As the still-vague "spring" release of Champions Online draws ever closer, developer Cryptic has stepped up with a constant stream of new screenshots from the MMO. Our latest glimpse of the game includes Lovecraftian monsters, robots, and hey, zombies! Champions Online will launch on PC first, with a console edition coming later.

In catching up on Cryptic-released screenshots of Champions Online, one thing is apparent: orange glowing beams are definitely considered "in season" within this particular superhero universe.

Champions Online hits the PC this spring, with an Xbox 360 release supposedly coming later on.

Cryptic Studios has confirmed that it recruited players for the now-underway Champions Online closed beta from super-powered rival City of Heroes and other PC MMOs.

Rumors of such practices emerged via Massively earlier this week, after the official City of Heroes website warned players and forum-goers of solicitations from "another game company trying to lure you to their competing product."

While Cryptic Studios was initially involved in the creation and upkeep of City of Heroes, the company later sold its stake in the franchise to publisher NCsoft. Cryptic then revealed Champions Online a few months later, and was later bought by Atari.

"I'm certain this wasn't meant to be a malicious attack on a competing product, nor did anyone intend to steal players, violate user agreements, kill babies... Read more

According to developer Cryptic, these screenshots from the upcoming MMO Champions Online (PC, Xbox 360) offer a "brief glimpse of action in Canada." Okay, they're probably referring to the snowy shot later on in the gallery, but who can tell?

Champions Online hits the PC this spring, with an Xbox 360 release coming later on. Thanks to lotus2133 for the screen tip.

City of Heroes co-developer Cryptic Studios has confirmed that its next super-powered MMO will launch on PC before the promised Xbox 360 and possible PS3 edition hit.

"All I know is it's coming out first on the PC," design director and Flagship Studios veteran Bill Roper told Eurogamer. "We really, really want to bring it out on console, the consoles are just hungry and perfect for an MMO, and we've done a lot of work to ensure that there's nothing to prevent us from doing that...It's an area beyond my control."

While once slated for June, Champions Online is now set to launch within the vague spring timeframe. Officially, the game has only been announced for PC and Xbox 360, though publisher Atari lists the MMO as coming to "consoles."

Champions Online, the new MMO from City of Heroes developer Cryptic Studios, is now scheduled for a June launch according to publisher Atari.

Atari did not mention whether the launch will be simultaneous across the game's planned platforms, the Xbox 360 and PC.

Marked by a traditional comic book art style, Champions' main bullet-point is its character customization, allowing players to write their own backstories and create an arch-nemesis that will follow them throughout their heroic careers.

A beta for the game will begin this spring. Signups are still open at the official website.

Following the failure of Flagship Studios and Hellgate: London, former Blizzard Entertainment director Bill Roper has joined Cryptic Studios, the MMO developer announced today.

Roper will serve as Design Director on Champions Online, Cryptic's new massively multiplayer online superhero title based on the Champions role playing game.

Said Cryptic Studios CEO John Needham, "Bill brings a ton of creative energy to the Cryptic office and we're thrilled to have him join our team. His years of gaming and online experience are huge assets to all of our projects, and Bill will assist us in furthering our studio's vision to create innovative, exciting MMO gameplay."

City of Heroes and Star Trek Online developer Cryptic Studios today opened registration for the closed PC beta of its superpowered MMO Champions Online.

Those seeking to role-play the virtual life of a super hero can apply for beta access on the game's official site, with the PC-only beta slated to begin in mid-November.

"This closed beta is an exciting step in the evolution of Champions Online," said Cryptic creative officer Jack Emmert. "All of us here in the Cryptic offices have been playing the game for a while now, and we're excited to invite others in to have as much fun with Champions Online as we've been having internally."

Champions Online is scheduled to launch on PC and "current gen consoles" in spring.

More screenshots from Cryptic Studios' upcoming Champions Online (PC, 360) have appeared, providing a glimpse of the superpowered MMO due out next spring from the City of Heroes (PC) creator.

A new trailer for Cryptic Studios' Champions Online (PC, 360) has arrived, showcasing various gameplay elements in the upcoming comic hero MMO.

Published by Take-Two, Champions Online is expected to hit both the PC and Xbox 360 next spring. For more on the title, be sure to check out our E3 2008 preview.

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Well, shucks. I'm not much for MMOs—my last oft-played MMO experience was years ago with CCP's Eve Online (PC)—but Cryptic Studios' Champions Online (PC, 360) might change all that.

Inspired by George McDonald's 1982 tabletop game, Champions Online marks developer Cryptic's second foray into the comic book MMO genre, following 2005's City of Heroes. The pervasive comic look of that game has seen an overhaul in Champions, with the comic shading and dark outlines around character silhouettes... Read more

Take-Two Interactive today announced that it will be handling publishing duties for Champions Online, the next MMO from City of Heroes (PC) developer Cryptic Studios. While Cryptic has been tight-lipped about the game's console release, Take-Two specified that the MMO will hit Xbox 360 in addition to PC next spring.

Expect more details on Champions Online to arrive next week during the 2008 E3 Media & Business Summit.

Developer Cryptic Studios today unveiled three new screenshots for its upcoming superhero MMO Champions Online, which the company asserts will offer "near-infinte" customization options.

Champions Online is in development for PCs and unspecified consoles, and due for release in the spring of 2009.

As if in response to today's earlier City of Heroes news, developer Cryptic Studios has released a couple new screenshots of its upcoming superhero MMO Champions Online.

The game promises a near-infinite amount of character design possibilities, along with the ability to customize avatar back-stories and abilities.

Champions Online is slated for a spring 2009 release on PC and unspecified consoles.

Cryptic Studios has released the first trailer for Champions Online, their recently announced PC / XBox 360 superhero MMO. The video runs for about a minute and includes gameplay footage.

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Cryptic Studios, developer of the superhero MMO City of Heroes, have today announced their next project: Champions Online, a self-published superhero MMO based on the popular pen-and-paper game Champions RPG.

The key bullet point of Champions Online will be customization, with Cryptic boasting a "near infinite" amount of character-defining traits.

Says the press release: "Gamers will be able to create their hero's name, back story, costume, powers and abilities as well as design their own personal arch-enemy and his or her back story, which will guarantee a truly unique experience."

"We thought carefully about which IP to select for our next game," said Cryptic chief creative officer Jack Emmert. "I've been playing the Champions RPG since it first came out and I love both the rich history and the wide array of compelling characters which made this an obvious choice for Cryptic Studios."

Champions Online is slated for a spring 2009 release. A website for the project has also been launched.

With Marvel Universe Online (PC, X360) officially canceled and the studio no longer involved with City of Heroes (PC), the latest effort from superhero MMO developer Cryptic Studios is Champions Online, a super-powered MMO planned for PC and consoles.

Word of the project comes from a writeup detailing gaming publication Game Informer's March issue. No further details are available at this time.

Gearbox's upcoming Aliens shooter will be called Aliens: Colonial Marines when it hits PC and unspecifid consoles--most likely PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360--in 2009, the article revealed. It also contained the official title of Volition's next Red Faction entry, Red Faction: Guerilla.