Video Gaming News - January 2004
San Diego, CA (January 14, 2004) - Sony Online Entertainment Inc. (SOE)
today announced that Champions of Norrath will support USB headset voice chat
functionality during online play. Champions of Norrath is expected to ship to
U.S. and Canadian retail stores in February for the PlayStation 2.
"Voice chat is the final piece of the puzzle with Champions," said Michael
Lustenberger, director of marketing, Sony Online Entertainment. "It's the one
feature that has been most requested in the game and we are pleased to announce
its inclusion. With the addition of voice chat, we believe Champions is now far
and away the leader in its genre."
From SOE:
In order to support the amount of data that passes among four players talking
and playing simultaneously, Champions will require a broadband connection in
order to experience the online multiplayer game (Network Adaptor for the
PlayStation 2 and internet connection required). Players have the freedom to
join an existing game, host their own game, or join/host a private game via
SOE's matchmaking service, SOEGames.net. Alternately, up to four players can use
the Multitap (sold separately) to play together on a single PlayStation 2 (sold
separately).
A combination of SOE's expertise in developing fantasy worlds, such as the
online gaming phenomenon, EverQuest®, and Snowblind Studios'(developers of
Baldur's Gate(tm): Dark Alliance(tm)) experience building high-quality action
RPGs, Champions of Norrath will set new standards in the genre. Champions of
Norrath features thousands of items, weapons and spells, unparalleled character
customization, randomly generated dungeons that create a different and unique
gameplay experience with each adventure, online and offline cooperative
multiplayer adventuring, and an amazingly detailed 3D engine with multiple
camera angles.
About Champions of Norrath
Set several hundred years before the timeline of the current EverQuest PC game,
Champions of Norrath allows gamers to adventure as one of five playable
characters who must journey from the city of Faydwer into the wilds of Norrath
to save the land from a gathering army of evil orcs and goblins. The game offers
up to 70 hours of gameplay per character and fierce battles, deadly missions and
unmatched character customization.
The game also includes the following features:
Engrossing fantasy storyline set several hundred years before the current
EverQuest PC game -- players do not need to be familiar with EQ lore to enjoy
the game
Five playable characters (both male and female): Select from Barbarian Warrior,
Dark Elf Shadow Knight, High Elf Cleric, Erudite Wizard, Wood Elf Ranger
Thousands of items and magical artifacts to acquire
More than 10,000 items randomly generated with the ability for players to create
their own
Randomly generated dungeons and monsters mean a different experience every time
you play
Unmatched character customization with modifiable hair, skin, tattoos and facial
hair, hundreds of armor variations and thousands of distinctive weapons,
including swords, maces, axes, bows and more
Hundreds of armor variations for a unique look
Import and download characters via the Memory Card. Player characters can be
used for both single-player and multiplayer adventures, allowing players to
build up their character both online or offline
More than 45 levels to conquer with non-linear side quests
4 player online cooperative action with USB headset support to chat and plan
strategies (USB headset optional, sold separately)
Conquer enemies with up to 4 players online via SOEGames.net and offline with up
to 4 players via the Multitap (no subscription fee required for online play.
Internet connection required for online play. Players are responsible for all
applicable internet fees)
Total camera control, zoom-in up-close or view combat from above
Fully interactive 3D environments that push the PlayStation capabilities with
stunning lighting and visual effects; capable of handling 30 to 40 characters on
screen at once in spectacular battles
For more information, visit
www.championsofnorrath.com.
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