Free Champions Online Interview: No Unblalnce Items, Unrestricted Game Experience

Today is a special day for Champions Online. Players can access the game without paying anything from now on. Recently, we've sat down with Shannon Posniewski, EP from Cryptic Studios, talking about the new features of the free Champions Online and their future plan.

Different from the case in other free content-limited MMO games, all core content and levels in Champions Online are available for free. Moreover, the official company not only has added a big update "Archetypes" into the game now, but also is planning for their next Adventure Pack: Resistance.

Champions Online - Demonflame Trailer

They did enlarge the official item shot, The C-Store, with various devices and items added. Shannon said that they wouldn't sell any devices or items with great power which might break the balance in the world of Champions Online.

"I'd also add that the free-to-play component of Champions Online is definitely not a simple demo or trial. You can experience the entire game, level 1 to 40, aside from two bonus adventure packs. And, finally, I'd say that we have big plans for future updates to Champions and I really hope folks give us a try. And why not? It's free, for all." he added.

He also talked about the possibility of free Star Trek Online.

Official website: http://www.champions-online.com/splash?redir=frontpage.

Champions Online - Free For All Client Installer Download: http://download.mmosite.com/html/1/3619/.

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Champions Online Champions Online Screenshot

Here is the entire interview:

MMOsite: Jan. 25 is a big day for Champions Online, for it will be free to play. Many MMOs will set some limitations on contents available to non-paying players when they switch from P2P to F2P, for instance, limited areas, limited level, limited dungeons and so on, which makes such change more like a free trial rather than really "free to play". So, will the free-to-play-Champions Online have the similar content limitations?

Shannon: Not really, no. All core content and levels are available for free in Champions Online: Free for All. Everyone can play through all the content and level up to the maximum level at no cost. We want to provide an exciting, full experience for everyone. We're monetizing optional adventure packs, optional Archetypes, and other convenience and aesthetic items. No gates.

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Champions Online Champions Online Screenshot

MMOsite: What's the main change after Champions Online shifts to free-to-play model?

Shannon: The addition of "Archetypes" is one of the biggest new things we added for free-to-play.

Non-subscribing players have some restrictions over which powers they can use. They must play heroes based on iconic Archetypes. Subscribers can create and advance their heroes by choosing practically any power regardless of theme or utility. Archetypes, on the other hand, are much like classes found in other games. The progression of which powers you earn, which powers you can choose from, and the general role that your hero takes is defined by an Archetype. Subscribers can also create a hero based on an Archetype too.

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Champions Online Champions Online Screenshot

MMOsite: So far, the items in the shop are based mainly on costume. Will you add new items to the Cryptic Store when the game launches on Jan. 25? If yes, will these new items be free for Gold members?