The new features offered in Issue 6 includes three new PvP zones, graphical improvements such as water refraction and bloom lighting effects, improvements to super group management and other quality of life changes that will help bring City of Heroes and City of Villains into alignment.

Once City of Villains, the stand alone sequel to City of Heroes, is released next week, the PvP zones will be shared by both games, allowing open hostilities between heroes and villains. The PvP zones include Bloody Bay, a area featuring the Shivan villain group for players level 15 and above. Siren’s Call, for players level 20 and above, has heroes defending a breach in the Paragon City™ War Wall, allowing villains to create a beachhead. Warburg, the third PvP zone is a labyrinthine military compound where conflicts with villains can occur at every turn. It is designed for players level 30 and above.

“Issue 6 brings major improvements to City of Heroes and at long last allows player controlled heroes and villains to scrap,” said Jack Emmert, Cryptic Studio’s creative director. “Now heroes will have a game that looks better and plays better. But what I’m psyched about most is that heroes can use their energies to subdue real player controlled villains that will be lurking about. Villainous players should remember that crime doesn’t pay.”

Existing City of Heroes’ customers can enjoy the new content from Issue 6 on its own, or purchase City of Villains and pay a single subscription price of $14.99 that includes both games.

City of Heroes, which was named “MMORPG Game of the Year” (2004) from Computer Gaming World and “2004 PC or Console Game of the Year” by Billboard Magazine, is available at most North American computer game retail outlets. The game is rated Teen by the Entertainment Software Rating Board.

To purchase the game or other City of Heroes merchandise, go to http://www.plaync.com.