The first downloadable content pack for DC Universe Online is Sony Online Entertainment's answer to the traditional expansions of other massively multi-player games. Rather than releasing large retail products every year or so, SOE plans to entice players with frequent updates at a much lower price.

Of course, SOE is playing it smart by making their first DLC pack all about the Green Lantern and light powers. Now, gamers that despaired over not being part of the Lantern Corps when the game launched can finally get their fix.

We asked DCUO's creative director Jens Andersen the questions fans really wanted answers for when SOE started teasing new content.

Bitmob: This DLC adds light powers to the game. Are they for both heroes and villains?

Jens Andersen: Yes! Villain players can wield the Yellow Light of Fear, and hero players can wield the Green Light of Will as super powers in the game. Each is themed appropriately with various special effects, so they feel very unique. For example, heroes can create a pair of hard light boxing gloves, and villains can construct hard light claws. These are new super powers, so players will still have access to their weapons (bow, staff, dual wield, etc.) and travel abilities.

Bitmob: Can you explain how light powers will differ from those already in the game? 

JA: You collect constructs, and each one has a unique set of combos. As players collect them, they unlock more combos and can them mix together -- creating huge chains of powerful attacks. For example, I can make a light chainsaw and do a spinning slice combo; then, I can chain into another construct and perform a brand new move. Players can chain these together and start creating their own combos. It’s very deep and versatile, and we’re excited about it.

Bitmob: Will light-powered characters have a new starting episode?

JA: We've added three new combat alerts and a "duo" to the game for level 30 players. We haven’t added a new starting episode or mentor for the light pack. The setup for this DLC is that in great times of need the Lantern Corps can distribute power rings to reservists. These rings are an addition to the primary DCUO storyline, so the original mentors are still valid. The Green Lantern content layers on top of them. In the game, players can respec existing level 30 characters to select light powers instead of fire, ice, nature, mental, gadgetry, sorcery, etc., or they can create an alternate character and level it up with light powers. We wanted players to access this content immediately, so it’s their choice.

Bitmob: Will this DLC raise the overall level cap? 

JA: No, we are not adding new levels at this time.

Bitmob: Fans have been dying to play as Lanterns since the game was in beta. Was Green Lantern always in the works, or was that decided later after reading fan feedback?

JA: We always had plans to include Green Lantern and light powers in DCUO, but we wanted to give the Green Lantern mythos the attention it deserved by giving it its own download pack. Really, we wanted to focus on Earth at launch and branch out into the galaxy from there. Obviously, Green Lantern and Sinestro are essential elements of the DC universe, so we included them as NPCs at launch to set up a larger story in a download pack.

The "Fight for the Light" DLC pack is $9.99 and launches later this summer on both PS3 and PC.