Preview: 'DC Universe Online'

Throughout the last decade comic books have played an instrumental role in shaping the entertainment industry. Superheroes have certainly done their bit in Hollywood, with the likes of Spider-Man and The Dark Knight proving to be box office gold. In recent years, the medium's influence has extended into the video game sector, spawning such definitive offerings as Marvel vs Capcom and Batman Arkham Asylum. Both of these proved to be fan-pleasing fare, but later this year, Sony Online Entertainment will unleash the most ambitious comic book project in gaming history.

Cross-company ventures don't come much bigger than DC Universe Online. Not only does SOE have designs to turn the massively multiplayer online genre on its head, it has also risen to the challenge of incorporating decades' worth of DC history into the mix. Given that the comic book fraternity and the MMO crowd are two of the most fervent fan bases around, the studio certainly has its work cut out, but a staggering amount of effort has gone into ensuring that this one won't disappoint. DS caught up with senior producer Wes Yanagi to find out more.

"The DC Universe has been around for years with many of the stories becoming modern mythology. Tapping into the most well-known stories will instantly give players familiarity to the world. Imagine Crime Alley, where Bruce Wayne became Batman," said Yanagi. "When you play this game it is going to feel like you stepped into the DC Universe.

"The stories of the characters over the years and the most compelling events are woven into the game but in a manner that allows players to become part of the story and therefore experience for themselves. The best part is that our players will have the chance to create stories of their own that will become part of the fabric of the DC Universe going forward and that is pretty cool."

Elements of Sony's previous console MMO effort EverQuest are expected to be present in the game, though the developers have also cited Radical Entertainment's smash fest The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction as a source of inspiration. Furthermore, the studio has suggested that DCUO will be more interactive than other MMO titles while sharing their traditional mechanics, such as levelling up, a shared public space and an inventory system.

"Gameplay-wise, DCUO is all about physics-based action combat," Yanagi explained. "When you pick up the controls, the game feels much closer to a console action game rather than a traditional MMO. If you push a button, you punch. If you push it multiple times, you chain your attacks into a combo. If you throw a bus at your enemy, he'll get knocked back. Our goal is to deliver on the superhero power fantasy and this action/reaction feedback loop is critical to achieve this."

A vast number of iconic heroes and villains will appear in the game, although the player will create their own character from scratch and choose whether their allegiance lies with the Justice League or the Legion of Doom. Established DC characters will react differently depending on which side you have selected. For instance, those on the heroic side will spend their time helping the likes of Superman foil a robbery, while those on the opposing team will aid the thieves. A karmic meter referred to as a Threat Level will determine exactly how the computer-controlled characters perceive each player.

During the customisation process, the player chooses a city of origin. "Gotham City and Metropolis are definitely the main cities where a lot of the action takes place and they are both huge," the producer elaborated. "Metropolis is the size of New York but with a very art deco look. Gotham City is just as huge but it has a much darker Gothic aesthetic. Then we have some famous landmarks within each of those cities like the Daily Planet, Arkham Asylum, S.T.A.R. Labs, Ace Chemicals, Iceberg Lounge, Stryker’s Island, and more. In addition, players can eventually work their way to the JLA Watchtower and the Hall of Doom."

No doubt the diehards will be delighted to hear that several high profile comic book creators were heavily involved in the project. Character models and backdrops were designed by renowned artist Jim Lee and the overarching storyline was penned by Geoff Johns, best known for his work on Green Lantern. Award-winning comic scribe and avid gamer Marv Wolfman will also contribute story arcs.

DCUO will be released for PlayStation 3 and PC. Although the MMO is well-trodden ground for the latter format, the console MMO is still in relative infancy. The studio's goal is to allow players on either platform to exist on the same server. According to Yanagi, optimising the title for both systems has proved the biggest challenge during production.

"Our goal is to ensure that regardless of which platform you choose you can have an equally compelling gameplay experience," he said. "Despite the challenges, the opportunity to have players on the console and the PC playing together on the same server is our goal and we believe it is worth the effort."

The question on everyone's lips pertains to whether the game will carry a subscription cost. So far, SOE has remained tight-lipped, but the word on the street suggests that the studio is leaning towards the expansion pack business model, rather than monthly charges.

As the game is still in the alpha phase of development, an official release date is yet to be announced. However, footage of the game was showcased during last year's Comic Con International. A hands-on demonstration was given to provide fans with a taste of the core mechanics. Taking place in a besieged Metropolis, the sampler saw the player helping Supergirl restore order to the city after Brainiac unleashed a nanovirus that caused citizens to riot in the street. The player was seen racing up the side of buildings using super speed, hurling cars in battle and freezing foes in blocks of ice before launching them at other enemies.

The game received a warm reception at the convention, garnering praise from punters for its intuitive combat. "We heard a lot of the fans commenting on how easy the game was to pick up and play. One of the most common comments I heard was how much people enjoyed the fast action and visceral feel of combat," Yanagi added.

"I think the players were amazed at the physics-based combat that allowed them to throw and smash cars and buses at their enemies. Most of all the fans at Comic-Con were simply amazed to be running around a world they only imagined in their head until now."

The chance to step into the shoes of a super-powered being and battle alongside Superman, Batman, Flash and Green Lantern - or conspire against them with Lex Luthor and the Joker - will likely prove impossible to resist for comics fans and gamers alike. With the MMO category becoming increasingly saturated with sword and sorcery offerings, Sony Online Entertainment's action-based take on the genre could well save the day.

DC Universe Online is in development for PS3 and PC. An official release date for the game is yet to be announced.