The game is set to release sometime this year but for now they have released a beta version for players to test for bugs. The beta version is free but requires a code that they send you if you sign up to get the code. It is a first come first serve basis so if you sign up now I don't think they will send it but it doesn't hurt to try. The game is really fun but has more of a kid feeling. It is kinda like the marvel equivalent to DC Universe Online, but not as much for adults although a lot of adults play it. Basically the main target audience isn't for adults.
The beta version features most of the characters listed on the home page but some characters like Cap, Elektra, Black Panther, etc. are not on there. Other characters like Jean Grey, Daredevil, and War Machine were on the beta version but removed for some reason. I am assuming that these characters (including Cap, Elektra, and Panther) will be (re)added to the beta game later on. The alternate costumes (like Mohawk Storm, Symbiote Spider-Man, Wolverine in street clothes, etc) are not included yet. According to the game's makers they act like entirely new characters as they have new powersets. The game also has four extra characters not on the home page. She-Hulk, Spider-Girl, Spider-Woman and a character who only appears in the show (I think his name is Reptile).
There is a card game but it isn't operational yet. There are 2 zones to explore which are the Daily Bugle and Baxter Plaza. The former is more civilian type and bright and cheery. The latter feels more like the town of superheroes and has lots of neat things to do. You can shoot out like a rocket from one of the tall buildings, turn invisible like Sue Storm from one of Reed's experiments, and eat pizza at Thing's restarauant. The homebase is the Shield Hellicarrier which starts out only as the bridge, but you can buy more rooms like a lab, detention center, training room (like the Danger Room), cafeteria, gym, and 6 dorm rooms.
