Gamertell

Champions Online is an upcoming massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) based on the Champions role-playing game that was first published back in 1981. It’s being developed by Cryptic Studios, a company you’re probably familiar with thanks to its work on City of Heroes, another superhero-themed MMORPG.

Although the full game isn’t expected to be released until Spring 2009 (for PC and Xbox 360), Cryptic Studios confirmed via press release that a closed beta for the PC version will be taking place “mid-November 2008.” Registration is now open and you can sign-up at the Champions web site.

Just like the paper-based role-playing game upon which it is based, Champions Online will allow players to create truly unique superheroes by customizing their name, history, powers/abilities, (spandex-based) costume and even a nemesis with a back story.

Whether the world really needs another superhero-themed MMORPG is a matter for debate but at least you can rest assured that Cryptic knows what it’s doing when it comes to the genre.

Of course, something that probably isn’t needed is the inevitable slew of “Penis Men,” complete with skin-tight outfits, that will inevitably (if Spore is anything to go by) accompany the game’s launch.

Read [Shack News] Product Page [Champions Online]