DC Universe Online goes to maintenance mode to prepare for Free to Play

Sony Online Entertainment announced that today, at 4AM Pacific, DC Universe Online will go to maintenance mode.  The maintenance mode is to prepare the Massively Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Game as it transitions to Free-to-Play.   Meaning, users can simply sign in to the game and play, with purchase as optional.

Players can also subscribed to the game.  Subscription will allow more game slots so players can create more characters, have more in-game cash and more slots to store gear.

DC Universe Online is a massively multiplayer online roleplaying game based on the universe and characters appearing in DC Comics.  The goal of the game is to be the next legend— the next Superhero or Supervillain.

In a future reality, the Earth is conquered by Brainiac.  Future Lex Luthor travels back in time to expose “Exobytes”— the powers and abilities of superheroes, and like a virus spreads to Earth’s population.  These Exobytes give the player— and others in the game, powers and abilities.  And with it Armies are formed.

Each player joins a faction, led by a mentor.  There are six mentors, three heroes and three villains.  The mentors are Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman for the Justice League.  On the super villain side it is Lex Luthor, The Joker and Circe.

For example, if you choose Batman as a mentor you follow a story track under Batman.  Upon reaching End Game, you get to join the Justice League (or Legion of Doom if you’re a villain), as well as access to new gear, and armor.  For players under Batman, that would be the Dark Specter suit.