DCUO: 10 Updates That Resulted In One Of The Best Superhero Games Of All Time

DC Universe Online or DCUO launched to some success but was quickly forgotten about by the comic book community. The title has since been updated consistently with remarkable improvements that have helped it become one of the best superhero video games of all time.

The underrated gem still has a loyal fanbase but certainly doesn’t boast the audience it perhaps deserves. Regular DLC upgrades, brand new storylines inspired by the source material, and fun community events have led to a lot of entertaining experiences that feel as if they have been drawn straight from DC’s comics.

Improved Graphics

DCUO was initially launched in 2011 but a lot has changed in the video game world since that time. Although the DC video game has not had a complete overhaul in terms of the engine it runs on, there have been a number of graphical improvements to the MMORPG.

Some may argue that the game looks outdated in parts, but retextured NPCs, fresh models, improved operating systems, and other visual patches have certainly gone a long way in helping the title still appeal to modern audiences. In many ways, DCUO is quite stylized and the frame rate continues to run smoothly with modern platforms helping with some of the stress of the huge game.

More Platforms

When DCUO originally launched, the game was mostly played on PCs. Consoles like the PS3 eventually got on board with the title, but now next-gen platforms continue to allow players to experience this DC Comics Universe with their own hardware improving it tenfold.

Whether audiences are still enjoying this fantastic DC title on the PC, or perhaps have moved over to the Xbox One, PS4, or maybe even the Nintendo Switch and played it along with other best DC video games like Batman: Arkham Knight, the game looks even better on these consoles and runs a lot smoother. Consistent improvements in both monitors and controllers have only heightened DCUO further.

Community Events

No MMORPG would be complete without some kind of community event that continues to cater to a loyal fanbase and DC Universe Online is certainly no different. The game has managed to add various boss battles, cinematic sequences, costumes, and other such features in conjunction with real-world events.

Whether it be the recent seasonal moments linked to Halloween or the focus on specific characters when a new movie or TV show releases, these events allow familiar gameplay to be revamped signifying that something interesting will always be happening for gamers to get involved with.

New Storylines

The storyline that DCUO originally launched with a focus on an alternative part of the Multiverse that saw the Earth’s population gain powers of their own. The narrative has had to evolve since then though, with DCUO receiving over 40 episodes of additional content to explore.

These stories have seen new characters introduced and added alternate locations to fight through. They have added much-needed layers to the NPCs and mentors that players interact alongside while also providing an endgame for long-term fans to aim for without ever reaching the limits of the title. It’s a great place for DC heroes who deserve a solo game to be spotlighted further in niche DLC.

Reflecting The Comics

There are definitely some original narratives included within many of these episodes, but the storylines may also draw inspiration from the comics. Indeed, DCUO has managed to stay as up-to-date as possible, with even the Dark Knights Metal arc influencing the game.

Other major storylines from the comics like Flashpoint, one of the most important DC events, have also had their impact felt, but it’s a great opportunity for those who continue to read the comics to jump straight into the tales that they have come to love, living through them with their own personalized characters.

Better Servers

MMORPGs have been known to crash, that’s the nature of a huge game like DCUO. In the earlier days of the title, players were sometimes launched out of the experience due to so many people trying to get involved. Especially when entwined in combat with other gamers.

Over the years technology has improved though. Combine this with a smaller fan base and a chance to fix any underlying issues and the result is a server that rarely crashes and allows fans to dive into the game without any reservations that it might suddenly come to a halt.

Further Customization Options

There are very few superhero games that actually allow the audience to completely customize their character. While a much-loved title like the Arkham series may boast great hero and villain designs, there’s something to be said about the choice being entirely in the player’s hands.

There are so many additional customization options in regards to the costumes and weapons available, especially since so much more content is free for all users. What’s more, when it comes to naming the vigilante or criminal, with newer consoles like the Switch there are more names available once more, due to the decrease in players on those servers.

Higher Levels

For any major DC fan in the early days of DC Universe Online, it would have been quite easy to put in plenty of hours to the game only to reach the maximum limit on both the character and the story. Threats would have seemed far less intimidating at this stage.

Continued development and multiple episodes mean that it is so much harder to reach the upper echelon of a character’s full potential. That’s even better news for those just getting started as there’s no end in sight if this appears to be the perfect title for some gamers.

A Compelling Tutorial

There’s plenty of characters that deserved to be fully realized with Arkham-style combat, but DCUO uses a more traditional MMORPG style of gameplay. Button mashing might be a bit more common here, but there’s a tactical nature to how a player can navigate a level as well.

The original tutorial was dull and went on for far too long. It was overcomplicated and didn’t exactly allow the game to shine. The newest updates to the tutorial that introduces players to DCUO are vastly improved, with Brainiac’s forces seeming like a genuine threat and the player getting drawn much deeper into the story. It actually shows how to properly use all the powers and abilities available within this gameplay style.

Consistent Patches

Patches are a vital part of the longevity of any title, especially one that is getting updated in regards to new narrative features. DC Universe Online isn’t particularly buggy anymore, but that doesn’t stop the team from fully supporting the game so players can get the most from it.

These patches continue to allow the online game to run far smoother, which is a big win for all involved. Removing these kinds of distractions allows players to realize just how much incredible content there is available, without any technical barriers or paywalls stopping them from reaching it.

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