Pre-order exclusives are a somewhat controversial topic, but personally, I rather like them.  Getting extra content without spending any extra money is always nice, no matter which evil, faceless corporation is providing it.  Lots of games use the pre-order exclusive, but I can’t remember one that’s used it quite as extensively as Champions Online plans to.

Being too heroic for just one pre-order exclusive, Champions will feature 4 different exclusive offers, one for each of the big game retailers.  Check out the list of bonuses.

GameStop
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
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
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.

Amazon
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.

Tough choice, but I’m leaning towards Best Buy and their Lil’ Champ Pack.  Those ”iconic, knee-high” assistant characters are likely something boring, like robots, wolves or demons, but there’s also an outside chance that they might be midgets.  I want to fight crime with a posse of little people, and so do you, so don’t judge me.

No matter which retailer you choose, you’ll also get access to the Champions Online Beta, which opens August 17.  This is one of my most anticipated games of the yea, so I’ll definitely be pre-ordering.  How about you; will you pre-order Champions?  Do the multiple bonuses entice you?  What do you think of pre-order exclusives in general?