Champions of Norrath

 PlayStation 2
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 90 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 72 out of 90
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 90
  3. Negative: 8 out of 90
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  1. WimmekeBelgium
    May 7, 2004
    10
    Nick Van A. You are a faker! You have never even heard of the game! It's a magnificent game! 10 out of 10 stunning grafics and great gameplay.
  2. JimB.
    Jan 30, 2004
    10
    Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance is amazing. BG:DA2 looks like a disapointment. EverQuest is the best game I have ever played, and I am a hardcore gamer. BG:DA in the great world of Norrath with EQ races and classes = NUFF SAID!
  3. MateusC.
    Feb 3, 2006
    10
    Better than Diablo and Dungeon Siege, this is the definitivie 'hack and slash' action RPG ever.
  4. BryanP.
    Feb 12, 2004
    9
    Amazingly dazzling graphics, extremely addictinve hack-and-slash game play, and the character customization goes beyond all those currently avaliable on any gaming console out there. Dark Alliance 2 was a major dissapointment unltil I found out it was not made by SnowBlind Studios. SnowBlind Studios has the gaming world's attention, and with its second blockbuster game already Amazingly dazzling graphics, extremely addictinve hack-and-slash game play, and the character customization goes beyond all those currently avaliable on any gaming console out there. Dark Alliance 2 was a major dissapointment unltil I found out it was not made by SnowBlind Studios. SnowBlind Studios has the gaming world's attention, and with its second blockbuster game already storming the market. THis is the game to have if you are a dedicated gamer with the lust for an addicitve action rpg that will keep you up till the wee hours of the morning so you can just complete "one more quest". Trust me, I know!… Expand
  5. Randy
    Feb 24, 2004
    10
    Game is awesome, if ur not a everquest fan, dont start now , very addicting... to many days i sit there and think wow....
  6. RobinofLocksley
    Mar 1, 2004
    8
    Good fun, but it sticks to the same prototype as Baldur's Gate, Heroes, etc. It would be nice to see the genre evolve.
  7. MichaelI.
    Mar 4, 2005
    10
    Champions of Norrath have great music, story, lovely graphics and a ton of replay value. A must in anyones PS2 collection. This is game is absolutely fantastic!
  8. JonnyJ.
    Nov 24, 2004
    10
    This is the best rpg game I have ever played its so cool and you never want to stop i just cant wait until Champions Return to arms come out. This is the best game ever that i have played so far.
  9. SamD.
    Jan 13, 2004
    10
    A new improved DA game from probably the best devs on the PS2, pushing the console beyond it's known limits. The latest videos look fantastic, the levelling looks deep, and replay value is unmatched because of algorithmic architecture, levelling designed for 3 play throughs, and the best player customising needed for this genre. This game will be the champion console A new improved DA game from probably the best devs on the PS2, pushing the console beyond it's known limits. The latest videos look fantastic, the levelling looks deep, and replay value is unmatched because of algorithmic architecture, levelling designed for 3 play throughs, and the best player customising needed for this genre. This game will be the champion console hack'n'slash RPG until the next gen consoles.… Expand
  10. JeremyM.
    Feb 15, 2004
    10
    This is a great, neverending fun fest!!!
  11. Jay
    Feb 8, 2004
    9
    Visualy stunning! If your a fan of the BG:DA series you'll love Champions of Norrath. Snowblind has hit a home run with this one. The have taken the clasic hack and slash "Gauntlet" style game to a whole new level, combining the great world of Everquest without the months of commitment needed to level up. I'm sure that Champions of Norrath will be a hit with die hard Everquest Visualy stunning! If your a fan of the BG:DA series you'll love Champions of Norrath. Snowblind has hit a home run with this one. The have taken the clasic hack and slash "Gauntlet" style game to a whole new level, combining the great world of Everquest without the months of commitment needed to level up. I'm sure that Champions of Norrath will be a hit with die hard Everquest fans and newcommers alike. Another great aspect of the game is that it's online and FREE!!! thats right gamers it's free. Online or offline this is a game that fans of Everquest or newcommers alike will want to pick up A.S.A.P.… Expand
  12. JesseJ.J.
    Jul 23, 2004
    10
    This is a really awsome game but Jeremy... its not neverending i beat it too many times.
  13. Rich
    Feb 11, 2004
    10
    Great graphics, great gameplay!
  14. ChrisM.
    Feb 16, 2004
    10
    Great game.
  15. Rox22
    Nov 5, 2013
    7
    This was the game that made me realize how saturated the hack-n-slash genre was at the time. With Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance 2 being released just a few weeks before, this felt more like a hack-n-slash fix that took advantage of the popularity of the genre. With that said, it's still pretty good. A few bugs, but none that ruined the game for me.

    I did feel the game lacked a well    This was the game that made me realize how saturated the hack-n-slash genre was at the time. With Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance 2 being released just a few weeks before, this felt more like a hack-n-slash fix that took advantage of the popularity of the genre. With that said, it's still pretty good. A few bugs, but none that ruined the game for me.

    I did feel the game lacked a well thought out narrative, because to be honest it felt pretty generic and really did not leave much of an impression. Visually it impressive and gameplay is as fun as any other hack-n-slash game.

    Overall:
    Champions of Norrath isn't the best game of it's genre, in fact it's pretty standard and rather generic. But it is allot of fun and (aside from the bugs) a technical marvel (of the time.)    … Expand
  16. NikHero
    Mar 31, 2014
    10
    This is PS2 RPG perfection! People keep a PS3 around just to play this game! You will love this game and can import your characters into the sequel too!
  17. NickVanA.
    Mar 30, 2004
    0
    Ik vind het een vodde game. Ik heb er spijt van dat ik het gekocht. This game sucks.
  18. EdwinK.
    Apr 2, 2004
    4
    A turn for the worst. I hoped that they had made improvements over BDGII, and there are some (graphics, cooperative play). But man is this game devoid of ANY depth, variation or fun. Monsters are all stupid and dull. Endless wandering, searching for items or something you might have overlooked, in a dead and empty world. No weather, night/day, or ANY interaction with anybody/anything A turn for the worst. I hoped that they had made improvements over BDGII, and there are some (graphics, cooperative play). But man is this game devoid of ANY depth, variation or fun. Monsters are all stupid and dull. Endless wandering, searching for items or something you might have overlooked, in a dead and empty world. No weather, night/day, or ANY interaction with anybody/anything besides plot-characters. No choices in what you say, or plot-variations, interaction is often just forced upon you when wandering about the "wrong" turns. It's worse than games like Doom/Quake, and that's saying a lot. This line of gaming can end NOW, for all I care. … Expand
  19. MalachiA.
    Sep 25, 2004
    8
    This game so rocks, but takes to long to run around and finish quests and doesn't have massive batles just like 12 at the most at one time. Thats why it gets an 8.
  20. MichaelS.
    Mar 30, 2004
    5
    I am surprised that so few reviewers have brought up the glitches that can actually stop this game cold. How can that stuff happen in this day and age. Trust me - it had nothing to do with my PS2. The bugs are in the game. The graphics are nice, but the game isn't really even that fun until you play it the second time at level 20+. Also, the monster item drops are pathetic - I I am surprised that so few reviewers have brought up the glitches that can actually stop this game cold. How can that stuff happen in this day and age. Trust me - it had nothing to do with my PS2. The bugs are in the game. The graphics are nice, but the game isn't really even that fun until you play it the second time at level 20+. Also, the monster item drops are pathetic - I don't think I have used a single item on my character since I have played it! Sell, sell, sell - then store up a million gold coins to buy something at a store that is only marginally better. The graphics are nice (when they work!) and the camera is good, too. Not even close to Diablo II, though is sure does try. A game for the pure hack n slashers only. RPGers - you have been warned.… Expand
  21. RobL.
    Jan 12, 2005
    7
    I like this game - being able to play up to 4 players is a big +. I wish more RPG games allowed more than one player. There are bugs, which does lower my score. One is that if you are at your weight limit, out of arrows or out of mana, it can take 15-30 seconds until your character tells you this. With 3 players, you can't rotate the camera view. There are plot holes, where you have I like this game - being able to play up to 4 players is a big +. I wish more RPG games allowed more than one player. There are bugs, which does lower my score. One is that if you are at your weight limit, out of arrows or out of mana, it can take 15-30 seconds until your character tells you this. With 3 players, you can't rotate the camera view. There are plot holes, where you have to move on to a new area without a being given a quest. The game was released without much testing. Still, I like it.… Expand
  22. Rader
    Jan 18, 2004
    10
    It's one of the first ps2 online games that actually live up to diablo2.
  23. Azzu
    Nov 6, 2015
    10
    This game at that time was just awesome. I played so many hours and days as a young hopper. In my opinion there is no better hack n slay game ever made on ps2 (on ps3 only d3). Even if at that time online gaming on ps2 was not quiet far that game set some steps for every other hack n slay game. Playing world of warcraft high ranked had me remember that game actually very often. I stillThis game at that time was just awesome. I played so many hours and days as a young hopper. In my opinion there is no better hack n slay game ever made on ps2 (on ps3 only d3). Even if at that time online gaming on ps2 was not quiet far that game set some steps for every other hack n slay game. Playing world of warcraft high ranked had me remember that game actually very often. I still keep my ps2 for playing champions return to arms even if the release is 10 years ago.… Expand
  24. atomlord
    Jun 19, 2022
    6
    Не понимаю восторженных оценок. Очень однообразная игра состоящая из сплошной рутины. Прокачка скучная, мало влияющая на геймплей, сюжет развивается медленно, лут в 99.9% случаев бесполезный. Блеклый наследник Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance.Не понимаю восторженных оценок. Очень однообразная игра состоящая из сплошной рутины. Прокачка скучная, мало влияющая на геймплей, сюжет развивается медленно, лут в 99.9% случаев бесполезный. Блеклый наследник Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance.
  25. Pakon
    Feb 1, 2020
    10
    Champions of Norrath is Action RPG at its finest. Diablo players will feel right at home with the fast hack and slash gameplay. The graphics are significantly decent according to today's standards combined with excellent ambient/ fantasy music.

    It is one of the few PS2 games which makes use of the PS2 multitap efficiently, by making your PS2 offer a fantastic local 4-player dungeon    Champions of Norrath is Action RPG at its finest. Diablo players will feel right at home with the fast hack and slash gameplay. The graphics are significantly decent according to today's standards combined with excellent ambient/ fantasy music.

    It is one of the few PS2 games which makes use of the PS2 multitap efficiently, by making your PS2 offer a fantastic local 4-player dungeon crawling experience. One of the best multiplayer games on the PS2 and a reason to own a PS2 multitap adapter for the system.    … Expand
  26. MoscowAndrew
    Dec 24, 2020
    7
    Not bad, but not excellent. The plain story, simple roleplay system, not many items, and weapons. But this is Everquest and the music is absolutely beautiful.
  27. MightyPain
    Dec 19, 2018
    10
    Champions of Norrath is what solidified my interest in rpg gaming growing up, A perfect blend of strategy and skill playing alone or with up to three of your friends! The story is very captivating and voice work is adequate, bringing your decently customize-able warrior type (Barbarian, High Elf, Wood Elf , Wizard, and Dark Elf) across multiple stages of lore and wonderment and awesomeChampions of Norrath is what solidified my interest in rpg gaming growing up, A perfect blend of strategy and skill playing alone or with up to three of your friends! The story is very captivating and voice work is adequate, bringing your decently customize-able warrior type (Barbarian, High Elf, Wood Elf , Wizard, and Dark Elf) across multiple stages of lore and wonderment and awesome boss battles. This game is a true gem for the PS2 and is a shame this game has not seen a remastered or re-release on current consoles for everyone to enjoy. The customization from weapons to armor is very unique in its approach. Ranging from a four slot armor system, which in short can allow you to slot particular runes which gives ranging attributes from strength increase to critical hit chances (similar to Diablo 3). But I digress, I do hope newer and older generations alike can share this adventure that is Champions of Norrath. P.S. Your character can be ported directly into the sequel, from your items to what armor your wearing. The Immersion is insane.… Expand
  28. abaduba
    Sep 28, 2020
    1
    Game is a bugged mess, I got **** over by bugs TWICE and never got to finish this garbage.
  29. oldgamer81
    Nov 19, 2020
    10
    Best Action-RPG on PS2. Better lerning curve than most games. I have beaten it twice alone and once with a friend on the excellent couch coop mode, and still can't get enough. Better than Baldurs Gate Dark Alliance! It's a great role play hack & slash fun: A satisfying game mechanic, nice weapons, beautiful landscapes, creepy monsters, tight atmosphere. The things that work best are theBest Action-RPG on PS2. Better lerning curve than most games. I have beaten it twice alone and once with a friend on the excellent couch coop mode, and still can't get enough. Better than Baldurs Gate Dark Alliance! It's a great role play hack & slash fun: A satisfying game mechanic, nice weapons, beautiful landscapes, creepy monsters, tight atmosphere. The things that work best are the very various landscapes and the atmosphere: Not only dungeons, dark lands, forest, cemetery, vampire castle but also untypical RPG landscapes like dessert, beach island, lava fields. These are really impressive and in the dark vampire castle I often shudder, at the island beaches I relax and so on. That and the well made skill and weapons system guarantee a long term motivation. The weapons are cool, but there could be a little more "wow, I found a great weapon"-experiences. What I miss most, is that there are very few people to talk to: There are about 10 characters who are always part of the story and you cannot interact with them. Feels a bit lonely in the single player mode. Really great is the multiplayer mode: Up to 4 friends in front of 1 screen! Great! The thing that makes it better than Dark Alliance is the much nicer bow and arrow shooting (the arrow flys realisticly quick compared to the slow flying DA arrow), the better system of magical jewellery and the more choosable characters. Only that you could talk to more characters was nicer in DA.… Expand
  30. LordFaidal
    Jan 13, 2022
    10
    The PS2 had some really amazing titles and this was one of them. Not only was this a great RPG but the combat was satisfying enough to keep you wandering through dungeons for hours on end. Best experienced with a pal.
  31. atp951
    May 8, 2022
    10
    Champions Of Norrath is a great game, definitely the best Hack & Slash game out there, i enjoyed every bit of the game.
  32. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    9
    I played it with friends when i was a teen. Good old times. I remember mages being useless lmao

Awards & Rankings

21
#21 Best PS2 Game of 2004
36
#36 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2004
22
#22 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 51 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 51
  3. Negative: 0 out of 51
  1. Gamer's Hell
    90
    A lot of time and effort was put into making sure that a good strong continuous game was played. The player does not feel disjointed by going into a new zone or another act. It is all tied in very well.
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  2. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    90
    Though not the never-ending chain of quests found in a "real" EverQuest game, Champions certainly stands as the longest, deepest title in the "Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance' vein yet seen on a console. [Mar 2004, p.102]
  3. Deeko
    90
    Ah, multiplayer, how I love thee. Multiplayer in Champions of Norrath is incredible.
    Read full review
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