This was my first experience with an MMORPG, so I can't compare it to others in the genre. While this may mean that my review is less useful for those with years of experience with this kind of game, I hope that other MMO virgins will find it helpful. City of Heroes is a remarkably satisfying trip into the world of superpowered heroes and villains. While it is not without its flaws, it delivers on its promise to put you into the shoes of a real superhero. Ability to kill a yak with mind bullets? Check. Ability to summon a storm? Check. Claws? Check. Flying? Check. Just about any power you might want to have is available in some form or another, although you will have only a limited selection of powers at the beginning of the game. At the beginning of the game, players choose an origin for their superpowers, which affects which sort of power-up items they are able to use, as well as which contacts will give them missions. These origins have no impact on abilities, but merely serve to ensure that different players within the same general class will have slightly different paths to advancement. Players also must choose an Archetype for their hero. The archetypes include the mighty Tanker, a juggernaut with fairly strong close-range attack capabilities but massive health points, suitable for charging right into battle, the Scrapper, highly deadly at close-range and with enough health to take on several baddies at once, the Controller, with the ability to affect groups of enemies at once, the Blaster, strong on long-range attacks but low on health, and the Defender, who can heal and protect other heroes in addition to dealing out moderate damage on his own. Despite the massively multiplayer nature of the game, it is fairly easy (depending on your archetype) to adventure on your own. A friendly community means that if you get into trouble, there is usually someone around willing to boost your defense with a force field or heal your wounds. And if you find you need such help more often than you would like, it is easy to find a team to adventure with. Admittedly, I have only put in about 8-10 hours on the game so far, so I can't speak to the long-lasting appeal of CoH, but I can say that it has been great fun so far, whether adventuring alone, with friends, or with random internet dudes.
I recommend this game for anyone who wants to give MMOs a shot, or anyone whose tired of slow MMOs. Unlike most online RPGs, City of Heroes has a fast play/fighting style that'll keep you interested, and a well paced lev... Read Full Review
How can I make you feel the deep love/hate relationship I have with this game. In almost every way, this is the worst massive multiplayer game to come around in a long time. But, there is so much about it that is just so... Read Full Review
