Comic Book Guy: DC Universe Online

There truly is a second life to be had in playing MMO games (massively multiplayer online), with titles such as, erm, Second Life and World of Warcraft racking up a healthy subscription list. (The latter now boasts 12 million users.) By harnessing people’s escapist mentality to break free of their daily routines and become that something missing from their lives, these games offer a unique role-playing experience. The office wallflower can become a fire-wielding elf mage at the heart of a heroic community. The bullied kid at school could find like-minded friends as he becomes a ravenous Orc Warrior. Taken in moderation these games are blinding examples of how a virtual world is possible, with vast sumptuous landscapes and gaming longevity of not hours, but years.

There does exist an argument for their addictive nature which is warranted with World of Warcraft being the subject of numerous reports. But with many of life’s elements, moderation is essential and with that there is a great gaming experience to be had.

And with this enters DC Universe Online, an MMO world that allows you to become no Orc or Elf, but your own Superhero or, if you’re so inclined, a dastardly villain. This is a daydream had by the vast majority of comic book readers. What powers would I wield, flight? Super speed? Fire? Ice? Super strength? Even non-comic book readers have had the vague fantasy of sweeping people aside with telekinesis or simply disappearing with invisibility. While DC Online cannot provide everyone’s fantasy fulfilment it goes a long way in its attempt. Debuting with a stunning trailer, its online beta footage has shown glowing potential for fun, mixing a casual RPG in with an MMO world.

Comic book-based games may have a vast sliding scale of quality from the sublime Arkham Asylum to the dire Iron Man, but this online world will bring the DC universe to life as you fight alongside Superman, Batman or The Joker to aid in saving – or destroying – the world. Take the powers you’ve dreamed of and save the day, or burn it to the ground. The choice is yours.

DC Universe is released on 14 January for Ps3 and PC.