Pointed toward release later this year, apparently in the last quarter, City of Villains is Cryptic Studios' standalone follow-up to its popular City of Heroes. Publisher NCsoft showed it prominently in its booth on the show floor, and also offered invited guests presentations by team members; the one I sat in on was conducted by Creative Director Jack Emmert.


Addressing what may well have been the most frequent request made by players of the earlier title, the underlying concept this time is a reversal of roles. Instead of fighting to save Paragon City from the forces of crime and evil, your task is to help rid the Rogue Isles of pesky do-gooders who think it's their duty to impose liberty and justice, and to prevent you from achieving your rightful status as a dominant crime lord.