People are maybe more sentimental towards Snowblind Studios' more recognisable Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance games, but Champions of Norrath was the finest hack-&-slasher on the PS2, and a captivating co-op experience for up to four people. Made by Snowblind Studios - the same folk who made Dark Alliance - Norrath is set in the universe of legendary MMORPG EverQuest. You and up to three friends picked one of five unique playable characters, and ventured out together on an adventure that was the PS2's answer to Diablo. Combat was no-nonsense and visceral, as you frantically slashed your way through hordes of orcs, vampires, and other pretty routine fantasy foes. Because each character had a unique skill set, you had to rely on solid teamwork and cooperative play to defeat your enemies - who scaled in toughness the more people you had playing with you. The graphics were among the best on the PS2, thanks to the use of supersampling, which meant the textures were designed in a resolution higher than the PS2 was capable of handling, then downscaled for it. Also, nothing adds to the fun of a couch multiplayer session like hammy voice-acting from American actors trying to put on fantasy accents.
Gamer, Researcher of strange things.
I'm a writer-editor hybrid whose writings on video games, technology and movies can be found across the internet. I've even ventured into the realm of current affairs on occasion but, unable to face reality, have retreated into expatiating on things on screens instead.
