Have you ever wanted to be hero? To soar between towering
skyscrapers? To command the elements? To become a champion of justice
– idolized by millions? Realize your comic book dreams in this
massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that is home
to an entire universe of super-powered heroes and villains. Build your
own unique hero from millions of possible character combinations and
venture into Paragon City to discover all the danger, wonder and excitement
that await you!
Developed by Cryptic Studios, based in San Jose, California, City
of Heroes offers a whole new experience in playing with thousands of
other gamers online – it offers the first and best comic book
genre-based action MMORPG.Paragon City was once the leading metropolis
of the United States; it is, in fact, the birthplace of masked heroes.
Since its founding several centuries ago, Paragon City has been a shining
beacon for commerce, industry and learning. Criminals, mercenaries
and villains have always been attracted to Paragon City’s bright
lights, in the hopes of despoiling this symbol of all that is true
and just. But Paragon City’s heroes have always rallied to save
her, the country, and the world.Then, the mysterious alien Rikti invaded
Earth from another dimension. The creatures used Paragon City as a
base of operations, from which they launched attacks across the globe.
Humanity’s very existence was endangered until Earth’s
heroes, and even some villains, joined forces to repel the Rikti invasion
force. In spite of great losses, mankind triumphed and the Rikti were
forced out. Paragon City, however, was decimated. Even worse, many
heroes that she had depended upon were now casualties. Paragon City
needs new protectors. This is where the players come in; they are Paragon
City’s only hope! Players first choose their hero’s origin – in
other words, how they got their amazing powers. Next up is the hero’s
archetype, which roughly corresponds to the role that the hero plays.
Each archetype has a certain set of powers to choose from so that
everyone can create their own personalized hero. Then, players choose
from TRILLIONS of color, mask, geometrical and pattern combinations
for the head, chest, arms, boots, legs and belt. Practically every
look and style of comic book hero is captured in these costume options;
heroes of all shapes and sizes will fill the streets – and sky – of
Paragon City.Once a player has completed designing his or her hero,
it is time to venture into the stunning world of Paragon City. Skyscrapers
of steel and glass reach to the clouds. Sprawling landscaped parks
filled with flora, fauna, and statuary offer a relaxing break from
the sidewalks and passing traffic. Colorful signs, billboards, and
banners decorate the streets, and a high-speed monorail snakes by overhead
to complete the modern city skyline.
Now comes the hard part; defending the city from the threats that
lurk in the ashes of the Rikti invasion. Nearly a dozen villain groups,
some ancient, some new, are now actively plotting to take advantage
of Paragon City’s momentary weakness. Only the players stand
between these dire threats and the city’s doom. The Fifth Column,
an old organization whose roots stretch back to World War II, has been
reborn with a goal nothing short of planetary domination. The diabolical
Circle of Thorns believes that it has come tantalizingly close to unraveling
the enigma of the city hidden deep below the bowels of Paragon City;
once it does, all mankind will pay the price. The Freakshow have no
such lofty goals; vandalism, robbery and extortion are their only aspirations.
And with their black market cybernetic enhancements, the police cannot
stop them.
The Rikti haven’t entirely disappeared, either; their presence
is continually seen throughout the city. These are just a few of the
threats that the players will face when they step into Paragon City.
Perhaps the most intriguing element in City of Heroes is its Story
Arcs. Heroes can randomly patrol the city and stop petty crimes in
their tracks – but there is so much more that draws the player
into the story of the city. Contacts – people that the hero discovers
and gets to know – will request and guide the hero on tasks against
the various active villain groups. Some tasks take the hero, and his
or her comrades, into personalized missions in a number of unique environments.
Other tasks will point the hero into lawless areas of the city, where
crime is rampant. Along the way, a hero will earn Nemeses – individual
villains who will come to haunt the hero’s every step. And as
the hero moves along his adventures, the overarching schemes of the
villains will reveal themselves.Heroes need not stand alone; they can
form and join a super group, where players pool their resources in
the ongoing fight against evil. As the group grows in size and influence,
so too does it gain its own set of Contacts and Story Arcs. City of
Heroes – the first MMORPG where players bring the world of comic
books alive.
Key Features
• Massively multiplayer online game where players take on the
role of a super-powered hero
• Play and live in Paragon City’s visually stunning 3-D world
• Costume creation system that allows for trillions of different costume
combinations including costume colors, patterns, textures, hair and facial features
• Hundreds of powers to choose from to make your hero unique
• Form a team of heroes to fight the menaces that plague Paragon City
• Go on personalized missions and rid the city of its numerous evil organizations
and hundreds of enemies |
Before Microsoft and Sony do something regarding their future in the video game business, I wanted to write, and I've wanted it for a long time now, but other things kept getting in my way, and fearing that tomorrow might be too late, today will have to do.
Months ago,...
