Champions Online preorder is being discussed around the web this morning. Ten Ton Hammer reports:

Cryptic reveals details about Champions Online preorders.

Atari and Cryptic have announced the preorder details for their upcoming superhero-based MMORPG, Champions Online. There will be specific exclusive promotions for each retailer, so depending on where you get your game will decide what sort of promotion offer you get. Some of the options include: Early access, flight travel powers, zone maps, Cryptic Points, and much more. A full list of which retailer has what can be viewed below.

Atari and Cryptic are proud to announce the official Preorder promotions from retailers across the United States. In addition to specific exclusive promotions for each retailer, all preorders (from any retailer) will receive guaranteed access to the Champions Online open beta, beginning August 17th. All purchases also include 30-days of free play and five Cryptic Points to be spent in-game.

GameStop is offering access to the Early Start Program, giving customers who preorder a few days headstart in the game before its official launch on September 1st! In addition, all preorders include the exclusive Insectoid Airfoil costume piece and the Experimental Anti-Graviton Generator flight travel power at character creation.

Wal-Mart offers a Limited Edition Package with collectible lenticular cover, which also includes a zone map, iron-on decal, and ten additional Cryptic Points.

Best Buy offers access to the Early Start Program, along with an exclusive action figure in-game and a damage resistance item.

Amazon preorders receive five additional Cryptic Points, and three exclusive costume pieces: Harlequin Headpiece, Black Knight Helmet, and Grenade Chest Strap.

Champions Online is only five weeks away and with it being so very close, Cryptic has finally announced their preorder bonus plans and partners. If that isn't exciting enough, you'll be happy to know they've also announced August 17th as day one of open beta. Keep in mind that preorders from any of the officially listed retail partners will guarantee access to the beta.

Looking over the preorder bonuses, which you can find after the break, there's some tough choices to be made. If you're the type of person who doesn't like to wait any longer than they have to, then you'll need to go with Gamestop in order to get early access. In addition to that ever-so-tempting early access, GameStop customers will have the chance to "battle an alien menace" and collect exclusive in-game items -- sounds like a world event to us.

However, Amazon is offering both three exclusive in-game items (Harlequin Headpiece, Black Knight Helmet, and Grenade Chest Strap) as well as five extra Cryptic points to be used for what we're assuming are cosmetic purchases. There's also Best Buy and Wal-Mart variations to consider, so choose wisely. We've got them listed after the break with links to the product pages for your convenience