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Big Download is trying something a bit different with this preview. Rather than present our impressions in a traditional preview format, we've organized the information in the form of a short story. However, those who aren't in the mood to read too much need not fret: all gameplay mechanics have been highlighted in bold text. Simply keep an eye out for the bold text on each page to learn exactly what Champions Online features.

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The safe room was large, bouncing the grunts and battle cries of the five superheroes gathered within it like a wildly bouncing ball. Might stood in the center of his team, an Xbox 360 cord wrapped around his waist, the controller itself facing outward like a belt buckle. He faced, as did each of the others, a dummy tied to a stake. Five steps above them, their leader, Captain Cryptic, folded his burly arms across his chest and leaned on a guardrail, watching his charges.

Captain Cryptic raised a hand. "Silence." As one, the students ceased attacking their targets and stood rigid, their hands at their sides. "Our city is in danger, but before we depart, it is my duty to make sure that you are all prepared for the dangers we will face. Might," he said, jutting his chin at the man. "Press the X button rapidly to execute a series of quick yet powerful strikes."

Might nodded and complied. Rather than physically touch the controller, Might willed the button to press and smiled as his hands shot out, rapidly pummeling the dummy.

"Do you feel your energy level rising?" asked Captain Cryptic.

"Yes."

"You can replenish your energy by using the X button to strike quickly. The damage done is minimal, but the energy gain is more than sufficient. How do you feel?"

Might licked his lips. "Stronger, sir." Stronger? Though his arms again hung at his side, he felt his biceps straining unconsciously against his spandex, as if attempting to break free.

"Do you feel strong enough to finish your opponent?"

"I do, sir."

"Proceed."

Might mentally pressed the Y button on his controller. Roaring, Might bent down and dug his fingers into the cold cement floor. Squeezing, he roared again as he tore the chunk free from the ground and held it high over his head. Bits of rubble rained down on him like raindrops before he threw the chunk at the dummy. It smashed into the sightless doll, causing it to rattle satisfactorily back and forth as the clump exploded into smaller fragments.

His adrenaline vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Suddenly exhausted, Might stumbled forward before righting himself. Sweat plastered his costume to his body.

"Special attacks require energy," said the Captain. "Remember, use your quick attack to refill your energy meter."

Slowly at first, Might began to batter the dummy. He felt renewed power flow through him with each successful blow. Moments later, he stood straight, his body again throbbing with the need to unleash his... might... against all who would stand against him.

"Save your strength," said the Captain. "We prepare to enter the Stronghold prison, which, I presume you have all been informed, is under attack."

"What befell, Captain?" asked a hero standing next to Might. Might turned and studied his ally. Force was a big man -- smaller than he was, but still big enough -- dressed in white and blue spandex. Unlike Might, Force had used psychic energy attacks to attack his dummy. That was fine, Might supposed, but not for him. Ripping chunks of earth from the ground and throwing them at an enemy's face -- yes, that's how Might fought his battles.

"... to be wary of the mind controlled guards," Captain Cryptic was saying. Might blinked and turned back to his commander. "Menton has total control over them," continued the Captain. They will attack you without mercy. Do not be afraid to unleash the full force of your power."

Might narrowed his eyes. Like Force, the villainous Menton relied on telekinetic energy to conduct attacks. If Might could only get one gloved fist around Menton's throat...

"Are you all ready?" asked the Captain. Might and his teammates clapped their feet together and their open hands against their legs. "Excellent. Follow me."