In recent times, the MMO has been rife with concern regarding the fate of beloved MMORPGs: Star Trek Online, Neverwinter, and Champions Online. Amidst the turmoil surrounding Embracer Group’s financial struggles, and Cryptic Studios’ uncertain future, players have been on edge. However, a recent post from Cryptic CEO Phil Frazier on the Star Trek Online subreddit has offered a glimmer of hope to the worried fans.

Frazier’s message, while not overflowing with optimism, certainly cut through some of the doom and gloom. He confirmed that despite the ongoing transitions and the relocation of operations, there are no immediate plans to shut down any of the three games. This news comes as a sigh of relief to the community, which has been speculating about the potential end of their favorite virtual worlds.

The CEO elaborated on the studio’s efforts to maintain a “steady state” regarding content updates, particularly for Star Trek Online and Neverwinter, given Champions Online’s sporadic update history. While acknowledging the possibility of changes in the future, Frazier emphasized the goal of keeping the games alive and thriving under the new management of DECA Games. This ambition is shared by both Cryptic and DECA, aiming to ensure the long-term viability of these titles.

The transition to DECA, as Frazier described, is complex and still in progress, involving significant changes to game development and publishing. However, he reassured players that strides are being made, and the collaborative effort between Cryptic and DECA is strong.

Frazier’s post also addressed the internal changes within Cryptic Studios. Acknowledging the departure of some team members due to the instability, he expressed support for those choosing to leave while highlighting the continued dedication of those who stay. The transparency and support within the studio were underscored as crucial elements during this period of change.

Looking ahead, Frazier announced plans to participate in an upcoming stream alongside Mike, Brett, and Jarrod, tentatively scheduled for March 19. This event promises further updates and a chance for the community to engage directly with the leaders of Cryptic Studios.

Champions Online is hosting a monthly costume contest, where players can showcase their creative costumes to the community. The event will be held at the Powerhouse Theater on January 27th at 3:30pm PT and it will be live streamed on the Champions Online Facebook page and Twitch channel.

Three winners and ten runners up will be chosen by the developers and the prizes include a Contest Special Item Voucher, Contest Heroic Item Voucher, Contest Honorable Item Voucher, two Dev Tokens, and a unique title of “Blue Ribbon” for the top three. Honorable mentions will receive two Contest Honorable Item Vouchers and two Dev Tokens, and every participant will receive the title “Participation Trophy”.

The Heroic Voucher will offer a choice of rare lockbox costumes from the past, while the Honorable Voucher will offer a choice of rare individual costume pieces from lockboxes of the past. Players can also charge ZEN and pick up the latest items on the C-Store or get a Lifetime Subscription for access to Lifetime Rewards, exclusive costumes and more.

Gamers who want to participate in the contest and join the live stream, can head to the Powerhouse Theater on January 27th and watch on the Champions Online Facebook page or Twitch channel.

Champions Online is an MMORPG set in a superhero-themed universe developed by Cryptic Studios and published by Perfect World Entertainment. It was released in 2009 for Microsoft Windows.

While the game has a small dedicated player base and is generally considered a solid entry in the superhero MMORPG genre, it has some issues worth mentioning.

One of the main criticisms of the game is that it feels like it has been a bit neglected by the developers over the years. This can be seen in the introduction of more pay-to-win elements, which can be frustrating for players who prefer to stick with the free content. There is still a decent amount of free content available in the game, so it’s not necessary to spend real money to fully enjoy the game. Champions Online also has a Lifetime Subscription that offers a ton of value. It is occasionally on sale, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for. Those who choose to spend money on this game will likely find that it gives them an advantage over players who don’t.

Gameplay

In terms of character creation, Champions Online offers a ton of options. Players can choose from premade classes or pay to be able to select their own powers and create a custom class. This allows for a high level of customization, and players can spend a lot of time tinkering with different combinations of powers and abilities to create the perfect superhero.

One of the strengths of Champions Online is its combat system, which feels nice and fluid. There are many ways to play the game and different playstyles to choose from, giving players a lot of flexibility in how they approach missions and battles.

Graphics

The graphics in the game are outdated, but they are still lovely comic book-inspired graphics that help to create a visually appealing world.

The stylized graphics do an excellent job covering the fact that Champions Online is almost a decade and a half old. The visuals still capture the comic book style that Champions Online strives for.

Sound

The music in Champions Online does a decent job setting the mood for the different locations and providing an atmosphere. The soundtrack is a bit generic, but it serves its purpose well.

The sound effects are good and capture the feel of Champions Online’s combat system and its overall superhero theme.

Population

The game’s population is small, but there is a decent amount of players, and the community is very dedicated. There is a lot of content you can do solo in Champions Online, and finding a group is usually pretty fast.

Is Champions Online Free-to-Play?

Champions Online is a free-to-play game, but optional premium membership options are available that give players access to additional content.

Is Champions Online Pay-to-Win?

Champions Online is not inherently pay-to-win, but elements of the game can be tilted toward those who spend money. It’s worth noting that it’s still possible to have an enjoyable time in Champions Online without spending real money.

Conclusion

Overall, if you’re a fan of superhero-themed games and enjoy the idea of creating your own unique character, Champions Online is worth checking out. Just be aware that it does have some pay-to-win elements and may not have the most up-to-date graphics. If these issues don’t bother you, Champions Online is a fun and engaging game with a lot of content and replay value. Champions Online is definitely worth a look for those looking to scratch the superhero itch.

Have you tried Champions Online? What did you think of it? Let us know in the comments section!

Champions Online has now been going strong for twelve years and is celebrating for four weeks.

The first week (ending on the 8t) will include the return of the Top Ten event.

Your old friend, Top Ten, is back from last year’s anniversary event, and he wants to take you on a tour of Champions History! Each week of the Anniversary, he’ll have a new mission based on the things you voted as your Top Ten favorites in Champions Online! This first week, he’ll send you on a scavenger hunt to find heroes and civilians throughout the game.

And the Save the Cats! event.

Your old friend, Top Ten, is back from last year’s anniversary event, and he wants to take you on a tour of Champions History! Each week of the Anniversary, he’ll have a new mission based on the things you voted as your Top Ten favorites in Champions Online! This first week, he’ll send you on a scavenger hunt to find heroes and civilians throughout the game.

Sapphire is also back with a concert in the middle of the city.