I was never one to shirk from the truth. I've been wanting to give my personal opinion on these events since Vibora Bay hit, so I might as well dedicate this column to my evaluation of Cryptic Studios. But, before we get to Cryptic, I have a few ground rules that I want to go over with you guys. Some facts that I'd like to set straight for, oh, I dunno, the fifth time.

Community manager Daeke leaves Cryptic, Stormshade to replace him

by Seraphina Brennan Feb 3rd 2010 at 8:00PM

Filed under: Super-hero, Culture, MMO industry, News items, Champions Online

Today, Cryptic_Stormshade confirmed what the Champions Online community was speculating on since the early morning hours -- that Cryptic_Daeke, the Champions Online community manager, has parted ways with Cryptic Studios.

David "Daeke" Bass's leaving comes amidst heavy fire from the community on Cryptic's most recent endeavor, the addition of Vibora Bay in Champions Online. Daeke was the first member of the Cryptic staff to acknowledge that Vibora Bay would be a piece of paid content, and not a free patch to the game.

The switch in community managers is sudden and unexpected, leaving many in the Champions Online community wondering if this event and Vibora Bay's announcement are somehow related. Stormshade, however, has declined to speak any further on Daeke's departure, simply stating, "Daeke has moved on to other things. We wish him the best of luck wherever that path takes him."

Stormshade has now stepped away from Star Trek Online to become the new CM for Champions. We here at Massively would also like to take the time to wish Daeke the best and luck with whatever he pursues next.

PvP with the Champions Online Cryptic Corps

by Rubi Bayer Feb 3rd 2010 at 3:00PM

Filed under: Super-hero, Events, in-game, PvP, News items, Champions Online

It stands to reason that the people who make their living creating MMOs love to play them, and the Champions Online team is ready to do just that by logging some PvP time in their game.

The Cryptic Corps will be taking a break to queue up for PvP this Friday from 3-5 PM PST. What they're planning on doing is still a mystery, but they'll announce it in game in plenty of time for you to get prepared. Break out your best level 40 characters and see if you can successfully take on the Cryptic Corps.

They're going to make it worth your while, too. If you beat Cryptic's team, of course you'll get bragging rights, but they'll award you a special forum title as well. No word yet on what the title is, so feel free to pass the time making guesses or suggestions. Good luck, and have fun!

The return of 'Ask Cryptic' for Champions Online

by Kyle Horner Feb 3rd 2010 at 9:00AM

Filed under: Super-hero, News items, Champions Online

Ask Cryptic is finally back for the Champions Online community. In the past. the feature regularly allowed a Q&A style of communication between curious or concerned players and the developers at Cryptic working on the game. Unfortunately, once Champions Online launched the feature fell by the wayside, at least until now. If you would like to submit some questions (be they about Vibora Bay or other topics) there's only two simple rules given by Cryptic:

Any topic is fair game.
Questions must be written in a respectful tone.

Seems pretty reasonable, no? Head over to this thread on the official forums to post your questions -- just remember you'll need an official forum account to gain access. We look forward to seeing the results of your questions, which you can be sure to find right here on Massively.

Players miffed over Champions Online's "kitchen sink patch" and Vibora Bay

by Seraphina Brennan Jan 27th 2010 at 6:30PM

Filed under: Super-hero, Bugs, Business models, Expansions, MMO industry, Patches, Champions Online

It's an awkward time for Champions Online. After the last State of the Game post by Chronomancer, things were looking up. The latest patch was slated to fix Lemuria (colloquially known as Lagmuria, due to the extreme system hiccups), add more power to various power frameworks, nemesis changes, the addition of team looting, and changes to the crafting system. Furthermore, the same State of the Game post announced that Champions would be getting its first expansion -- Vibora Bay.

However, with the deployment of the "kitchen sink" patch, most gamers have experienced more lag in all zones, some characters are locked in Lemuria, unable to log in, and there are issues with the crafting systems. If all of that wasn't bad enough, Cryptic Daeke has confirmed that Vibora Bay will be a "paid expansion" which will add more content for levels 37 to 40 -- a move which has sent many members of the community into what can only be described as "a frothing rage."

Champions devs looking for player feedback on melee powers

by Kyle Horner Jan 23rd 2010 at 11:00AM

Filed under: Super-hero, Game mechanics, News items, Champions Online

Cryptic is looking for constructive player feedback on the melee powers in Champions Online. You can post your thoughts over on this thread created by Daeke on the official forums. With power sets being such an integral part of what makes this game tick the way it does, this is a prime opportunity to have your voices heard. You'll need a forum account, but besides that it's open to anyone looking to respond.

Now, we know some of you harbor an unfettered distaste for the brand of MMO superherodom found in Champions Online, and that's wholly your prerogative. If you find yourself wanting to let the developers have a piece of your mind, just make sure you do it in a manner that's both organized and constructive. Red-faced yelling -- or its online equivalent -- won't get your feedback taken seriously by anyone with the authority to actually do something about it.

Bill Roper hints at secret identity mechanic for Champions Online

by Rubi Bayer Jan 13th 2010 at 3:00PM

Filed under: Super-hero, Interviews, Champions Online

Italian fansite mmorpgitalia.com spent some time recently with Bill Roper, talking about where Champions Online stands four months after release, and where they are going from here.

Roper answered some popular questions regarding issues such as the social aspect of Champions Online, the game's level of completion (or lack thereof) at launch and how Cryptic has progressed from there.

The interview also covered questions about Cryptic's upcoming plans for CO, such as the upcoming secret identity mechanic. It's an exciting idea for players, but one that Roper's not quite ready to divulge in detail about yet: "We're in the early design stages of this feature, so I'm not ready to talk about it. One of the things I have learned about communicating ideas is that once it's in an interview, it becomes gospel no matter how much you qualify it as being "mere ideas" or "discussions.""

The full interview covers these points in more detail and several others as well, and is a good read for anyone interested in Champions Online.

One Shots: Come to the dark side

by Krystalle Voecks Jan 7th 2010 at 2:00PM

Filed under: Super-hero, Screenshots, One Shots, Champions Online

With an in-depth character creator and the ability to group up with friends quickly and easily, it's kind of a no-brainer that Champions Online was one of our staff favorites for Best Capacity for Role-Play in the 2009 Massively awards. Of course, being based on an excellent pen & paper background certainly doesn't hurt as well! Today's great Champions Online One Shots comes to us from Steve B. who writes in: This is [a] shot of my Hero Kurotsuchi sitting in Shadow Destroyer's throne after completing the new Nemesis Confrontation content that launched [recently]. Maybe he's thinking of taking his place?

If you're a role-player in an MMO, we'd love to hear about your recent adventures. Just snag a screenshot relevant to your tale and send that in to us here at oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name and your story. We'll post it out here for everyone to enjoy and give you the credit.

Gallery: One Shots

Champions Online: Did you enjoy Attack of the Misfit Toys?

by Rubi Bayer Jan 5th 2010 at 8:00PM

Filed under: Super-hero, Culture, Events, in-game, Champions Online

For the holidays, Champions Online presented their fans with an especially nice surprise: a gigantic, slavering teddy bear bent on the destruction of...well, everything. So how did you like it?

Randy "Arkayne" Mosiondz is the lead designer for Champions Online who created a forum thread today for fans to give feedback on their first ever winter event. The thread asks for your top three likes, your top three dislikes, and what you would like to see in future holiday events. Players have been giving feedback here and there up until now, but the thread will serve as a central place for the CO design team to hear how the player base feels. They'll take the answers into account as a guide to creating future events, so if there are some things that really stood out to you during the winter event -- either good or bad -- this is the time and place to be heard by the developers. The thread can be found at the official forums, so head over and give your take on the event.

Champions Online announces screenshot contest winners

by Rubi Bayer Dec 25th 2009 at 8:00PM

Filed under: Super-hero, Events, in-game, News items, Champions Online

A few weeks ago, Champions Online put out the call for your best festively-themed screenshots in their Winter Screenshot Contest. They began this by saying that winter was "almost here" to which one reader replied that he'd spent 30 minutes defrosting his car and winter is not "almost" here, it "is" here. So now that winter has arrived, Cryptic was ready to see the community's take on it. Whether it be a peaceful snowy scene or a raucous holiday celebration, they wanted to see your favorite shots.

The response was very enthusiastic -- the submission thread hit fourteen pages in nine days, and Cryptic announced the five lucky winners of the contest on Tuesday. The submissions ran the gamut from quiet and peaceful to loud and celebratory to funny.

Each of the winners will receive a code for an in-game Retro Destroyer action figure. All of the submissions can be seen on the forum thread, while the five winning screenshots can be viewed here. Congratulations to the winners!

One Shots: Look out below!

by Krystalle Voecks Dec 22nd 2009 at 2:00PM

Filed under: Super-hero, Screenshots, One Shots, Champions Online

When it comes to being a freshly minted superhero, there seems to be a fairly common trope of the hero doing all manner of crazy, dangerous things to test just what they can do. When it comes to Champions Online, it's even more fun -- after all, if your character gets messed up, there's no real harm done. Today's crazy One Shots comes to us from David, who decided to push the envelope of just how much he could get away with. He writes in: My name is David and right now my game of choice is Champions Online; this is my shot from the top. I was in Millennium City waiting in the hero games queue for the zombie PvP instance. I got bored and went to explore how high I could go with my trusty grappling hook. After reaching the top of the Renaissance Center I decided to take the short way down.

Are you fond of flinging yourself off the edge of buildings, cliffs, etc. in your MMO of choice? If so, why not capture a screenshot of your crazy stunt and send it in to us at oneshots [at] massively [dot] com. Be sure to include your name, the name of the game, and a quick description. We'll post it out for everyone to see -- and make "splat!" comments at.

Gallery: One Shots

Champions Online launches new demo program

by Eliot Lefebvre Dec 22nd 2009 at 11:00AM

Filed under: Super-hero, News items, Free-to-play, Hands-on, Champions Online

So you're interested in Champions Online, but you lack a friend playing the game who could give you a trial code. You've missed out on the free weekends the game has offered, and you're not quite adventurous enough to drop the full price of the retail box sight unseen. What's to be done?

Well, as of now, the proper answer is to give the brand-new demo program a try. Following in the vein of Warhammer Online, those interested in Millenium City's superheroic population can now create two different characters and enjoy romping about in an unlimited free trial of the starting area. The opening area, in which players defend the city from an alien invasion, introduces most of the game's core mechanical concepts and allows the player to start brushing shoulders with the big names in the game's lore.

The only real limitations are the number of characters, and the hard limit of level 15, which itself takes quite a bit of work to reach in the starter zone. While it's not quite the rush of the various free-to-play weekend within the game, it keeps things nice and accessible, and should certainly help anyone curious about the gameplay get a firmer handle on Champions Online. The fact that it's on Steam as well is just icing on the cake.

[ Thanks to Edward R. for the tip! ]