With MMOs as big as EverQuest II and Lord of the Rings Online experimenting with new free-to-play models, we've all wondered who will be next to dump subscription fees in favor of a microtransaction-based system. It looks like Cryptic's superhero MMO Champions Online will be giving it a shot...for one week only.

To help celebrate the game's one year anniversary, it will be 100% free to download and play with no apparent restrictions from September 1 until September 7. You don't need even need to have purchased a copy of the game or have a lapsed account -- anyone can play for free for a week beginning tomorrow.

In addition to the influx of new people checking the game out, Cryptic is offering 20% off "nearly everything" in the Cryptic Store, which has various costume and emblem packs as well as other account bonuses up for purchase. There will also be an in-game event in Millennium City to commemorate the anniversary.

If you'd like to spend some of your Labor Day weekend giving Champions Online a shot, you can head over to the official website and begin downloading the game now.

Given some of Cryptic's previous comments about being open to taking their games free-to-play, it's possible that this week-long event is also a test to gauge interest if the game were to go that way more permanently. Anyone interested enough to take advantage of the free week?

[via Massively]