Ask Cryptic - September 15, 2008

Could you describe what are the different goals of the Alpha and Beta phases of a game development? What are your expectations from them? And where's CO standing right now? (Kebeck)

Chris Lena (Lead Producer): In general, as we grow the number of people playing Champions Online from home there is a sliding change in focus. At the very start we are especially concerned with making sure that installing, launching, consuming account keys and server stability are operating smoothly. We really want to work out those kinks before we start adding large numbers of people. The other big item here is just a general game sanity check. Is there something that we overlooked in gameplay that we didn't see because we look at the game every day?

As the time goes on our focus grows increasingly towards content and feature feedback … trying to see what is and isn't fun. Adding more zones, powers, etc. We want to slowly make more content and features available so that we can get the kind of testing focus that we need. Then when we reach the final stretch it should be down to balancing and polishing.

At this point, we and a few close others are connecting and playing from home for pre-defined periods of time. Things are right on track and no major problems yet.

Hmmm, I hope I didn't just jinx it. ;)

Will PC Gamers be able to keep up with 360 gamers and those who use the controller versus a traditional mouse and keyboard? (Yin)

Arkayne (Lead Designer): We are working very hard to make the transition from keyboard and mouse to controller (and back) as natural as possible. The feedback has been very positive from players who have recent hands-on experience at conventions!

Any chance of whips and/or chains for weapons? (Captain_Intrepid)

Heretic (Lead Combat Systems Designer): There are several chain attack powers, and we are hoping to be able to expand upon these existing options even further with different types of chains, whips, mummy wraps and so on.

Will powers be able to affect the environment? Like can I use telekinesis to move a car or large rock to hit an enemy? (AnathamaDye)

Heretic: With the right powers, it will be possible for a character to use their great strength or telekinesis to fling environmental objects at your foes.

To what level will stealth provide alternate paths through missions to the basic defeat everyone path? (fireblade)

Continuum (Lead Content Designer): Stealth is meant to allow players to try and sneak past a critical spawn or two that they might not want to fight. The effectiveness varies depending on which power is being used, but it is not meant to be a power you can turn on and ignore spawns with. Players will still have to pay attention and react if they get caught.

Hi! I just wanted to ask what trend will there be in the superhero costumes, will it be something like classic superhero costumes or will there be an option for wearing more "street like" costumes, like in the latest comic books and comic book movies (maybe just wearing a jumper and some military pants and something to cover your hero's face?) (Endero_O)

Absinthe (Lead Character Artist): There are more costume options than I know what to do with! Not only can you dress in the way you mentioned, but you could dress like a banker who stepped right out of 1904 if you so desired.

Will there be different cloak designs beyond the usual flag/carpet tied around your neck? (TheChimpy)

Absinthe: Yes, we have long scarves, torn cloth and cowls.

Will chicks get tattoo options? Will Chicks and dudes get tattoo options that can be like full sleeves, legs, torso etc? (keswolfe)

Absinthe: Everyone will have the same tattoo options, and we will likely have a few options to cover the entire body.

Will there be emotes for reading comic books, listening to MP3/CDs/radios, petting cats/dogs, blowing bubble gum bubbles, holding up a pizza, taking off glasses (in a dramatic way), tipping a hat, etc.? (Captain_Intrepid)

Absinthe: You forgot to mention blinking with fierce determination! Yes, there will be emotes; whether or not we actually get the "taking off glasses (in a dramatic way)" emote in before release is up in the air.

Talk about this in the forums!