User Interview: Fringe

Recently we sat down with the creator of Fringe for a few opinions on his character and of DCUO. He shared a few of his beliefs with us.

"Aren't they all just vigilantes? These heroes aren't government sanctioned. What's the difference between a vigilante and a hero? A bigger budget? At the end of the day they both make the same mistake, they help people."
--Fringe

Fringe is the leader of a group of evildoers, that's different. what helped you make that decision?
I'm not the leader of WAR. But one of the council members of WAR. Which is the ruling body of our legion. I've always been one who likes to go against the grain. So once i saw how all these do-gooders started lining up. The choice was simple.

What's your previous Superhero MMO experience?
This will be my first superhero MMO.

Were you influenced at all by comics and tabletop RPGs?
Of course, who doesn't like comics? That's the main attraction to me. I love comics, and to be able to fight alongside and against my favorite characters is going to be crazy.

Is DCUO the realization of a long-time dream for many hardcore fans of Comics and RPGs?
It's like i said before. If i get to fight with Lex Luthor? And destroy the likes of Superman and Batman? Where do i sign-up?

What does the name WAR represent?
It represents bloodlust, rebellion, banditry and courage. Some believe a living embodiment of WAR has existed on this planet since before man took his first step. What are our designs for this world? Let the heroes tremble and wait.

Are you a PC or PS3 player? What are some of the differences
between each?
I'm a Ps3 player. I don’t game on my pc, always been a console gamer. Don’t really know the difference between the two, but if the one i played at NYC comic con was on PC then it plays like a console game. Kind of like Phantasy star or /hack maybe. Something along those lines.

Does the WAR have a website? What's the address?
http://www.wardcuo.guildlaunch.com

Why select a Hero versus a Vigilante or Villain?
You obviously have me confused with one of these naive ppl that stick their noses in other's affairs. That is strike 1. I am a villain, you will do well to remember that. I am not burden by such childish moral convictions. Whoah! Someone switched into "character" there eh? Can you say can't-wait-to-play-DCUO?

How were you introduced to DCUO?
I don’t even remember anymore to be honest. I just can't wait for it to come out.

What other superhero MMOs are you a veteran of?
None, this will be my first.

Let's say DCUO introduced Guild Wars/Matches (where teams of "supers" could organize and battle each other) in the coming months? would it be a Good or Bad thing?

It would seem to be good imo. A welcome option for both PVP and PVE players. And a great way for factions to settle any disputes.

If you could take down one DCUO NPC Hero, who would it be?
That's easy, Batman. He always finds a way to win at the end. He could be a problem, he might have to be the first to go.

Which player-controlled evildoer would you put down?
While i don't condone villain on villain violence. All that stand in my way will be put down.

Should evil characters have the option of Maiming or Killing heroes for longer spawn times?

Of course we should. Villains come to a fight with the intention to maim and kill. Not subdue their opponent. Rule 1 in the villains handbook is "Never leave a hero alive". Let the heroes suffer for their lack of ferocity.
 
What are the three things DCUO can implement to keep you as a long-time player?
The only one that really matters is content. You give me content and i won't stop playing, and vary it up. Give us a little variety of missions. Have expansions cover big events like Blackest Night, Battle on Apokilips, or a Crisis event.

In the same vein, what three things can guarantee you won't be around long?
Well pretty much the opposite, give me not enough content, and i wont stay around. Make my 15 dollars worth it.

If you could have one dream game feature, what would it be?
The ability to gain membership in some of DCU's iconic stables. Like the Sinestro Corps, League of Assassins, and the Suicide Squad. We couldn't agree more. This reward would be truly EPIC.

What unconfirmed new DCUO content would you like to see?
I think would be great to see them add new powers like electricity, earth, atomic,and light. It would be nice for everyone be able to make the type of character they envisioned. At the end of our travels in DCUO i would like to say i fought the Green Lanterns on OA, or fight Aquaman in Atlantis. 

If there was one change you could make to DCUO in its current form, what would it be?
I don't know really, i haven't had alot of hands on time with the game. Watching the vids are one thing, but i won’t really know until i get it in my hands. As of right now it seems perfectly fine to me.

In your opinion, what is DCUO's greatest strength?
The DC brand itself, it has instant appeal. It truly is a life long dream to be in this universe. It is going to be amazing the first time i see a iconic hero or villain just at random point in the world.

What weakness hurts DCUO the most?
The DC brand. Alot of expectations come along with it. And some players may find themselves being less forgiving of faults in the game. Since it deals with such a well-known and beloved IP.

What are you on the lookout for in the Beta? How important is BETA Feedback?
I look forward to getting in and trying out all the different power sets, and movement modes. Basically anything that they allow me to see. But yeah feedback is very important. We don’t want a buggy game when it comes out. So let’s try to help out as much as we can. Remember these aren't going to be our characters when the game comes out.

With anti-heroes of questionable background and moral character like the Dark Enforcers around, is the Vigilante Class a must-have in DCUO?
Aren't they all just vigilantes? These heroes aren't government sanctioned. What's the difference between a vigilante and a hero? A bigger budget? At the end of the day they both make the same mistake, they help people.

Is a Danger Room/Training environment where we can match-up and practice against other heroes (or AI) a necessity?

I don't know about training against other heroes, but I think it would good training for groups to be able to learn teamwork. If you don't know what each other is doing or what you can string together you’re bound to lose.

Lairs, Bases and Super-Vehicles. Does DCUO need them?
People should be able to enjoy the fruit of their labors. If your legion is successful enough to own your own H.Q. who would'nt want one?
 

Why's user fiction such a big fixture in this genre?
It adds to the level of immersion to the game. People are comic fans and want to place themselves in the world. It just adds a little bit of a special touch.
 

PVP or PVE server, and why?
PVP server anything else would be uncivilized.
 

What hero team would you look forward to matching up with in a well-
done Guild Wars system?
Who we face is irrelevant, the outcome will be the same. Victory is a foregone conclusion, to consider anything else would be blasphemy.

What new things would you like to see in Character Customization?
More clothing and weapon skins. More power types to choose from. Customization is key in a game like this.

Should DCUO have a Sidekick feature where new players can use NPCs
or more experienced players as Mentors?

I don't know how that would really work, Mentors give missions, a player controlled mentor would not be able to.  Besides Sidekicks, what would someone like me possibly do with a sidekick? You seem to forget that I am a King of WAR. I command a battalion of Demons. I have no need to create a dynamic duo. Is this the last Question that you have? If it is i am impressed, you managed to only obtain one strike against yourself. You may live... not what I originally had planned, but it will have to do. Now go and spread the gospel of WAR.