Champions of Norrath to feature online voice chat

January 14, 2004

Sony Online Entertainment has revealed Everquest: Champions of Norrath's USB headset compatibility. Champions of Norrath, a PlayStation 2 exclusive, is expected to ship across the U.S. and Canada this February.

"Voice chat is the final piece of the puzzle with Champions," said Michael Lustenberger, director of marketing, Sony Online Entertainment. "It's the one feature that has been most requested in the game and we are pleased to announce its inclusion. With the addition of voice chat, we believe Champions is now far and away the leader in its genre."

However, a broadband connection will be required for the voice chat feature -- the amount of data that is processed among four players online chatting and playing is to blame. SOE's matchmaking service, SOEgames.net, will allow players to host a game or join one. The Multitap will allow up to four players to take their characters online simultaneously on one PlayStation 2.

For those who need to be brought up to speed, Champions of Norrath brings players back several hundred years before the timeframe featured in the PC Everquest title. Gamers gird themselves in boots, swords, and armor as they journey from the city Faydwer to the wilds of Norrath to move against an amassing army of evil goblins and orcs. Along with 70 hours of gameplay per character, randomly generated dungeons and quests, and epic customization, Champions of Norrath will feature:

• Engrossing fantasy storyline set several hundred years before the current EverQuest PC game -- players do not need to be familiar with EQ lore to enjoy the game.
• Five playable characters (both male and female): Select from Barbarian Warrior, Dark Elf Shadow Knight, High Elf Cleric, Erudite Wizard, Wood Elf Ranger.
• Thousands of items and magical artifacts to acquire.
• More than 10,000 items randomly generated with the ability for players to create their own.
• Randomly generated dungeons and monsters mean a different experience every time you play.
• Unmatched character customization with modifiable hair, skin, tattoos and facial hair, hundreds of armor variations and thousands of distinctive weapons, including swords, maces, axes, bows and more.
• Hundreds of armor variations for a unique look.
• Import and download characters via the Memory Card. Player characters can be used for both single-player and multiplayer adventures, allowing players to build up their character both online or offline.
• More than 45 levels to conquer with non-linear side quests.
• 4 player online cooperative action with USB headset support to chat and plan strategies (USB headset optional, sold separately).
• Conquer enemies with up to 4 players online via SOEGames.net and offline with up to 4 players via the Multitap (no subscription fee required for online play. Internet connection required for online play. Players are responsible for all applicable internet fees).
• Total camera control, zoom-in up-close or view combat from above.
• Fully interactive 3D environments that push the PlayStation capabilities with stunning lighting and visual effects; capable of handling 30 to 40 characters on screen at once in spectacular battles.

-Ramón V.

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