Champions of Norrath

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Champions of Norrath (CoN) is an online-capable action role-playing game for the PlayStation 2, set in the EverQuest universe. It is playable with one single player or cooperative for up to four players. However, with a Network Adapter, players can take the game online with others. The game uses Snowblind's game engine and like that game is very much a "Diablo clone".

Story

Champions of Norrath features a traditional CRPG storyline, in which the player acts as a hero who must save the world via a series of quests and battles. The game begins with a quest to assist the elves in their war against the orcs. However, the player is soon thrusted into an adventure into the underworld and beyond, thanks to the antics created by the Orc Leader and his contacts.

Although the events are supposed to take place in the EverQuest world, no connections are immediately evident in terms of story and locations.

Gameplay

The gameplay is a traditional hack and slash with several original elements.

Basics

During the opening sequence, the player selects a race and skills. From there, the game continues to follow classic RPG standards, as the player fights monsters, explores towns and dungeons, obtains money to purchase weapons, and so on. As the player gains experience, he or she will level up and increase character statistics and slots on the Ability Tree.

Fighting with a melee weapon or a bow is a matter of simply tapping the X button repeatedly. Additionally, all characters have a series of spells and skills, which can be enhanced via the Ability Tree. The Ability Tree allows the player some flexibility in choosing skills, chiefly because points may be invested in several choices at once. However, these choices are limited by several factors, including the character's level, the skill's prerequisites, and the total amount of ability points in the character's reserve.

Equipment is often dropped by enemies, though the strongest weapons and items are usually available at the regional shop. Each character has a weight limit which only allows for a certain amount of equipment to be carried at any given time. However, the gate scroll allows players to warp back to the nearest shop and sell excess inventory. Moreover, the armor and weapons are customizable, which allows players to fuse a weapon with statistical bonuses or elemental attacks.

Dungeons in the game cover all forms of terrain and are often randomly generated. As with most RPGs, many dungeons in Champions of Norrath feature a boss or large group of enemies that must be defeated to advance or obtain a special item. Booby traps and secret passages are also common in dungeons. Furthermore, the game offers two advanced bonus dungeon levels upon completion of the game.

Other features

The camera allows for 360 degree rotation and three levels of zoom.

It is possible to import and export characters, which allows the player to save or load a character anywhere in the game while keeping the statistics and items of that character. This is important for scenerios which require a transfer of characters, such as online play, multiplayer games, and the upcoming sequel.

Savepoints and portals play a key role in the gameplay. First, savepoints also double as checkpoints, which may be accessed if and when a character dies. Portals allow the player to jump to key locations in each region.

Online play

Players may import their character(s) for online play, which can be accessed from a save point. This mode of play allows for players to join parties or quests. Players can join anywhere in the game, despite completion in the one player mode. Up to four players can join in the same game and these players cannot harm each other.

Sequel

Snowblind created a sequel to CoN, that was released in February 2005. It features two new races, more spells and abilities, and more throwable weapons like ninja stars and axes. Players can also import their CoN character with a new 80-level limit. One of the most interesting new features is the choose-a-path option that allows players to be good or evil. This will open new levels and increase replayability. Plus, there is a possible addition to online mode, to go head to head against other players.

Reception

Screenshots

Image:404CON Screen5.jpg| Image:409CON Screen10.jpg| Image:407CON Screen8.jpg| Image:Con380.jpg| Image:Con383.jpg| Image:408CON Screen9.jpg|

External links

Official websites

• [Champions of Norrath official site]
• [Champions: Return to Arms official site]

Other links

• [Mobygames]
• [GameFaqs]
• [Website of Neal Hallford, contributing writer to "Champions of Norrath"]

 

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