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Champions of Norrath
by Jolex Del Pilar
Sunday, February 22 2004
Sony Online's RPG is a quest D20 fans shouldn't miss.
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Title:
Champions of Norrath
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Platform:
PS2
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Publisher:
Sony Online Entertainment |
Developer:
Snowblind Studios |
#
of Players: 1 - 4 (Multitap or Online connection) |
Genre:
RPG
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Origin:
United States
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Expected
Release:
February 19, 2004 |
Grapevine:
The EverQuest Universe has a wealth of lore to explore and CON does just this. |
Champions of Norrath was one of three hack and slash RPGs released this month, the other two being Dark Alliance 2 and Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles. This return to the hack and slash genre of gaming is a welcome site for most RPG fans, and shows that the turn-based RPG isn't the only option for role playing fans.
The big pull factor for Champions of Norrath is that it takes place in the rich and diverse EverQuest Universe. The EQ Universe features many Tolkien-esque lore, so it comes out at a very appropriate time.
The story behind Champions of Norrath begins in the city of Faydwer several hundred years before the timeline of the original EverQuest, the MMORPG that is. The orc, and goblin armies are threatening the land and you, a champion of the land, have answered the call to arms. You begin the game by choosing your class of character. You can pick from five different classes (both male and female). Those classes include barbarian warrior, dark elf shadowknight, high elf cleric, erudite wizard and wood elf ranger. Obviously each class has its pros and cons, and it would be best to pick the class that best fits your playing style. The character creation system featured in CON is a fairly versatile system. It features modifiable hair, skin, tattoos and facial hair. So finding your perfect hero shouldn't be that difficult unless you absolutely have to be a hobbit, a race featured in EverQuest, but not Champions of Norrath.
The game will allow you to play the adventure alone, or with up to three other friends courtesy of the PS2 multitap or you can opt to go online with the PS2 modem. Each player can import their own personal characters into multiplayer, giving way for the possibility of having quite a powerful party.
While playing the early beta, one thing became obvious; the game plays similarly to the aforementioned Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance. The combat is handled in real-time, no turns or waiting, just go up to an enemy and hack away. That's also probably due to the fact that the game was developed by former Black Isle Studio workers in Snowblind Studios. In fact the well publicized fiasco of the split within Black Isle was broadcast all over the net before the launch of CON, and Dark Alliance II. Judging from the quality of both games, it would seem that Snowblind was probably composed of the better half of Black Isle as CON is superior to Dark Alliance II in just about every way. I talked to Jamil Moledina, managing editor of Game Developer Magazine, about the game this week, and we both came to the same conclusion that the dungeon and general level design in Dark Alliance II is just a bit repetitive. Champions of Norrath features some fairly exotic locations including beaches with actual sun. Not every RPG has to be filled with Moria type caves (there we go with LOTR again).
One thing that is cool is that the minor dungeons in Champions of Norrath are randomly generated. Although there are preset templates for dungeons similar to Elder Scrolls: Daggerfall from the PC, there will be different items, and monsters each time you venture in. That should increase the play time of this game considerably. The main quest of the game itself is huge. It's a story slightly wrapped around the revival of the armies of darkness, though there are many side quest and stories that will be explored including one that feature a sultry vampiress (she was hot!). Though the quest is said to be around 50 hours long, nn reality, we finished the game in half that time. Even still, 25 hours is quite a lot of game time considering you'd be lucky to get 10 hours out of most games these days. However, if you should get bored of the main quest, the 50+ other non-linear side quests for you to pursue should be sufficient.
Champions of Norrath, while not the best looking RPG on the market (KOTOR holds those honors), is decent in many aspects. One level we tried out, which reminded us of the ewok village from Return of the Jedi, was especially good looking. It was a 3D elevated level that featured dozens of moving NPCs and enemy characters. It's obvious the designers are taking full advantage of the power that the PS2 has to offer.
People who bought Dark Alliance and were satisfied by its gameplay, but disappointed by the shortness of it, might look into investing into Champions of Norrath. Made by basically the same designers, and featuring a completely fresh universe, CON is a big step beyond where Dark Alliance and it's sequel have gone. D20 fans, and most importantly, video gaming fans, won't be disappointed.
--- Jolex Del Pilar
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