The Open Beta for Champions Online
is presumably right around the corner as the game nears its launch on
the 1st of September. And as you enter Millennium City
for the first time youll find it a far different place than your
usual MMORPG affairs. Heres a quick list of things you should
know as you take your first baby steps into Superherodom this autumn.
Character Creation Is Half
of the Fun: Before you even set foot into the game, youll have
to create a hero. Sure you could randomize it all and just press
play, but wheres the fun in that? There are literally thousands
of costume and power combinations to choose from, and youll likely
want to spend a good amount of time getting your character right from
the get-go. But fear not, you can always spend money to change
him or her once youre in the game later.
Blocking Is Good For You:
Combat in Champions Online is a wee bit different than in most
games. For starters, you actually control blocking yourself.
With a simple press of the Shift key, youll put up your guard, and
youll find it a very proven tactic to help you stay alive in sticky
situations. You can even slot certain powers into the "block" slot on your action bar, in most cases greatly increasing the benefits of blocking.
Open Missions Are As Addicting
As Pop Rocks: In every zone of Champions Online, youll
find at least one Open Mission. Similar to Warhammer
Onlines Public Quests, Open Missions are massive repeating battles
against the evil forces of Champions Online. You dont
need to group up, or find partners to participate. Just enter
the area of the OM, and start helping in any way you can.
Super Stats: Stats
are a far less cryptic (no pun intended) facet of gameplay in Champions
Online than they were in City of Heroes. But whats
more is that youll get to pick two Super Stats in the early stages
of your heros career. These two stats, more than any others,
will drive your damage. That means it doesnt matter if youre
a weakling gadgeteer or a massive hulking brute. If you want to
use the power of the mind to make your enemies tremble, you can.
Just choose Intellect as a Super Stat and focus on increasing it as
you develop your character. Your brainy ways will be smiting foes
in no time.
Dont Feel Pigeonholed:
In Champions, you really can be whatever you want. Feel like making
a wolfman that uses a combination of super-strength, fireballs, and
a bow and arrows to take down his enemies? Go ahead. The
limit to what your hero can do is only as limited as your imagination
(and the hundreds of skills available to choose from). There are
no real Classes in Champions Online. What your hero Is capable
of is entirely up to you.
Use Your Surroundings:
Something that most other MMOGs dont let you do is play around with
your environment. In Champions Online, its encouraged.
See a forklift lying on the ground? Pick it up and toss it at
your enemies. That piece of rubble? Bash their face in with
it. The stronger your character, the bigger the stuff he can lob
at foes. But the key thing to remember is that you can certainly
use the environment to your advantage.
Theres Gear in My Superhero
MMOG! It wasnt until years later that Cryptic worked Gear and
Equipment of a sort into City of Heroes. In Champions,
its there from the start. One of your first quests will reward
you with boosts to your stats. Now they wont go showing up
on your hero visibly, but the effects they have can be more than enough
to turn the tides of a tough battle. The key? Find pieces that
play to your heros more important stats and build it on thick.
Travel Powers Galore:
The popular choice will likely always be flight in one way or another,
but each travel power has its own distinct flavor and benefits.
For instance, theres nothing like having the ability to Super Jump
your way away from a losing battle. Tackling too tough of foes?
Tunnel underground like Bugs Bunny and lose them in Albuquerque.
Theyre all good, but everyone has a favorite.
The Powerhouse is Your
Friend: The Powerhouse serves as a safe haven and gym for each hero
to enter and try out their new or potential new powers before heading
into combat with them. Use it wisely, and use it often.
If you pick some skill you dont like, just head to the Powerhouse
and have their trainers whip you into better shape
for a nominal
fee of course.
Your Nemesis Comes at
Level 25: One of the first things players in the know will want
to do is start fighting their much touted Nemesis. But youll
have a bit of waiting to do for that. You dont begin the quest
series and creation of your very own archenemy until you hit level 25.
But trust us
its worth the wait.