Champions Online: Free For All, the free-to-play update to the superhero MMO Champions Online, will go live on January 25.

Cryptic revealed in October 2010 that Champions Online would join the parade of MMOs fleeing the Kingdom of Subscription Fees, where World of Warcraft reigns supreme, for the hopefully greener pastures of the free-to-play model. It's a move that worked out well for games including Dungeons & Dragons Online and Lord of the Rings Online, both of which experienced substantial boosts in interest and revenues after dropping their mandatory monthly subscription fees, and soon we'll see if Cryptic has the same luck with its superhero-themed online game.

Like other free-to-play MMOs, Champions Online: Free For All will offer unlimited play with access to everything but "Special Adventure Packs" at no cost and with no subscription required. Players may purchase extra content like the Adventure Packs, items, powers and costumes on an "a la carte" basis, while a $14.99 monthly subscription option will remain available to to those who want unfettered access to just about everything the game has to offer.

The Champions Online: Free For All update will be unleashed worldwide on January 25. To learn more about the game and its free-to-play future, go to champions-online.com/f2p.