As a general rule I’m not enthusiastic about a licensed super hero MMO. The generality of City of Heroes/Villains works because everyone isn’t trying to be Spiderman. Now that we’re getting details on Sony’s DC Universe Online I have to admit they’re taking an approach that just might work. Sure, it’ll piss off Batman fans who were hoping to meet up online in a virtual cosplay battle of geekdom. But the answer to the problem of ruining DC’s characters is decidedly simple: you can’t play as any of them.

According to the game’s executive director Jim Lee, who spoke with Edge magazine, the game will include a comprehensive collection of heroes and villains from the DC universe. What players will do is create a unique character that they’ll take through the game. Leveling will occur with your superpowers: so a flyer will eventually be able to fight while flying, stuff like that. The currently announced abilities are: attacking with for or ice, acrobatics, flight, speed-running and teleportation.

Just because you don’t play as a DC Universe character does not mean you won’t see them. Throughout the game you’ll be tasked to go on missions where you have to assist Batman, or save Superman from Lex Luthor. Villains will have the opportunity to cause mayhem as well, but look out for that invisible jet with an Amazon woman coming to rain lasso hell on your sorry ass.

Lee also indicated that the game would be a bit more action oriented than traditional grinding MMO’s. That alone peaks my interest as I just can’t get into the tedious nature of the beginning of an MMO. Call me impatient, but I just want to get to the action and I don’t find killing rats all that enthralling. Even if it does net me a cool new sword or helm.

We’ll probably see a bit more of DC Universe Online at E3 this year, but we’ll have to wait until at least 2009 (if not later) to get our hands on the PS3 and PC title.