Champions Online Client

Most MMORPS out there usually follow one of two premises: either a fantasy or a futuristic Sci-Fi setting. However recently, a new genre has started to spawn, gaining more and more popularity with the rise of super-hero movies: The superhero-themed MMORPGs. Champions Online is one such superhero MMO that boasts a great story and an incredible character customization  features.

Just as Batman is different from Superman, so does the game allow you to be different from anybody else. The sheer amount of customization options are amazing, making it almost impossible for two characters that are identical to exist. You can change anything, from the facial features, to body proportions, costume, accessories, combat style and background, etc.  More so, pretty much any element can be colored using a color palette that is not restricted to the use of the same colors over and over again, but rather shades and tints that you create using a color wheel.

It doesn't matter if you want to be a frost weaving cryomancer, or a superhuman brawler, the game pretty much allows it all. Freedom of customization is a focal point to the game's marketing strategy as you can spend hours upon hours creating the perfect character, only to realize after completion that some things could have been done even better. Once you are done with the character creation, it is time to fight crime. Combat is dynamic and varies based on what set of powers and skills you wanted your character to have, so you will never experience the same gameplay between two different champions.

Archetypes allow players to simplify Champions Online's open power system to a more simple, class-like system of most MMOs. Each archetype is locked into certain Power, Super Stat, Role and Innate Characteristic choices that are designed to fill a certain group role, and is modeled after particular comic book heroes or villains.  Customization is still available in the form of Advantages, Talents, Specializations and with several choices of powers. Currently, there are ten archetypes, namely:  The Behemoth, Blade, Glacier, Grimoire, Inferno, Marksman, Mind, Radiant, Soldier and the Unleashed.

Another aspect where players cand express their free will is the ability to choose whether to follow the game's story or do random mission to fight crime. More so, for those of you who want to feel real competition, you could always challenge other players to PvP matches where you can prove whether your skillset is superior or not.

Champions Online proves that MMOs can deliver extensive character customization and variety, allowing each player to feel truly unique. While this translates to the inability to make viable online guides for the "perfect" champion, this means that you choose what your weaknesses and powers will you'll have.