Rank 6: DC Universe Online
Developer: Dimensional Ink | Platform: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch | Release Date: January 11, 2011 | Payment Model: Free2Play | Status: Still active
What do I need to know about the license? DC Comics is the major competitor of Marvel Comics and has created comparably iconic superheroes and villains since 1934 – such as Batman, Superman, Joker, The Flash, or the Suicide Squad.
There are also many similarities between DC and Marvel. Both franchises have seen countless films, series, and games released over the years. As with Marvel, the quality has fluctuated greatly, ranging from disastrous failures to successful mega-blockbusters.
What do I need to know about the game? DC Universe Online was not the first superhero MMORPG (that title goes to City of Heroes from 2004), but it is certainly the most successful. One reason for this is the powerful license, which competitors like City of Heroes or Champions Online could not compete with.
While you also have to create your own superhero or supervillain in DCUO, you constantly encounter well-known heroes like Batman, Superman, Joker, or Harley Quinn during missions. The story campaigns also take you to well-known places like Gotham City or Metropolis.
The regular supply of episodes also reflects the ongoing developments in the DC universe, such as the Arrowverse around Green Arrow, The Flash, or Supergirl. Content from the DC Extended Universe has also been woven into the game.
Recently, DC Universe Online broke with the lore to improve the player experience on the servers – villains and heroes can now team up: The 14-year-old MMORPG does like WoW, breaks faction boundaries, and now offers cross-faction groups
