Champions of Norrath
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| Champions of Norrath | |
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| Developer(s) | Snowblind Studios |
| Publisher(s) | Sony Online Entertainment |
| Designer(s) | Paul Knutzen |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 2 |
| Release date | USA February 10, 2004 PAL June 25, 2004 |
| Genre(s) | RPG |
| Mode(s) | Single player, multiplayer (1-4) |
| Rating(s) | ESRB: T (Teen) PEGI: 12+ |
| System requirements | Sony Network Adapter for online play, memory card with 845 K |
| Input methods | Dualshock 2 |
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 and kill others or join to form groups of adventurers. The game uses a re-worked and expanded Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance game engine. A sequel was created called Champions: Return to Arms which was released in February 2005.
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[edit] 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, who have formed an alliance with goblins (which is strange to the denizens of Norrath). However, the player must eventually travel to the underworld and beyond thanks to the antics created by the strange orc leader and his contacts. The game takes place on a fictional planet of the EverQuest universe known as Norrath, prior to the events of the "pre-Shattering" of the moon Luclin. The game applies many elements of the EverQuest universe.
[edit] Gameplay
The gameplay is a traditional hack and slash with several additional elements. During the opening sequence, the player selects a race, appearance, and skills. From there, the game continues to follow classic RPG standards, as the player fights monsters, explores forests, towns, godly domains and dungeons, obtains gold to purchase weapons, and so on. As the player gains experience, he or she will level up and increase character statistics and abilities.
All characters have a series of spells and skills, which can be enhanced via the Ability Tree. The Ability Tree allows the player flexibility in choosing skills, chiefly because points may be invested in several choices at once. These abilities can increase damage, add new spells, etc. 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. The points cannot be regained once used.
Equipment is often dropped by enemies, though there is a shop to buy items. Sometimes, the items dropped by enemies are much better than anything for sale in the shop. Each character has a weight limit (which is increased by strength) which only allows for a certain amount of equipment to be carried at any given time. However, the gate scrolls allow 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, elemental attack, and increased weapon attack speed.
Dungeons in the game cover many forms of terrain. 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. Traps and secret passages are also common in dungeons (for instance, destructable walls). Furthermore, the game offers two advanced bonus dungeon levels upon completion of the game.
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 scenarios which require a transfer of characters, such as online play, multiplayer games, and the sequel, Champions: Return to Arms.
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. The Portals are activated when the player walks near the Portal. They allow the player to jump to key locations in each region.
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. It is a cooperative type multiplayer game that disables damage a player can inflict upon a fellow player.
[edit] Characters
There are five races of playable characters that can be used through out the game. This cannot be changed or altered after the character is made.
[edit] Barbarian Warriors
Barbarian Warriors have the highest health in the game, can use the highest hitting weapons and wear the best armour. They are the best choice for a tanking class.
[edit] Wood Elf Rangers
This class is primarily a ranged class. They have a wide variety of ranged spells and can use bows more effectively compared to other classes. They cannot use the heavier weapons and are limited to slashing, bludgeoning, and bows. My daddy is a Wood Elf Ranger.
[edit] High Elf Clerics
A weak melee class, the Cleric is efficient in dealing damage with magical spells. Clerics have strong healing spells and can cause significant damage to the undead. They also possess skills that allow them to enchant their enemies, forcing the enemies to fight on behalf of the Cleric. Clerics are restricted to using blunt weapons; however, they are very good with defensive strategies and can heal and boost the strength of themselves and their allies.
[edit] Erudite Wizards
A standard magical class which exhibits magical and intellectual prowess over the other classes. They cannot use shields and have limited weapon choices. Their spells cause more burst damage than any of the other classes.
[edit] Dark Elf Shadow Knights
Dark elves are a magic-melee hybrid class. They can use all of the lighter weapons, but they are limited when it comes to the heavier axes and rods. Shadowknights can use dark magic to their advantage due to their lack of bow strength.
[edit] External links
- Champions of Norrath official site
- Champions: Return to Arms official site
- Champions of Norrath at MobyGames
- GameFaqs
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