Hey champs fans,

Our single new year’s resolution here on the Champions team is simple - make the game better! We are working hard to improve the overall experience and especially the early game, making it more streamlined, intuitive, and fun for both new and returning players.

We have a positive plethora of improvements live in our latest build, with even bigger and better things yet to come. For now, I want to shine a spotlight on some of the more art-centric updates awaiting you in Champions even as we speak.

The first thing you’ll notice when creating a new character is the improved Archetype selection screen. One thing we always wanted to include in character creation was a variety of pre-made, themed costumes. At long last, that feature is here, tied in thematically with our signature Archetypes! From the word go, you’ll have an array of cool, custom costumes to use either as they are, or as a starting point for a new hero. Of course, you can always start from scratch and let your imagination run wild.

Additionally, we’ve further streamlined character creation by incorporating all your bone sliders and body scale controls into the main tailor UI itself. No more pesky back-and-forth between different stages just to adjust your arm size or head width!

Next, you’ll notice the new role icons; we designed these to enable at-a-glance recognition of a player’s team role. Whether tank, ranged DPS, or support, you’ll now instantly know which players you’ll need to fill out your team. Of course, if you prefer not to see these icons displayed overhead, you can toggle them off in the UI.

If you’re new to the tutorial, you’ll also notice a lot of work has gone into streamlining the experience and making it far more intuitive. One way in which we’ve improved the instruction is by adapting the old storytelling adage “show, don’t tell.” Gone are the unwieldy blocks of text, replaced by short and sweet instructional images. Presented perfectly in context at just the right time, these helpful hints show you exactly how to use your controls to best effect.

Finally, regardless of whether you are a new player or a veteran, you’ll want to check out some of the new and improved environments. First on your list should be the Powerhouse – here you’ll find all sorts of new features as well as a shiny, new coat of paint. The main attractions include brand-new dueling arenas, a fully-loaded tailor, and a theater perfect for costume contests and more!

       

Another key new feature is a fantastic new tutorial on powers and gear. Presented in full cut-scene format, and complete with comic panels and instructional images, this series of videos will illuminate you on the finer points of power usage, gear, and stats!

Finally, as you experience the new and improved mission-flow in West Side, keep an eye out for all of the new neighborhoods, landmarks and hideouts. Our goal was a revitalization and re-imaginging of the gangland empire of West Side. We imagined that each of the main gangs would have a front business, thinly veiled as it may be, functioning as their seat of power. Aesthetically, each of these locations is a symbolic, in-world representation of the gang itself. Also, these hideouts offer improved visibility as the destination for many mission-objectives. Last but not least, with a gang war raging in West Side, it was clear the Police also needed a base on the front lines.

   

   

On the whole, these are just some of the new improvements launched in our latest build, and there are many more to come. Be sure to log in and check out all of the fantastic updates as we work to bring you a leaner, meaner, and more polished Champions Online in 2012!

Brad Stokan
Lead Artist
Champions Online