Marvel Universe Online Coming Soon

How would you like to play an Massively Multiplayer Online game where you are freely exploring the Marvel Universe? At one point in time, Microsoft Studios was developing a Marvel Universe MMO with Cryptic Studios for the Xbox 360 and Games for Windows.

Sadly, the project was scrapped, and Cryptic Studios decided to put all their programming work to good use and work on Champions Online, another MMO that takes place in an established universe full of superheroes. The only difference between Marvel Universe Online and Champions Online is that Marvel contains superheroes that the average public has probably heard of, while Champions Online is based on a superhero universe from an obscure role-playing game from the eighties.

Is it just me, or is Gazillion’s Marvel Universe MMO going to face some competition with DC Universe Online, the joint venture of Sony Online and DC comics. Surely this was one of the reasons why a Marvel Universe game was even inspired.

A start-up company named Gazillion Entertainment has won this MMO lottery. It has been reported that Gazillion has four development studios working on other MMO games.

The first is NetDevil, who is working on a LEGO Universe MMO. I cannot wait to see this particular one. I actually think that I would like to play in a world of interchangeable bricks, rather than one where I have super powers.

The second is Amazing Society, who is already working on another superhero related game known as Super Hero Squad, due out in 2010. I have never heard of that particular superhero universe, but it is based on some Cartoon Network show.

The third is Slipgate Ironworks, who are developing an unannounced original MMO. I’m guessing there are no superheroes or building blocks involved in this one. I mean, if it is going to be original.

And the fourth is Gargantuan, who has a gargantuan project of the Marvel Universe. You can’t help but wonder how they intend to go about this effort. After all, Gazillion is probably going to account for the fact that two people cannot play the same superhero. I’m sure that if fans had their choice, many of them would want to play Wolverine, arguably one of the most popular superheroes in the Marvel or any other superhero universe.

I am guessing that the player will create a character who will more than likely interact with major characters from the Marvel Universe as NPCs. In other words, you won’t be able to fight side-by-side with Spider-man, but he’ll probably give you a mission. That was Cryptic Studios model for City of Heroes and City of Villains. You couldn’t play one of the members of the main group, but they would talk to you.

So I’m going to guess that this new Marvel Universe MMO is not going to allow you to play Marvel characters. After all, the Marvel Universe is filled with characters who have their own books and groups that each of them are a part of. You do not want to disrupt that continuity!

Actually, if I had the chance, I probably would. Marvel has been using its popular characters for years, and they don’t really change much. Then again, such is the way of the comic-book hero, to stay alive so readers will be entertained. I suppose the Marvel Universe MMO gives you the chance to feel like you’re making a difference.