The first in the latest round of superhero online RPGs is a month away. Champions Online, from the creators of City of Heroes and City of Villains, will launch on September 1st (its main competitor, DC Universe Online, will follow next year). To get you psyched, the publishers at Atari present you with a dilemma. Two bombs are set to go off, but you can only reach one in time. Do you save the doctors at one end of town? Or do you save your romantic interest at the other end of town?

Oh, wait, I've got that mixed up. This dilemma is whether you pre-order the game from Gamestop, Wal-Mart, Best Buy, or Amazon.com. Here are your pre-order incentives, copied and pasted from the press release:

GameStop customers who pre-order Champions Online receive access to the Early Start Program. Battle an alien menace, collect exclusive items, and join the early start weekend to get a jump on the action! GameStop customers also receive the exclusive Insectoid Airfoil costume piece and Experimental Anti-Graviton Generator flight travel power at character creation for an early boost in mobility.

Wal-Mart is offering an exclusive Limited Edition Package with collectible lenticular cover that includes an exclusive zone map, iron-on decal and an additional ten in-game micro-transaction dollars! Check online and in-store for more details and other potential offers.

Best Buy is offering their customers the fun and functional Lil' Champ Pack. These persistent pets are iconic, knee-high characters from the Champions universe! Best Buy Customers receive their own Lil' Champ. In addition, Lil' Champ owners also receive a functional damage resistance item. Best Buy pre-order customers will also receive access to the Early Start Program and head start weekend.

[From Amazon.com], the High Roller Pack is perfect for players who insist on the finest accoutrements for their avatar. With three unique, exclusive apparel options (harlequin headpiece, black knight helmet, grenade chest strap), and an additional five in-game micro-transaction dollars, you'll have plenty of options to push your "High Roller" look.

So maybe you noticed all those references to micro-transactions. They certainly caught my eye. Bill Roper, whose last attempt to micro-transact you with a monthly fee was called Hellgate: London, explains here.