CBR: CBR Previews the "DC Universe Online" Beta

[CBR News]

We jumped in, flew around and dropped a few arch-enemies as the "DC Universe Online" beta went into full swing, offering players a chance to customize their characters, battle villains and run alongside the Flash.


Full article here (http://comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=30012).

[bongoes]

I've played the beta too. It's fun and looks promising. Character creator could use some work, but I really like it. (Though it should be noted, this is my first MMO.)

[Mon-el]

This is my first MMO as well. I'm on the P3.

I've been playing for about a week now...I've made a hero Lar Gand on World 1, he's lvl 15 Powers Brawler, Flight, Gadgets(eh?), and I've made a Villain, Larurel Kent on World 1 she is lvl 17 as well, Brawler, Flight, Telekinesis...

Though, I have seen so many Marvel characters and creations(Countless Deadpools and Hulk's). The gameplay has been fun for the most part...Although the exceptions was the freezing constantly. The load screens, and going into buildings was the biggest problems. Things have gotten better after the first patch. They uploaded more of the load screens and the freezing hasn't been as bad. Also, after the patch more of the options actually worked. Although I still can't figure out to use the mic. Some of players I have played with have, but as we try to get mine to work. It will not work.

I have heard of some bullying on World 2 Server going on where its more Player vs Player action, of higher ranking players ambushing the easier start up levels like the College area in Metropolis.

So far I've met a lot of nice people and done some incredible things in the Dc world...

[Heroid]

The beta is somewhat lacking in social functionality. I hope as they progress they make it easier to chat or even to roleplay without having to open a console that effectively stops you from doing anything but chat.

Also, I find the controls for pc to be very counter-intuitive. Having to use my mouse for nothing but movement and clicky-clicky attacks goes against years of pc gaming habits. I'd like for the keyboard to come into play more.

But, as the article says, it's beta. We'll see how things develop between now and release.

[Starocotes]

Actually this is NOT true:



The problem with the costuming is that it seems rather linear at the game's onset. Players can either choose to equip new pieces as they become available or bypass bonus buffs on armor for the sake of keeping a certain look.

You can equip any new item and THEN choose if you also want to use it's apperance. In fact, with each ne item you equip your apperance collection will grow and you will be able to customize your look without changing any attributes.

Besides that the release date was announce on Tuesday. http://www.facebook.com/notes/dc-universetm-online-the-official-game-page/dc-universe-online-pricing-availability-faq/10150358333130717

[Jadeskies]

I have always found that character creation is where the most fun is to be had in a superhero game so when they say its lacking in DC online it makes me worry.

I don't know if I will play this at release or if I will wait to see the general consensus. I am currently blasting my way through borderlands 2.5 and I have Arkham Asylum coming under the christmas tree.

However I am suprised that you can't follow more characters than batman, supes and wonderwoman. Espeacially with the new movie coming I am surprised you could not follow the green lantern or become a deputized lantern.

[Starocotes]

I have always found that character creation is where the most fun is to be had in a superhero game so when they say its lacking in DC online it makes me worry.

They compared the Character creation to other MMO's out there and yes, it is not as refined as the creation in Aion for example. You cannot change the length of your nose or the tilt of you ears. Is that really that important? How do you recognize characters ingame?
The customisation allows for characters that are fitting in the DCU setting and I have yet to see 2 characters that looked alike. I have seen very much of those in other games.



However I am suprised that you can't follow more characters than batman, supes and wonderwoman. Espeacially with the new movie coming I am surprised you could not follow the green lantern or become a deputized lantern.

You will meet a lot more characters on your way. The "Mentors" are like staring points and guidlines fpor the content. See it as starting locations in others MMO's.

[slaader]

The article says there is no release date, but at the end of the article you have the release date. Also as another commenter pointed out you reviewer misrepresents how the item system works.

This article is a poor review, and seems more like a "first impression".

[Jadeskies]

They compared the Character creation to other MMO's out there and yes, it is not as refined as the creation in Aion for example. You cannot change the length of your nose or the tilt of you ears. Is that really that important? How do you recognize characters ingame?
The customisation allows for characters that are fitting in the DCU setting and I have yet to see 2 characters that looked alike. I have seen very much of those in other games.




You will meet a lot more characters on your way. The "Mentors" are like staring points and guidlines fpor the content. See it as starting locations in others MMO's.

I dont really care about facial characteristics as much as variety of costumes/designs. I also refuse to pay extra for access to extra costume bits.

[catburgler_2100]

im playing the ps3 beta, (Bomshell - if u meet her), the game is good but sadly hyped up beyond what it delivers in my view. the missions are pretty repetative, go to area kill 20 bad guys, save 5 good guys, carry 5 barrels out of the way - rinse and repeat. you do this a number of times before getting to a boss type level which is inside an actual building and fight through to the end. after a while it gets boring sadly, but its not long before your back again trying to boost your level.

character design isnt that great, although i have yet to see a copy of myself, i can see where it can be easily done. the fact you can only have 3 colours in an outfit isnt good, the lack or things like ears for your helmet, i.e. making a batman type of looking character isnt possible (very disappointing) and the weopans are either very ugly, oversized monsters or tiny barely visible things in your hands arent good. sadly a lot of work needs to go into overhauling this, there arent enough items. clothing etc in the creator bit and once the game is open to all, the copy-cat culture (albeit accidentally) will arrive if this isnt sorted.

overall not the best, but by no means the worst, if the improvements are made it could be worth the sub fees but as it is now, i really cant see myself justifying 15 bucks a month.

just be warned, if youve been waiting forever for ths game and have high hopes, they just might be dashed - but well save that for when the real release appears to comment lol!

[Goggindowner]

Spent several weeks in the BETA and I have to say, I wasn't impressed (on PC). Character creation isn't lacking, it is down right limited. Most of the costume pieces are boring, you only have 6 powers to choose from (each with a specific role attached to it) and there are only three body types per sex. Every player I see in game may not look like me, but I have collected the pieces they are wearing, and could easily switch to look just like them.

Also, the content for the missions is pretty light. The mentor is truly just a starting point, as you are forced to play 99% of the content to reach max level, which for me kills the replay value. Plus, they just recently patched the game so that combat is more difficult in groups, and roles are more specific.

If you are a hardcore MMO player, you will like the game. Casual gamers need not apply.

[Starocotes]

I'm a casual MMO player, I'm not in a guild, don't like Raids and don't do PvP and I like DCUO a lot. A casual player really won't miss the endless character customisation that other MMO offer and the quests are filled with story and voiceovers.

[ManaByte]

I dont really care about facial characteristics as much as variety of costumes/designs. I also refuse to pay extra for access to extra costume bits.

You don't pay for extra costume bits. You unlock them by doing the collection quests (Investigations) in-game or by looting them.