Addition of player-versus-player arenas marks new era for City of Heroes

NCsoft® Europe, the world's leading developer and publisher of online computer games and Cryptic StudiosTM announce the release of City of Heroes® Issue 4: Colosseum, the latest expansion of the award-winning massively multiplayer online game. The release of Issue 4, free to all current subscribers via automatic download, marks the one year anniversary of City of Heroes' original launch in the USA and the three month anniversary of its European debut. During that time the game has undergone a major transformation in terms of size, population and game features, the most dramatic being Issue 4's introduction of player-versus-player (PVP) arenas.

Issue 4 also adds new options to the critically-acclaimed costume customisation tool with the addition of a wide-variety of anime-influenced costume choices. Additionally, players now have greater control over the look and feel of their characters with the introduction of body and face scaling features. The costume customisation interface now enables players to shape parts of their characters' bodies including heads, shoulders, legs and chests. The updated customisation options will be available to all new characters. Pre-existing characters can visit any of the tailor shops in Paragon CityTM to update their look.

"We took a costume customisation tool that offered an almost unlimited number of costume options and added to it by geometric proportions," said Jack Emmert, City of Heroes lead designer and creative director for Cryptic Studios. "One of the achievements we are most proud of is that players know that they can play City of Heroes and may never see another player with the same costume. The updating of custom options also expands our ability to reach more players who are fans of Anime or Manga."

The main event for Issue 4, however, is the three new PVP arenas in Paragon City. For the first time, heroes can test their skills against each other in combat. The arenas, which opened in Galaxy City, Talos Island and Peregrine Island, resemble some of today's newest domed stadiums, but also reflect the classic architecture of coliseums throughout history. These arenas provide players with access to instanced PVP zones in which solo, team or super group battles can take place.

"PVP has been a highly requested option, but until now City of Heroes has been only player-versus-environment style, so this opens up a whole new opportunity for our community," Emmert said. "I believe PVP will supplement the game while not detracting from City of Heroes' missions or story arcs. I see the PVP arenas as a way for players to hone their skills and as a change of pace from arresting villains."

The arenas are open to all player levels and include a ranking system where players can see their skills ranked against all other heroes in Paragon City. Winners in the arena matches gain recognition and those defeated still gain valuable battle experience without earning character debt. Matches will also have a wide variety of battle criteria to select from, so players may customise their battles to their preference.

City of Heroes, which was named "MMORPG Game of the Year" (2004) by Computer Gaming World and "2004 PC or Console Game of the Year" by Billboard Magazine, is available at all good games outlets across Europe. Sixty-day game time cards are also available.

For more information about City of Heroes, Issue 4: Colosseum, go to: http://eu.cityofheroes.com.