I have to largely agree with jim. Though light on content, which I( can excuse due to COs emulation of the comic genera (what comic book is really heavy with content excepting a few master-works), The game is a serious blast! the cultural "hat tips" are hilarious. A little time will allow this title to mature. The direction of development post launch looks favorable thus far. i have to say that i am really enjoying being "in system" for COs evolution. It is nice to see forward development rather than lateral restructuring for a change.

I am not a proponent of linear character progression. this is something that still needs to change in the MMORPG development paradigm. However, in CO it works. This is because of the mix and match style of ability acquisition. Something I really like in Cryptic's design is the fact that there are no really apperant systems to prevent a player from seriously mess up a build. There is no hand holding and little forgiveness.

And, yes, robo-cowboys and stage coaches (that one can pick up and throw with a high enough strength... throwing stagecoaches as robo-cowboys!) are a serious plus! West World meets Bladerunner, what a combo!

If you do decide to pick it up realize you are not really entering a Tolkienesque world, You are opening the pages of a decent graphic novel that has a really good rereadability. Expecting any more than that will only set you up for disappointment.