E3 10: Quick Impressions DC Universe Online

At E3 2010 today, I was fortunate enough for the Sony Online Entertainment Press to allow me to have a go on a hands-on demonstration of DC Universe Online and I was quite enthralled with its authenticity.

DC Universe is played as an action RPG with an MMO aspect because the hotkeys lends itself to a beat-em-up style of gameplay. I was introduced to an instance where I had to rescue Batman’s sidekick (and the ever useful) Robin from Harley Quinn’s lair. It has since been a while since I’ve encountered an MMO, so I had to re familiarize myself with the standard gameplay mechanics. Luckily, it wasn’t too hard. As Black Eclipse, I ventured right into the foray and fought Quinn’s minions along with dodging the various environmental traps that work against you. However, I soon learned that these environmental objects can also be used as a weapon against foes as I could pick up various balls as playthings and throw them abusively as possible.

Movement can change to enact acrobatic leaps of faith, allowing the player to jump and stick up to walls, integrating a platforming experience to DC Universe. In addition through this feature, I was able to enact a ground smash attack and surprise enemies below. Tactics change per situation as you activate specific powers to take advantage of a difficult encounter. Boss fights take place at the end of an instance and varies, as you may end up fighting alongside or against a famous DC character. In this instance, Harley Quinn is featured as the end boss.

Authenticity remains an integral part of the DC Universe Online experience, exemplified through its permeated storytelling. The game will often transition into comic book style cutscenes that serves to fulfill the rich background of the DC franchise. The end of the demo experience concludes with rescuing Robin and advancing another step into the branching storyline. As of this writing, Metropolis and Gotham City are the only known locales in DC Universe Online with more to be announced later.