City of Heroes is a true departure from the MMORPG market, which is primarily filled with medieval fantasy-based titles. The game enables players to realize their comic book dreams. Heroes protect the fine citizens of Paragon City in a colorful 3-D world where the victims of crimes not only thank players for their help, but they even compliment players on their costumes!

The innovative character creation system in City of Heroes ensures that everyone can be the hero they've always dreamed of. Since the game provides literally billions of costume and power combinations, it is almost impossible to create a hero that isn't unique. The system is simple for users, but provides many layers of customization. First, players choose from a set of five Origins: Mutant, Science, Technology, Natural, and Magic. Once players know how their super-powered hero got his or her powers, they decide upon an Archetype: Blaster, Controller, Defender, Tanker, and Scrapper. This determines the type of powers the players can select. Then players design their heroes' look by choosing from body sizes and styles, skin colour and hair, upper and lower body appearance, icons, masks, hats and headdresses...even tails and antennae!