According to Jim Lee, executive creative director of Sony’s upcoming MMO, DC Universe Online will combine elements of a traditional MMO with that of a “first person action console game”. The game will include heroes and villains from the DC universe that you can interact with as you progress and level up in the game. The mission/quest scenario given by Lee was one where, as a hero, you would need to save Superman from the likes of Lex Luthor or as a villain, attacking Metropolis and battling Kal-El. Another location for players to protect or attack mentioned by Lee was Gotham City.

While you won’t be able to play as Batman or Green Lantern or The Flash, the abilities they possess are available and upgradeable. One example given was flight upgrades to being able to attack while in flight (not to be confused with walking and punching someone). Online modes will be available but details were scarce. To copy/pasta from PS3Fanboy: PvP details include arenas where you can use your superpowers against others and interact with multiple players: "someone might freeze your character in a block of ice, then pick up the block and chuck it at another player" and these arenas can also become "giant PvE boss battles." I would hope so...

Being a huge fan of DC comics (my avatar and handle are of one of the most badass villains in Batman lore), I cannot wait for this game. I loved City of Heroes, but hated how it felt like playing with Go-Bots when you want Transformers. If this gets the kind of love and attention it deserves this could be, dare I say, epic? Due sometime next year, DC Universe Online is scheduled for a PS3/PC release.