City of Heroes
Introduction
City of Heroes is a subscription based MMORPG that was launched in the U.S. on 27th April 2004 and in Europe on 4th February 2005. Players create Super Heroes to bring criminals (and Super Villains) to justice in Paragon City. Missions are acquired from NPCs known as Contacts. Contacts are dotted all over the various zones that divide up the city. They give you missions and introduce you to further contacts as you progress through the levels. Missions come in a variety of flavours, from killing a set number of bad guys on the streets to tracking down and defeating an Arch Villain in his/her secret lair! Experience points and Influence are gained from defeating enemies and completing missions. Influence is the currency used for purchasing such things as enhancements (used to upgrade your powers) and costumes (additional costume slots can be unlocked at levels 20, 30, 40 and 50). The level cap is set at 50. Once level 50 is achieved this unlocks a couple of epic archetypes to create a new hero with. A sequel of sorts called City of Villains was launched in Europe and the U.S. in October of 2005.
Character Creation
This is arguably the best feature in City of Heroes and is regarded in some circles as the best character creation tool of any MMORPG. There are numerous classes (known as archetypes) and various power sets to choose from. There is also a vast selection of costume pieces, faces, arms, legs etc. to choose from, giving the player the opportunity to make a truly unique looking character.
Archetypes and Powers
The character classes in City of Heroes are known as Archetypes. Players select an Archetype and construct a character by determining both a "primary" and "secondary" powerset. These powersets define what powers you can use as you progress through the levels. In addition to the character's two main powersets, there are also some common powersets that all players can draw from if they so wish. In contrast to many other MMOs, this system was designed to provide a variety of different experiences depending upon which particular powers a character selected. Listed below are all the available archetypes to choose from and a basic outline of what they can do.
Blaster Archetype
Primarily focused on dealing damage from range, Blasters are able to produce massive damage to the enemy.
Primary Powerset: Ranged Damage
Secondary Powerset: Support
Scrapper Archetype
Due primarily to their ability to withstand damage, scrappers often are a favorite of players who wish to be able to play "solo". Their melee focused damage gives them the ability to kill enemies quickly, provided they can get in close.
Primary Powerset: Melee Damage
Secondary Powerset: Defense
Tanker Archetype
The defensive abilities of the Tanker archetype are second to none. They can withstand massive amounts of damage and shrug it off as if it was nothing. While their damage potential falls below that of the blasters and scrappers, Tankers proudly stand at the front line of battle, protecting their teammates from certain demise.
Primary Powerset: Defense
Secondary Powerset: Melee Damage
Controller Archetype
The controller is often considered the archetype requiring the most finesse to play well. Containing the lowest number of hit points and weakest direct attacks would seem to be a recipe for a very miserable play experience, but by having access to the unique "control" powers, Controllers are a unique class indeed. Additionally, many of the control powersets provide the ability to control some allied "pets" as the player reaches level 32 and higher, so maintaining control over both enemies and pets can become a symphony that only the most die-hard players enjoy.
Primary Powerset: Control
Secondary Powerset: Buff
Defender Archetype
Although they contain the ability to attack from range, Defenders really shine when supporting a group. Their ability to make allies stronger and more effective is often a critical determination in a hard fought battle. Woe to the group that attempts to take on a fierce group of villians without a defender in their ranks.
Primary Powerset: Buff
Secondary Powerset: Ranged Damage
Epic Archetypes
Added into the City of Heroes universe after the initial launch, Epic Archetypes are only available to characters who have raised a hero to level 20. These players can additionally choose among these two "epic" archetypes when creating a new character (on the same account). Unlike the standard archetypes above, these archetypes don't provide the player to freely select "primary" and "secondary" powersets, they are locked into the abilities provided by the archetype.
Peacebringer
Shape-shifting Kheldians who arrived from another world, the Peacebringers are able to attack villians with a variety of light based powers. Primary shapeshifting abilities allow the peacebringers to shift into both a flying form that is able to attack from range as well as a hardened form that is able to absorb much more damage, but is unable to fly. Effectively playing a Peacebringer therefore requires quick reflexes and the ability to quickly adapt depending on the situation.
Warshade
Although natural enemies to the Peacebringers, these "reformed" versions have given up their evil ways and decided to attack villians. Their attacks are based upon dark powers, although they share similar shape-shifting abilities with the peacebringers.
