DC Universe goes Free-To-Play

I know what you are thinking. Yet another MMORPG that goes Free To Play! While many games go free to play to save themselves from the “remember that game” list, having played this game myself, I can tell you that DC Universe has a lot of potential, its just a matter of Sony actually putting that potential to use.

DC Universe was a lot more successful on the console than it was on the PC, after playing the game for myself, I quickly found out what was missing from the game, people actually playing it. With the recent announcement that the game will be moving to a free to play model, it definitely increases the chances of the game moving into the success pile rather than failure mountain. The game can be fun, but as it is with any mmo, without people on the server you are playing, the game is as good as dead. Hopefully the new announcement can revive the game and DC Universe’s potential can be met.

The game is definitely a lot of fun. Players can choose to to play as villains or as heroes, including all time classics such as The Joker, Lex Luthor or Batman and Superman. You are able to pick and choose which superpowers you have adding to the customisation of the game and ofcourse giving it that mmo feel. Come the end of October you will be able to play to your hearts content on both the PS3 and the PC.

We have included the news article here or you can read it in full on PSN site:

DC Universe Online on PlayStation 3 lets you assume extraordinary powers and become a hero or a villain in a high energy action title that delivers a fast-paced adventure experience. Beginning in late October 2011, you will be able to download and access DC Universe Online for free from PlayStation Store.

To help you better understand what this means for your favourite DC Comic superhero game, eu.playstation.com has put together this simple FAQ:

What does free-to-play mean?
Free-to-play means you can enjoy the exciting world of DC Universe Online at no cost. You can buy additional items or features that best fit your style of play, or even get premium access to game content by purchasing a subscription.

It’s up to you how you want to play the game. Free-to-play also means you do not have to purchase the game; you simply download it directly from PlayStation Store and start playing straight away.

Superman

How many levels of access will there be in DC Universe Online?
Three: Free Access, Premium and Legendary.

What is the Free Access level?
Free Access lets you enjoy all of the missions from level 1 up to level 30, as well as Alerts, Duos, Arenas and the Batcave and Fortress of Solitude Raids. There are limitations in terms of character slots, inventory, and other features.

What is the Premium Access level?
Premium Access is the next level up from Free Access. It contains everything from the Free Access level plus more character slots, capabilities, and options.

Super Powers

What is the Legendary Access level?
Legendary Access includes 16 character slots, a vastly expanded inventory, free access to all current and future DC Universe Online expansion packs, and much more.

As a current DC Universe Online subscriber, what does this mean for me?
You will be automatically converted to the Legendary Access level, with all its benefits and privileges as long as your subscription remains active. You also get additional benefits including an increased number of inventory and character slots, priority access to game servers and the inclusion of all expansion packs at no extra charge.

My subscription has expired, and I would like to play the game again. What features will be available to me?
Anyone who has subscribed to DC Universe Online before the free-to-play transition will be converted to Premium Access at no cost. This provides you with additional benefits that you would not receive with a Free Access level account such as access to the Broker, additional inventory space and much more.

Will more free content be added to the game for everyone to enjoy?
During the transition to free-to-play, Sony Online Entertainment will continue to add brand new missions and zones that everyone can enjoy, including two more Fortress of Solitude Raids. You can also expect continued enhancements to existing content and gameplay.

What will happen to my characters if I switch from a Legendary Access level to a Premium Access level?
If you have more than six characters you will need to deactivate enough characters to get down to the six character limit. Those characters can be reactivated later by purchasing additional character slots or by upgrading to the Legendary Access level again.

If you have more than 42 inventory items, or more than 24 bank items, you will also need to either purchase additional inventory or bank slots, or choose which items in excess of those limits you will not carry over to your Premium Access level account. Items that are not carried over cannot be recovered later.

Will playing with other players of different levels in DC Universe Online affect my experience?
In most cases you can still play with anyone you choose, anywhere in the game. Your level of additional options, features and increased access will not change your ability to join others on missions, Raids and Alerts. However, a player who does not have access to a particular expansion pack will not be able to enter that pack’s zones.

Solomon

Why is my cash being limited if I switch to a Premium Access level?
While Sony Online Entertainment does offer a higher cash limit at the Premium Access level, there are still restrictions compared to the Legendary Access level. The money that you earn in excess of the Premium Access level in-game currency limit will be kept in escrow for you. You can also buy a Cash Boost from the Marketplace to access your escrow cash balance for purchases. Or, to make matters simpler, you can upgrade to the Legendary Access level to eliminate the inconvenience of in-game currency limits.

Why are Broker slots being limited?
Selling items in the Broker interface is a Legendary and Premium Access level service only. You can upgrade to the Premium Access level to get five auction slots and the ability to buy even more slots. Or upgrade to the Legendary Access level to get unlimited slots to sell your items.

What kind of restrictions will be placed on Leagues for the Free Access level?
Free and Premium Access levels allow you to become a member of a League. Only Legendary Access players can actually form Leagues.

Visit PlayStation Store today and download DC Universe Online.