Around the time that the PS 3 was announced, a massively multiplayer online based on the DC comics universe was also announced. After several years in development, it has arrived. Although it received mixed reviews, players enjoyed being able to interact with heroes such as Superman and Batman while visiting locations such as Gotham city and the Fortress of Solitude. A few months ago, the game went free-to-play, and its subscriber base saw a huge jump. With most of the game’s features available for free, now is a great time to jump in if you’re a fan of superheroes.

DC Universe Online takes place in a version of the DC Universe that’s similar to the pre-reboot modern DCU. A version of Lex Luthor has arrived from the future to warn Earth’s heroes about Braniac’s plan. He them released a mechanism which grants powers to several ordinary humans with the hopes that the heroes of the DCU will train them to become heroes. However, many of these new meta-humans decide to become villains, and fights break out throughout the world. Things further escalate when DC’s villains get involved.

You step into the role of one of these new meta-humans. You design their costume, choose their powers, weather they’re a hero or villain, and which superhero (or supervillain) to follow. The controls are easy to pick up and play, and your powers are upgradable. The game contains some real star power as well. Green Lantern writer Geoff Johns serves as the game’s head writer while Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill reprise their animated series roles as Batman and the Joker respectively. Like most free-to-play games, there is a lot available for free, but one can subscribe for even more content. The game isn’t perfect, but it’s fun, and who doesn’t want to fly across metropolis alongside Superman? Even better, you can do so for free.