Finding a Christmas present for Mark this year was easy. He’s a huge comic book and super hero fan, and has been since he was a kid. However, he’s never been a fan of video games. I grew up on them.

This was my plan of attack. I’ve wanted Mark to like video games, and I’ve tried to get him to play, but that dog just wouldn’t hunt. So I had to get him something he couldn’t resist…

I bought Mark the game City of Heroes for Christmas this year. COH is a Massive Muliti-player Online Role Playing Game (MMORPG) for the PC. This means that not only do you design and develop your own super hero of choice, but you play and interact live with countless other heroes being played by gamers across the globe. This allows you to create your own super hero and form teams with other heroes to beat up baddies all across Paragon City.

So, meet Airborne, my character (shown in the picture). Since I’m sure you’re wondering, he’s a mutant controller, and his powers are based in illusions and kinetics. He plays on the Guardian server. He’s cool. And damn sexy. Everyone tells him so.

I’m very impressed with this game. I’ve heard lots of commotion about World of Warcraft, a very popular MMORPG. While I haven’t given it a try myself, I’ve been playing City of Heroes for a few weeks and am addicted as it gets. I now see what the hubbub is all about. The social aspects, overwhelming size (these worlds are HUGE), and innovative live events happening in the game make MMORPGs something for gamers on all platforms to be excited about.

The characters you can create are highly customizable… you won’t find 2 that are the same. In fact, the game has given players so many options that they’re under fire for it. Marvel is suing the makers of City of Heroes for allowing players to create characters that pretty much could pass for The Hulk, Wolverine, etc.

Mark and I have both been logging long hours on this game. This game - and pretty much most MMORPGs that I’ve seen - cost a monthly fee to be able to play online. Games like these aren’t just developed and pretty much done - it’s an ongoing world that the game makers have to maintain, change, and expand. Understanding that - as well as simply getting my money’s worth in gameplay hours - makes the $12/month fee seem very reasonable.

I’d include a link to download a demo, but I don’t believe they have one available…

- Andy