Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Champions: Return to Arms builds on the solid foundation of its predecessor by delivering fast-paced, hack-and-slash combat that feels both immediate and satisfying. Players choose from seven distinct races—two more than in Champions of Norrath—each with unique skill trees, special attacks, and equipment proficiencies. Whether you’re swinging a massive axe as a barbarian or casting devastating spells as an arcanist, the fluidity of combat keeps you engaged through every encounter.

(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 addition of the moral choice system adds an extra layer of strategy and replayability. As you hunt down the scattered shards of Innoruuk, you face a crucial decision: destroy them to purge the world of evil, or collect them to restore the Dark God’s power. This branching path influences not only the narrative but also unlocks different abilities, artifacts, and even alters the appearance of your weapons and armor.

Cooperative play is at the heart of Champions: Return to Arms. You can team up with up to three friends locally via multitap or jump online for four-player co-op. The seamless drop-in/drop-out functionality ensures that group sessions remain hassle-free. Additionally, importing a high-level character from the original Champions of Norrath provides a gratifying head start, letting veterans dive right into new challenges without losing their hard-earned gear and skills.

Graphics

Visually, Return to Arms is a marked improvement over its predecessor, with richer textures, more detailed character models, and dynamic lighting effects that bring the dark corners of Norrath to life. The diverse environments—from the ethereal Plane of Air to the infernal depths of the Plane of Fire—each sport unique color palettes and environmental hazards that keep exploration feeling fresh.

Enemy designs are imaginative and varied, ranging from ethereal wraiths and hulking trolls to grotesque infernal beasts. Each creature reacts differently to player attacks, with satisfying hit reactions and particle effects that make every combat sequence feel weighty. Boss encounters, in particular, showcase impressive scale and animation quality, emphasizing its action-RPG roots.

While frame rates occasionally dip during large-scale battles, the overall performance remains stable, and load times are relatively short. The user interface is clean and intuitive, with clear HUD elements for health, mana, and special abilities. Inventory screens and skill trees are logically organized, allowing quick access to gear swaps and ability upgrades even in the heat of battle.

Story

Champions: Return to Arms immerses players in the rich lore of the EverQuest universe, expanding on the vanquishing of Innoruuk. The narrative kicks off as rumors swirl that the Dark God’s shattered essence has seeped across the Planes of Power. This overarching goal of finding and deciding the fate of these shards gives a clear sense of purpose to every expedition.

Between shard hunts, you encounter a cast of NPCs with their own agendas—devoted priests who seek redemption, rogue mages craving arcane supremacy, and even creatures twisted by the shards’ corrupting influence. These side quests not only flesh out the world but often reward you with rare items and lore tidbits that deepen the backstory.

The moral dichotomy of the gameplay choice is mirrored in the narrative tone. Choosing to restore Innoruuk casts a shadow over your journey, as formerly friendly NPCs react with fear or hostility, and entire locations transform to reflect the growing darkness. Conversely, committing to destroy the shards paints your character as a beacon of hope, rallying allies to your cause. This branching storytelling ensures that multiple playthroughs feel distinct.

Overall Experience

Champions: Return to Arms strikes a satisfying balance between accessible, pick-up-and-play action and deeper RPG mechanics. The blend of tactical decision-making, character progression, and moral choices keeps each session engaging, whether you’re soloing through hordes or coordinating strategies with friends in co-op.

Replayability is a core strength: the seven races, two major morality paths, and the ability to import characters make multiple playthroughs feel rewarding rather than repetitive. Add in the challenge modes and Arena battles, and there’s ample content for players seeking extended longevity.

For fans of action RPGs and the EverQuest setting, Champions: Return to Arms delivers a robust adventure that improves on its predecessor in nearly every aspect. Its mix of fast-paced combat, varied environments, and branching narrative make it a compelling purchase for anyone looking to dive into a dark fantasy world with friends or on their own.

Retro Replay Score

7.7/10