NCsoft and Cryptic Studios recently announced the release of their latest expansion to their popular superhero MMORPGs, City of Heroes and City of Villains. The latest expansion is called Issue 9: Breakthrough, and is being made available free of charge to current CoH and COV subscribers.

Issue 9 expands on the game's feature set, while delivering new high level adventures as well as updates to previous scenarios like the Hamidon Encounter. The newly-introduced invention system for both heroes and villains allows players to custom tailor enhancements, costume pieces, and temporary powers. A new loot system has been added to the game as well.

"The new systems added to Issue 9 should give players a lot to do outside of combat," said Matt Miller, lead designer for City of Heroes and City of Villains. "Now players can be craftsmen along with being heroes or villains, and earn a living by custom building items and taking them to the consignment market for sale. This is a big component to making the 'City of' world a deeper and richer experience."

via IGN