DC Universe Online - PC and PS3 Review

These days it's almost as easy to love an MMO as it is to hate it. We've recently been disappointed byFinal Fantasy XIV as well as explored alternatives to World of Warcraft. We've also gotten to indulge ourselves in childhood reminiscing with Lego Universe. Frankly, 'hit and miss' is a phrase that applies better to MMOs than any other genre. The fact of the matter is, if a gamer is going to invest potentially hundreds of hours and a potential monthly subscription fee into a game, some high standards have to be expected. Now fans of DC comics, movies, and games have their own MMO title to consider- DC Universe Online. Is it a hero or a zero?

DC fans haven't a whole lot to enjoy in the last few years. Aside from some very successful releases from Batman (Batman: Arkam Asylum, Batman: The Brave and The Bold, Lego Batman), there's been little to cheer about. Yes, times have been hard for the heroes of the DC Universe. We've seen a mediocre Teen Titans game, a very disappointing crossover with Mortal Kombat, and yet another terrible Superman game- nothing to brag about by any means. On the far side, we've got several successful Marvel games to remember from the last few years- Marvel Ultimate Alliance, Spiderman: Shattered Dimensions, Spiderman: Web of Shadows, The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction, Marvel Super Hero Squad, and Marvel Vs Capcom's return. Could DC Universe Online be the key to turning the tide? The short answer? Maybe, maybe not.

DC Universe is by no means bad- it's just hard to get into. The game is releasing for PC and PS3 and has impressive graphics. Most characters are nicely rendered and do justice to their heritage. Character animations on the other hand are stiff- unappealing at times. This is worth pointing our early on as it becomes a real issue in the long run.

You play as a newcomer to the hero scene- one of many new hopes to avert an apocalyptic future with your newfound abilities. With the most famous of DC heroes as your guides (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, etc), you're tasked with stopping Brainiac, Joker, and the other DC villians. It's a decent setup and lends credit to your role without making it seem like you're just a generic hero with little purpose. Though there's more. Should you choose to do so, you can ally yourself with the forces of evil and disaster and tragedy to all around you.

On its own, DC Universe Online is a very ambitious, enjoyable game. It plays like a MMO inspired by the likes of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 and Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction. This brings us to another issue. The game is a little too much like the Marvel side. Whereas Marvel heroes are known more for their wide range of over-the-top powers, inner conflicts, and realistic portrayals- DC has always been more sophisticated, justice-oriented, and balanced in its superpower section. While creating a character and in general gameplay, you're treated to a much more renegade-Marvel style of gameplay than the cryptic, thought-provoking nature of DC. It's not going to bother everyone, but those that dislike Marvel and prefer DC will find themselves with a lot of custom heroes extremely reminiscent of Marvel characters- Human Torch, Iceman, Nate Grey, and so-on.

The stiffness and character animation faults are what most hurt the combat. It breaks the illusion of an experienced hero when you see him awkwardly weaving together attacks and stiffly recoiling at damage. It isn't game-breaking, but the breech of illusion makes maintaining emersion difficult.

The controls are fairly responsive and often entertaining- though the PC version's keyboard controls leave much to be desired. The gameplay, while acceptable, will hopefully be improved soon with some patching. As it stands, customers will be unlikely to pay a subscription fee for underperforming gameplay. The PVP is fast and enjoyable- though certain powers are almost useless in Player versus Player setting. In fact, balance is very iffy at this point with long range powers sitting on a throne.

All things considered, DC Universe Online has a lot of potential. The game just doesn't yet have a hook that'll bring in gamers willing to pay the subscription fee. The best suggestion I could give would be to expand the sandbox elements- a minimal amount currently exist. With an expanded open-world, deeper PVP, and some greater balance to the power system- DC Universe Online could be a real player on the MMO scene. For now, I'd stick with the Marvel Ultimate Alliance series and City Heroes & City of Villains. Even so, fans of DC comics should enjoy the experience- it's certainly one of the best releases from the franchise in a good while. If online play were free, it'd almost be a must-buy.