What is the Nemesis system? Why is something like this important in a game about superheroes?

The Champions Online Nemesis system is a mid-game component that allows players to create a persistent enemy to plague their hero. Players select their Nemesis’ name, costume, motivation, personality, power template, and minions which then show up from time to time as players progress through the game. There are various Nemesis storylines that players can play through, uncovering their Nemesis’ plots and eventually putting them away (if they can!). Eventually players may build up a whole gallery full of Nemeses!

Why did we feel incorporating a Nemesis system was important? For one thing, it’s a common trope within the superhero genre; how many comic book heroes have earned the eternal enmity of a villain for some real or perceived slight? Also, this is another great way for players to create their own custom character content and put it into the larger game world. We’re also looking at expanding the functionality of Nemesis in the future. Maybe some players would like to turn to the dark side and play their own Nemesis…

Can you explain a bit about the quest system? What makes Champions stand out from the legion of other MMOs on the market in terms of quests and gaining XP?

We tried to mix up the types of quest activities within Champions Online. You’ll still find traditional MMORPG missions in the game but we’ve expanded that base to include more interesting gameplay elements.

While we still have some guided missions via contacts we’ve incorporated a lot of discovery missions where players can come across crimes in progress, people in need, or clues that point to suspicious activities elsewhere. We definitely wanted to bring more heroic elements into our mission system so we’ve included a lot of rescue scenarios where you help people who can’t help themselves – saving people trapped under rubble, signaling to rescue helicopters while fighting off waves of enemies, freeing people from menacing monsters, healing the sick and wounded, etc. We’ve also incorporated some group-oriented missions where players need to work together to take on a greater villainous threat.

What are some of the features that are specific to Champions Online – like Roles and Momentum?

In Champions Online, Roles allow players to switch their focus in different combat situations, allowing for different types of character builds. Everyone starts off with a Balanced role and players earn additional roles (Offensive, Defensive, Support) by exemplifying that aspect in combat over time. Roles give you access to special powers specific to the Role you are taking on in combat. Depending on your team composition or what’s happening in a given combat you can switch out your Role to fit the situation. In short, it’s intended to give you a lot of flexibility in combat and team composition.

With regards to Momentum the terms you’re looking for are Energy and Equilibrium. Players in Champions Online have an Energy Bar that has an Equilibrium point on it. Where the Equilibrium point is depends on the hero’s Characteristics, but is usually a third to halfway along the bar. Players Energy fills up and drains down naturally to the Equilibrium point. Players always have Energy Builder powers that actually gain Energy and can push your Energy level past the Equilibrium point. Players then expend Energy to execute their big attacks. What’s really great about this system is that you’re never stuck waiting for your Energy to recharge – you can always keep attacking with your Energy Builder powers and build up to your big attacks again!

Is there a PvP system in place?

You bet! We’ve actually have a number of styles of PvP in the game. First off is the open world PvP dueling – if you’d like to test your mettle against other players you can simply challenge another player to a PvP duel. We’re also got a few different types of instanced maps: “Tournament of Champions” team PvP, “B.A.S.H.” free-for-all PvP, and the very cool “Apocalypse” scenario-based PVP. There are a number of PvP rewards players can earn as well. As the game grows we plan to add more PvP maps and rewards.