NCsoft Corporation (KSE: 036570.KS), the world's leading developer and publisher of online computer games and Cryptic Studios are giving 2,000 copies of their best-selling City of Heroes game packs to U.S. Navy personnel returning from duty in the Middle East. This game giveaway program, dubbed "Heroes for Heroes," is a way for NCsoft and its employees to show gratitude to the military men and woman returning from difficult duty.

The games will be given out starting today at the Norfolk (Va.) Naval Station Exchange.

"This is our way of saying ‘thanks' to the military men and women who make great sacrifices serving their country," said Robert Garriott, president of NCsoft – North America. "We hope they can have fun playing City of Heroes with their family and friends, and know that their challenging work has not gone unappreciated."

City of Heroes is a massively multiplayer online game where players choose from a multitude of costume options and powers to create a unique hero that can join other players in protecting the fictional Paragon City from villains. City of Heroes has been a commercial hit and a favorite of critics since its release in late April.

Drawings among returning personnel will determine who receives complimentary City of Heroes games. Also, all City of Heroes players receive the first month of online game play free. After the first month, players pay a monthly subscription fee of US$14.95.

NCsoft is working closely with the Navy Exchange Service Command, which is offering a 10 percent discount for 60-day game cards that are purchased when the complimentary copies of City of Heroes are picked up at the Norfolk NS Exchange. The City of Heroes game is available at most major North American computer game retail outlets at a suggested retail price of US$49.99 and the 60-day game card is available for the suggested retail price of US$29.99.