Champions: Return to Arms is an Action RPG

Action role-playing game

Action role-playing games form a loosely defined sub-genre of role-playing video games that incorporate elements of action or action-adventure games, emphasizing real-time action where the player has direct control over characters, instead of turn-based or menu-based combat...

 set in the EverQuest

EverQuest

EverQuest, often shortened to EQ, is a 3D fantasy-themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game that was released on the 16th of March, 1999. The original design is credited to Brad McQuaid, Steve Clover, and Bill Trost...

universe. It is the sequel to Champions of Norrath

Champions of Norrath

Champions of Norrath: Realms of EverQuest 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 is developed by Snowblind Studios

Snowblind Studios

Snowblind Studios is a video game developer located in Kirkland, Washington. They were founded in 1997, specializing in RPGs. In 2009, Snowblind Studios was acquired by Time Warner, through its Warner Bros...

.

Gameplay

Champions: Return to Arms features multiple character class

Character class

In role-playing games, a common method of arbitrating the capabilities of different game characters is to assign each one to a character class. A character class aggregates several abilities and aptitudes, and may also sometimes detail aspects of background and social standing or impose behaviour...

es, such as wizard, cleric, ranger, and warrior. The game also features an online mode where a player can join up to three other players from around the world. Gameplay consists of killing monsters and completing quests to earn experience. When the character attains enough experience, he/she gains a level.

Races and classes

When the game is first loaded, the player has the option to play as one of seven character races. Barbarian, Cleric, Ranger, Wizard, Shadowknight, and the new Iksar Shaman and Vah Shir Berserker.

Arena vs. missions

In Champions Return to Arms the option to use the arena is opened up. The arena has two options, allowing both online and off line play. The Arena can be used to test characters against one another and, if online, other players. For most players, the Barbarian, Iksar, Vah Shir Berserker and even the Cleric are good choices for the arena. The Iksar's ability to slow down the enemy and grow in size (increases damage) helps let them stall and then come in for the kill. The cleric has the Unspoken Word spell which knocks down all opponents in the area and deals some damage. The Vah Shir Berserker has many buffing spells which increase damage and attack speed. However, the most commonly used dueler in the arena is the barbarian because of his area buff ancestral call and the often overlooked slam move. Rangers, Wizards, and Shadowknights have numerous long ranged attacks that can slow or stun enemies at their disposal.

Skill trees

As the character progresses in the game, he/she levels up by gaining experience points, as with a traditional RPGs. When players level up, attribute points and skill points are earned, which are spent in the character's skill tree. This tree charts out all of the character's abilities and powers, which vary from race to race. For some higher level abilities, a lower level ability is required. There is also a certain point maximum based on the character's level.

Story

The story picks up after Innoruuk, the Prince of Hate has been defeated, his essence shattered into the Shards of Hatred and strewn across the Planes of Power. Within the game story, players have the choice of serving either the forces of Good by destroying the Shards to rid the world of Innoruuk, or the legions of Evil gathering the Shards to resurrect the fallen god. The paths of good and evil travel to the same locations, with variations in mission objectives.

Official websites

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

Other links

• GameSpot
• GameFaqs