Atari and Cryptic Studios' Ultimate Superhero Universe, Champions Online, Garners High Accolades
(New York, NY) October 29, 2009 – Atari, Inc., one of the world’s most recognized videogame publishers, and Cryptic Studios, creators of the acclaimed City of Heroes and City of Villains are pleased to announce that more than one million characters have been created in their ultimate superhero universe, Champions Online™. Additionally, the titlehas garnered numerous high accolades and acclaim. Available on PC and based on the award winning pen–and-paper role-playing game, Champions, from HERO Games and powered by the groundbreaking Cryptic Engine, Champions Online taps into a rich universe of heroes and villains with unparalleled intrigue and adventure. Gamers everywhere will be able to enjoy a free trail of Champions Onlinebetween October 30 and November 2, coinciding with the recently announced Blood Moon Halloween Event.
To date, some of the most notable critics within the gaming industry have praised the game, stating:
- “First, tremendous credit goes to the robust character creation tools…Champions Online delivers some fantastic instanced content and some fun public quests.” – IGN
- “Champions Online makes you feel like a hero, and its intensely robust superhero creation tool ensures that you can stand out in a sea of other online prima donnas clad in skintight spandex and hardy power armor.” – GameSpot
- “Champions Online is a colorful, action-packed title with the finest character creation system yet seen in an online RPG.” – G4
- “Champions Online is an unusual game….it quickly grows on you, and becomes surprisingly endearing.” – Games Radar
- “Champions Online is one of the best MMO releases in years that will wow you with its character creator.” – GameZone
- “One major bright spot the game has to offer is the Nemesis system, which is a feature that truly sets Champions Online apart from all other MMO's.” – Big Download
Cryptic Studios, already a leading developer and publisher of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), has taken the genre to new heights with Champions Online’s fastpaced, “real-time” action combat and the power of total customization. Through Champions’ unique character customization tool the player can create and individualize every component of their hero: name, back story, costume, powers and abilities can all be modified in countless ways. In addition to allowing players to transform into the ultimate hero, gamers can craft an enemy of the extreme opposite, concoct a villainous history for their ultimate foe and guarantee themselves a truly unique experience.
“We are very pleased with the wonderful praise Champions Online is receiving,” said Jim Wilson, CEO, Atari, Inc. “We credit the great MMO fan base and look forward to seeing what players create as the game continues to grow and develop. We are working hard on new content and updates that will expand the universe and give Champions fans more to explore.”
Champions Online brings epic heroism back to the MMORPG genre with depth that will certainly challenge the most experienced online gamers, while its fast paced action promises to engage new entrants to the online superhero universe. Enter a world where the diabolical genius Dr. Destroyer has returned to wreak havoc. After he single-handedly destroyed the city of Detroit, many thought he had perished in the colossal explosion, but he is back to inflict his evil plans on the unsuspecting world. Join with Defender and the legendary Champions to stop Dr. Destroyer and his minions in an ultimate showdown of good versus evil.
