Summary
- Release Year: 2005
- Genres: Hack and slash/Beat ’em up, Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: PlayStation 2
- Developers: Snowblind Studios
- Publishers: Sony Computer Entertainment of America
Champions: Return to Arms (2005)
Introduction
Champions: Return to Arms is an action fantasy role-playing game developed by Snowblind Studios and published by Sony Online Entertainment. It was released for PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Windows in 2005. The game is a sequel to the 2004 game Champions of Norrath: Realms of EverQuest, and features similar gameplay, but with a new story and setting.
Gameplay
Champions: Return to Arms is a dungeon crawler in which the player controls a party of up to four characters through a series of levels, fighting enemies and completing quests. The game features a variety of character classes and races to choose from, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles.
The game’s combat is action-based, and the player can use a variety of weapons and abilities to defeat enemies. The game also features a cover system, which allows the player to take cover behind objects to avoid enemy attacks.
In addition to the main story campaign, Champions: Return to Arms also features a number of side quests and challenges. The game also supports online multiplayer, allowing players to team up with friends to take on the game’s challenges together.
Story
Champions: Return to Arms takes place in the world of Norrath, which is the same setting as the EverQuest series of MMORPGs. The game’s story follows a group of heroes who are tasked with defeating the evil forces that are threatening to destroy the world.
The player can choose to align their characters with either the forces of good or evil. This choice will affect the story that the player experiences, as well as the types of enemies that they will face.
Characters
Champions: Return to Arms features a variety of character classes and races to choose from. Each class and race has its own unique abilities and playstyles.
The character classes in the game include:
- Barbarian: A melee fighter who excels in close combat.
- Cleric: A healer who can also cast offensive spells.
- Mage: A spellcaster who can deal damage from a distance.
- Ranger: A ranged fighter who can also use stealth and traps.
- Rogue: A melee fighter who specializes in dealing critical hits.
The races in the game include:
- Human: A well-rounded race with no major strengths or weaknesses.
- Elf: A race that is skilled in magic and archery.
- Dwarf: A race that is strong and resilient.
- Halfling: A race that is small and agile.
- Ogre: A race that is large and powerful.
Development
Champions: Return to Arms was developed by Snowblind Studios, a game development studio that was founded in 2003. The game was published by Sony Online Entertainment, which is the same company that published the EverQuest series of MMORPGs.
The game was originally announced in 2004, and was released in 2005. The game received mixed reviews from critics, but was a commercial success.
Legacy
Champions: Return to Arms was a successful game that helped to popularize the dungeon crawler genre on consoles. The game’s action-based combat and character customization options were praised by critics, and the game’s online multiplayer mode was a popular feature.
The game’s success led to the development of a sequel, Champions: Return to Arms II, which was released in 2007. The sequel featured improved graphics and gameplay, and was also a commercial success.
Conclusion
Champions: Return to Arms is a solid dungeon crawler that offers a variety of character classes and races to choose from, action-based combat, and a deep story. The game’s online multiplayer mode is also a popular feature. If you’re a fan of dungeon crawlers, then Champions: Return to Arms is definitely worth checking out.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
