When City of Heroes came out last April, it was a refreshing change, at least thematically, from the fantasy dogpile. Instead of starting out as a hobo with a pair of tweezers, CoH let us jump right in as caped crusaders, eventually being able to leap tall buildings in a single bound and stopping bullets with a flick of the wrist. No matter how big a wizard can make his fireballs, there's nothing like flying around skyscrapers and jumping off 100-story walls like a true badass.

Partying up was easy -- and it was fun since there was no bitter haggling over loot. Instead, party members would continue to get their usual, randomized allotments of Enhancements and Inspirations. (Enhancements permanently boost a skill, while Inspirations do so temporarily and also provide healing and other odds and ends). Combat could get especially furious, thanks to the appropriately flashy and over-the-top attacks we were capable of. And it made us feel warm and fuzzy to swoop down and beat up a thug who was trying to steal an old lady's purse.