City of Heroes

[Landatauron]

I agree. I was just trying to think of a current origin that you could feasibly argue him into. Of course Alien would make the most sense.

[Head Mutant]

Yup, still playing, still liking it. As I told Rich the other day, it's not like we have a lot of options (we being "computer gamers") right now... summer's always a bit dry, but there are a number of great looking titles coming out from August on.

Anyway, today CoH did their first major content update, which really was major. Increased the level cap from 40 to 50, added two new zones, changed and added a lot to missions (just high level ones right now, but they'll be upgrading lower level missions soon to be similar). However, the immediate cool content that everyone loves is completely esoteric: alternate costume slots and new emotes.

At levels 20, 30 and 40 they allow you to do a quick mission to gain an alternate slot, which you can use to create a different uniform or look for the same character (this costs money, but it isn't too bad). After 26 levels of looking at the same character, having a new look and the same skills is a godsend. Also, the new emotes added both dancing and the ability to pull out a boombox, put it on the ground, and start dancing along to the music. Immediately, outside the new tailor shop, a ton of players gathered for a block party. It was so surreal to watch all of these superheroes bop around, but really fun too.

Anyway, I'm just impressed they gave us so much new stuff so soon after release. I even checked out one of the new high level zones, which was stupid of me, I thought, as I was sniped in mid-air by a level 43 sniper who could see through my invisibility. I think I have the distinction of being the first person ever killed in that zone on our server.

[bladestarr]

Little tip to all CoH-ers, if you go to the tailor and simply change your colors, it is MUCH cheaper than changing any actual parts of your character. The Philotic Knight is now a blonde! Like me! ;D

[Head Mutant]

Aw but creating a whole new costume is the best part! I can change colors any day with my supergroup... but I can only add a tacky helmet with a feather in its cap with the costume creator!

Geez. I'm playing high-tech Barbie doll, aren't I?

[BDC]

My innate stinginess has kept me from MMORPGs, but CoH seems to be calling to me.

I don't know whether to resist or not.

[PoolMan]

I can identify, BDC. I feel the same call, even though I have the same innate problem with constantly paying fees on a game.

Yoinks.

[bladestarr]

Just to give you even MORE reason to play - lookie what I made! ;D

[PoolMan]

;D

I have to admit, that's a dang funny backstory. Especially taking the "egg" as its head.

[bladestarr]

And here he is 'taunting' a villian. Since he is Sloppy Putty, I made my own special taunt phrase with the program's excellent macro script. I think the taunt is appropriate. ;D





By the way, Sloppy Putty is indeed dancing there. ;D ;D ;D

[Head Mutant]

Some of the creativity in costume designs and backstories in this game are terrific -- and the fact that someone takes the time to write a good back story gives you a good indicator whether they're a l337 jerk/noob or someone who's into the game and might be a good teammate.

[Head Mutant]

Because I love reviving old threads!

Actually, slight secret shame... shortly after Guild Wars came out (and I gave it a nice report), I started to get a craving to go back to CoH. I think it was partly because I got so sick of the typical MMO "kill one thing that takes forever to kill" and the limited movement of Guild Wars.

Very refreshing to get back into superhero boots and go postal on entire groups of bad guys. They've added a lot of content since I've last been on, but there's tons more to come... including (drool) City of Villains, where you get the be the bad guy. I've been eating up all the CoV reports from E3, and I'm quite excited. Building bases, PvP, and new costume options and superpowers are all I need to go on. That, and the love of a good woman.

[bladestarr]

Call this the second revival. Still playing CoH Justin? Is anyone else out there playing? I'd like some company, because I've been playing almost since it came out and I'm oh so terribly lonely.

[Head Mutant]

Nope, solely WoW right now. CoV was interesting, but there's still such a lack of variety and reason to really level up after a certain point that it just lost me.

I'm interested in seeing what they do with their Marvel MMORPG tho.

[Ms. Jellybean]

I'm going to re-revive this thread, if only because my boyfriend has finally convinced me to give CoH a try. I'm interested in it, but I've also never played this kind of game before and I do wonder if a complete newb (not n00b, as there is a difference) like me can get good at this game.

[Head Mutant]

Undoubtably, you can. And you'll probably love it, too. CoH/CoV was made to be just about as accessible as possible, while cutting out a lot of the trim that other MMORPGs have.

Can you press 1-9? Can you identify when a circle is lit up and when it's small? Then you're probably fine.

CoH does a great job immersing you in the superhero culture by giving you one of the hands-down greatest character designers in the MMORPG arena even to this day. Take your time, enjoy putting together a look and a superhero that is definitely "yours".

Then it ramps you out small by giving you just two powers to use, enough to beat your foes but not so many to overwhelm you all at once. You get the handle for it, and then every two levels after that, you get a new power.

It's shiny, it's glitzy, and it's explosive. Gangs of fun. However -- it's not perfect. Once you get past level 34 or so, it really slows down and the repetition of missions/levels has the potential to grate. Not a lot of end-game stuff, but definitely more than there used to be.

So, still a great game, go give it a try. Don't worry about being overwhelmed at all.