Champions of Norrath: Realms of EverQuest pics

http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/news/30151.shtml

Ever since the game was officially unveiled to the public last month, a ground swell of curiosity has grown around Champions of Norrath: Realms of EverQuest, the latest title from the developers behind Baldur\'s Gate: Dark Alliance. Built around the mythology of EverQuest, Champions of Norrath features familiar locations, items, and characters from the popular MMORPG series, but will be very accessible to the average action/RPG player. GamePro had a chance to discuss the game with Rob Hill, producer for Sony Online Entertainment and one of the top folks behind the EverQuest series.



GamePro: How long has Champions of Norrath been in development? How many people are working on the project?

Rob Hill, Sony Online Entertainment: Champions of Norrath has been in development for a little over a year. At present there are over 16 people actively working on the project.

GP: How much of the game\'s internals are from Dark Alliance?

RH: We started with the core engine of Dark Alliance and began to add many new features to get the look and functionality we wanted for Champions of Norrath. The engine now has the ability to do random dungeons, higher polygon characters, more detailed textures, and support much more art then previously. We also modified the game\'s interface to allow for more actions to be available to the player while they are engaged in battle. They can quickly bring up spells and skills at a second\'s notice, which is important due to the amount we provide to players.

GP: The game will be released on a double-layered DVD; was this decided upon from the start, or did it come as a surprise?

RH: This was realized early on. Due to the amount of content and detail we have added to the world, the amount of art space we needed simply would not fit on a single DVD.

GP: What\'s the one part of the game you\'d like expectant gamers to pay the most attention to?

RH: To start with, the game looks amazing. The detail on the characters, environments, and spells will wow game players. On top of this, the emphasis was placed on providing characters with a deep array of skills, spells, and items to gain during play. This alone adds quite a bit of replayability to the title that will be very appreciated by our audience.

GP: How much leeway has SOE given you with the EverQuest world?

RH: The goal was to make a game that did not require knowledge of the EverQuest world, but provided players who are familiar with EQ many recognizable aspects. We took character classes, spells, items, and location names from EQ and adapted them into a riveting action RPG experience.

GP: Did you play the online game to death before starting work on Champions of Norrath?

RH: We not only played the game, but consulted many of the reference materials that are available about Norrath.

GP: Will there be any online-only expansions in the future?
RH: This has not yet been determined.

GP: Can you use the voice headset while online?
RH: We are still considering a variety of options.

GP: Since Champions of Norrath supports four players online via the multi-tap, can you play online with more than one person on the same PS2?
RH: No. Each player online must be connected with their own PlayStation 2.

GP: Can you please explain what type of online experience players should expect from Champions of Norrath?

RH: Players can expect the opportunity to join up to three of their friends from anywhere in the world online and enjoy an intense action role playing game in a stunningly beautiful game world. We have designed the character classes with many support roles specifically for the multiplayer modes. Clerics will heal and buff friends, warriors will protect them, and the wizards and rangers will support from range. This type of combination is a key component to EverQuest and we try to maintain it where possible in Champions of Norrath.

:worship:

Damn those are surprisingly good......for and Everquest game!:p
Well since Everquest online for ps2. Gawd awful grafx

[Bobs_Hardware]

I\'ve just recently played through Baldur\'s Gate: Dark Alliance again...

Call me pumped up for this game!

Can\'t wait.  

Never played EverQuest.. is it kinda Baldur\'s or what?

Originally posted by Adan
Never played EverQuest.. is it kinda Baldur\'s or what?

I\'ve never played EverQuest either, but THIS version of the game is going to be alot like Dark Alliance and Diablo II, which is only a good thing since DA and Diablo both rule!

This game is made by the same developers who made Dark Alliance 1.



Btw, the Champions of Norrath SITE IS OPEN!

http://championsofnorrath.station.sony.com

So have Sony bought Snowblind yet ?

The game looks nice and all but rpg\'s blow big time, so I have no interest in this at all.

The online aspect of this game has me really interesting in it.  Should be fun if BG: DA is any indication.

Originally posted by MAKAVELIUK
So have Sony bought Snowblind yet ?

The game looks nice and all but rpg\'s blow big time, so I have no interest in this at all.

That would be great.. But I doubt it since this game goes under the SOE logo, not SCEA.

But perhaps SOE bought Snowbild? :facelick: