A solid RPG worth picking up.

User Rating: 8.8 | Champions of Norrath PS2
Champions of Norrath is a nice RPG, but is not a classic like Diablo. You start out by choosing from five different character types (barbarian, ranger, cleric, wizard, and shadow knight). Each different type of character specializes in a different area such as the ranger specializes in long distance attacks. This game is relatively the same as any other hack and slash game, you go through dungeons and other areas killing your opponents in order to level up your character. Many of your opponents drop items for you to pick up after you kill them. You can either use these items or sell them at the local shop of the area that you are in. Your opponents also drop items such as a bone chip or a jewel that you can use to upgrade your current weapons and armor. One problem with this occurs when you are carrying your maximum amount of items. The character says "Can't carry anymore" to let you know that you can't pick up any more items but this doesn't occur until about 30 seconds after you try and pick up the item. This is a small flaw that becomes very annoying over time.

As you progress through the game you will have to go on a few quests such as finding Lazlo and killing a certain number of skeletons. These quests give you an added interest in the game. One of the best features of this game is the ability to customize your player's skills after you level up. You can improve your character’s dexterity, different magic attacks, and other abilities such as slashing effectiveness and blunt weapons effectiveness. By developing a superb magic attack you will be able to defeat highly skilled opponents much easier. Another great feature to this game is the ability to play with up to four players at the same time. This creates a hectic atmosphere as players battle to pick up items and kill more enemies than fellow players.

The visuals of this game were beautiful. The water looked great and reacted by moving as you walk through the puddles. One very disappointing aspect to this game was the voice acting. Many of the characters seemed to have no personality and many of the characters sounded almost exactly the same. Champions of Norrath was a good RPG worth playing, but isn't anything spectacular compared to other hack and slash games.