Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Champions of Norrath delivers a fast-paced, bird’s-eye view action RPG experience that feels both familiar and fresh. Players select from five distinct character classes—Barbarian Warrior, Wood Elf Ranger, High Elf Cleric, Dark Elf Shadow Knight, and Erudite Wizard—each offering unique combat styles, skill trees, and equipment options. The variety encourages experimentation; whether you prefer the brute strength of the Barbarian or the spellcasting prowess of the Wizard, there’s a build to suit your playstyle.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The game spans five acts, taking you through randomly generated dungeons, forests, swamps, and castle ruins across the world of Norrath. This procedural approach keeps each run feeling new, as layouts, enemy placement, and loot drops shift with every playthrough. Boss battles punctuate each act, forcing players to adapt tactics and fully leverage their chosen character’s strengths.

One of Champions of Norrath’s standout features is its support for up to four players in both offline and online co-op modes. Offline multiplayer via multitap on a single console creates a lively couch experience, while online sessions over a broadband connection allow friends to tackle dungeons together from afar. Cooperative strategies—such as a Cleric’s healing supporting a front-line Warrior—add tactical depth and encourage teamwork.

Graphics

On the PlayStation 2, Champions of Norrath showcases detailed environments with rich textures and atmospheric lighting. Dungeon corridors are dimly lit by flickering torches, while forest areas feature dappled sunlight through leafy canopies. These visual flourishes contribute to a sense of immersion that belies the console’s hardware limitations.

Character models and animations are solid for their era: sword swings have satisfying impact, spell effects sparkle with vibrant colors, and monsters—from giant spiders to undead knights—move with enough fluidity to keep combat engaging. Enemy variety is crucial to preventing visual fatigue, and the game delivers with a broad bestiary that complements the shifting dungeon layouts.

The user interface is clean and functional, with quick-access hotbars for spells and abilities. Inventory screens are straightforward, displaying gear stats and allowing for easy comparisons. While the HUD might feel a bit dated by modern standards, it remains intuitive and uncluttered, ensuring players spend less time navigating menus and more time adventuring.

Story

Set in the ever-expansive EverQuest universe, Champions of Norrath weaves a tale that unfolds across five acts. Players embark on a quest to stop the evil Arch Lich Morgath, whose dark magic threatens to engulf Norrath in undeath. Each act introduces new locales and side quests, providing both context and variety as the narrative progresses.

Storytelling is primarily delivered through NPC dialogue and cutscenes that, while not blockbuster-level production, offer enough personality to keep players invested. Villagers plead for help, rival factions clash, and hints of deeper lore emerge as you collect artifacts and defeat powerful lieutenants of Morgath. Though the plot follows classic fantasy tropes, it provides a satisfying backdrop to the core dungeon-crawling gameplay.

Voice acting is competent, with different characters bringing life to what could otherwise be dry exposition. Combined with evocative background music and ambient sound effects—from dripping water in caverns to distant battle cries—the narrative segments blend seamlessly into the overall experience without feeling intrusive or overly lengthy.

Overall Experience

Champions of Norrath stands out as one of the premier action RPGs on the PlayStation 2, thanks to its blend of accessible hack-and-slash combat, cooperative multiplayer options, and replayable random dungeons. Whether you’re playing solo or with up to three friends, the pacing remains brisk, and the promise of better loot drives continued exploration.

Performance is generally stable, with only occasional frame dips during the most intense encounter sequences. Load times between areas are reasonable, ensuring that the flow of adventure isn’t bogged down by technical hiccups. The game’s balance between challenge and reward feels well-tuned, accommodating newcomers to the genre while still offering depth for veteran players.

Replayability is bolstered by the multiple character classes, branching skill trees, and randomized levels. After completing the main story, players can tackle New Game+ modes or focus on building specialized “builds” to tackle endgame challenges. For anyone seeking a cooperative dungeon-crawler with memorable moments and a legacy tied to the EverQuest universe, Champions of Norrath remains a worthy addition to the library.

Retro Replay Score

8/10