Champions: Return to Arms announced for PS2
by Kit

Wednesday, May 5 2004

The sequel to Champions of Norrath will be here by early next year.

Sony Online Entertainment announced today that Champions: Return to Arms, the sequel to Champions of Norrath, is currently in development. Champions: Return to Arms, developed by Snowblind Studios (the creators of Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance and developers Champions of Norrath) and published by Sony Online Entertainment, will be available exclusively for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system in the first quarter of 2005.

Champions: Return to Arms introduces two new playable races, more character customization options, thousands of items, weapons and spells, beautifully detailed environments, the ability to import characters from the original game, a whole new storyline, innovative medal system which unlocks secret gameplay modes, more online and multiplayer options and much more.

Champions: Return to Arms offers an online multiplayer component for no additional cost to players (players are responsible for providing a broadband internet connection and PlayStation 2 Network Adaptor for online play). Up to four players per game can adventure in Norrath via their broadband internet connection, using the PlayStation 2 Network Adaptor (sold separately). Players have the freedom to join an existing game or host their own through SOE’s matchmaking service, SOEGames.net. Champions: Return to Arms has both USB headset voice and keyboard chat support, allowing players to plan strategies during online play (USB headset/keyboard optional, each sold separately). Alternately, up to four players can use the Multitap (sold separately) to play together on a single PlayStation 2.

About Champions: Return to Arms

The Champions of Norrath have destroyed the god Innoruuk, shattering his body into shards of hate. Innoruuk’s followers and allies have taken it upon themselves to gather these shards in order to resurrect their fallen prince. Firiona Vie has called upon the champions to take up the crusade against evil to rid Norrath of this evil threat once and for all. The game is designed to offer more than 100 hours of gameplay per character.

The game also features:

· Medals based on gameplay performance, which can then be used to unlock secret levels

· Thousands of new items, weapons, armor and magical artifacts to acquire

· New spells and abilities for all classes

· Secret Epic items of incredible power found through unlockable side quests

· The ability to import characters from the original game and start at a higher difficulty level

· Increased level limits—take characters to level 80.

· More than 50 gameplay areas along with a mission system containing non-linear side quests

· Multitap support for up to 4 players

· All new multiplayer and online gameplay options

For more information, visit http://www.ChampionsRtA.com.

--- Kit