10:48 AM: Allan Sugarbaker says...
HeroClix: Still licensable

NCsoft is using the power of HeroClix to make its City of Heroes Collectors DVD Edition even more attractive to gamers. An exclusive Statesman HeroClix figure is part of the package, which also includes a fold-out Paragon City map, a novel excerpt, a unique in-game item, and trailers of the upcoming City of Villains expansion. All announced on the day The Incredibles comes out. Hey, a superheroes fan is a superheroes fan, I guess.

NCsoft/Wiz Kids press release follows:
NCsoft Releases City of Heroes Collectors DVD Edition

Acclaimed online game includes an exclusive HeroClix figure, collectable items and DVD extras

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 4, 2004—NCsoft® Corporation (KSE: 036570.KS), the world’s leading developer and publisher of online computer games announced the release of the City of Heroes™ Collectors DVD Edition, which will include enhancements to the game, a limited edition Statesman™ HeroClix™ figure and other exclusive collectibles. The special edition DVD will be available to would be super-powered heroes next week in most retail outlets throughout the United States and Canada.

City of Heroes, created by Cryptic Studios, is a massively multiplayer online game where players choose from a multitude of costume options and powers to create unique heroes that can join other players in protecting the fictional Paragon City from villains. Since the game’s release in April, the game has established itself as a commercial hit and critics favorite.

City of Heroes Collectors DVD Edition game pack includes:
- A DVD containing City of Heroes including expansions, Episode 1: Through the Looking Glass, and Episode 2: A Shadow of the Past with new zones, villains, costume tailoring and capes
- An exclusive Statesman HeroClix figure
- A 16-page PVPonline mini-comic book
- A new Paragon City fold-out map and City of Villains™ poster
- A 32-page mini manual and reference guide
- A revealing excerpt from the upcoming City of Heroes novel, “The Web of Arachnos,” from CDS Books due out in Spring 2005
- The winning entries from the recently conducted City of Heroes Film Festival
- A unique in-game item that can only be found in the Collectors DVD Edition
- Preview trailers of the upcoming City of Villains expansion and other NCsoft games.

More information about City of Heroes can be found at http://www.cityofheroes.com.

The City of Heroes Collectors DVD Edition will be available at most major North American computer game retail outlets at a suggested retail price of US$49.99, which includes the first month of online game play. After the first month, players will be charged a monthly subscription fee of US$14.95. Sixty-day game time cards are also available at many North American retailers for an estimated street price of US$29.99. The game is rated Teen by the Entertainment Software Rating Board.

City of Heroes players who currently have an account, can purchase the City of Heroes Collectors DVD Edition and receive 30-days of free play credited to their account.

About NCsoft – North America
NCsoft - North America (NC-NA) is headquartered in Austin, Texas and is part of Korea-based NCsoft Corporation. NC-NA, with development and administrative offices in Texas and California, launched two ground-breaking titles in the first half of 2004, Lineage II and City of Heroes. The company also works with NCsoft subsidiaries and third party developers throughout North America to develop and publish innovative online entertainment software products. More information about NCsoft – North America can be found at http://www.PlayNC.com.

About Cryptic Studios
Cryptic Studios, Inc., located in San Jose, California, was established in July of 2000 and is an independent developer of massively multiplayer online games for the PC and next generation consoles. Its first game, City of Heroes, launched in April 2004. The game takes place in a virtual world where thousands of people play simultaneously, take on the role of super-powered heroes, fight villains and help create a dynamic story in a visually-stunning, 3-D graphical world.

NCsoft, the interlocking NC logo, Lineage and all associated NCsoft logos and designs are trademarks or registered trademarks of NCsoft Corporation. City of Heroes and City of Villains are trademarks of Cryptic Studios, Inc. and NCsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

©2004 WizKids, Inc. All rights reserved. HeroClix and WizKids are trademarks of WizKids, Inc.