DC Universe Online

Create a character and throw them into the DC Universe.

Developed by the Daybreak Game Company, DC Universe Online is a massively multi-player online role-playing game (MMORPG), which is set in the DC Comics universe. The game is free to play and makes extensive use of its licensing, featuring well-known comic book characters, including Batman, Superman, Lex Luthor and The Joker.

Action takes place in both Metropolis, the fictional city from Superman, and Gotham City, the home of Batman. Players create an original character and become locked in a battle between good and evil, with a free choice on which side they want their character to be on. Paid subscription options are available, expanding the game's content.

Gameplay

After an introduction which establishes the plot - essentially a final battle between heroes and villains - players will be asked to create their character. The character's gender, appearance, costume, personality and special powers can be decided, while players also choose which side of the conflict they want to fight on. Essentially, this amounts to a choice of whether you want to save the world, or help to destroy it.

In terms of gameplay, DC Universe features single-player and cooperative modes and places a heavy focus on action, with characters gaining experience for defeating enemies. The combat system itself is good, with mouse clicks controlling attacks and the timing of these clicks allowing for different moves and combinations to take place.

Presentation

Graphically, DC Universe Online is mostly very impressive, especially for a game of its type. The environments and in-game architecture are great and iconic DC Comics characters have been recreated very well. With that said, the game does suffer from a 'pop in' problem at times.

Cut scenes look excellent and their comic book style is executed very well. However, the voice over work produces mixed results. While the likes of Mark Hamill as The Joker and Arleen Sorkin as Harley Quinn produce genuinely superb performances, some of the voice acting in the game borders on the horrendous at times.

Overall, DC Universe Online is a very impressive MMORPG, which makes great use of the DC Comics license and has some excellent features. Occasional presentation problems do exist and the free-to-play game does become a lot better with a paid subscription, but none of these problems stop the free game from being very enjoyable.

Pros

• Combat system works well
• Ability to create a character and pick a side is welcome
• Excellent use of the DC Comics license
• Visually impressive, for the most part

Cons

• Downloading takes a long time, because the game is huge
• Not all of the voice acting is great