2K and Cryptic had the best one-two combo at GC Leipzig in my eyes. The right jab is Champions Online which is set for a February 2009 release on PC and Xbox 360 simultaneously.

The difference between it and DC Universe Online was noticeable as soon as I walked in the door and looked at the screen. The game looks like a comic book and feels more like a superhero environment than any title based in a superhero universe before.

Let’s get down to the brass tacks. There are several things in Champions Online that just don’t happen in other games. For example character buffs exist in the game and can be picked up by the characters of course. But these can also be picked up by the NPCs making them more powerful and more dangerous. They also have a black boost which is a trap and explodes so you can use it to lure in mobs who will step on it and take damage.

There is no class system in Champions Online. Every level you acquire means you get points to put into powers you have or to pick up new powers. Where DCUO gives you four powers to allow for the four button controls, Champions Online lets you use all your powers at any time while playing. The CO interface makes it easy for you to flip through your skills and use them as you want. You don’t gain and lose powers based on roles but they might be affected by the role you choose.