Hot on the heels for the ultra successful Champions of Norrath, developer Snowblind Studios is already at work on its follow-up, Champions: Call to Arms. So what can players expect from a game that already did just about everything right? How about two more playable races and a much better online interface?
In addition to CON's five original playable races, Champions: Call to Arms will add two new races, although only one has been revealed so far. The Vah Shir, a race of cat people, add another warrior class to the game. Although they are made for close-quaters combat, the Vah Shir will excel at throwing weapons. This adds a much needed, powerful ranged class that really wasn't around in the first one. As a warrior, the Vah Shir will have two special abilities. One such ability, Blood Lust, amplifies their physical prowess, making them hit harder and faster. The ability even includes a cool little 'blooding' effect that causes the Vah Shir to splatter blood everywhere. Another useful, but dangerous ability, is Berserker, which kicks in after their health dips below 25%. Eventually, the Vah Shir will even be able to summon axes at will.
Each of the original races will receive a few new upgrades as well. Warriors will have access to Strong Stance, which prevents your character from getting knocked down. Rangers will also share a skill with the Vah Shir and will not only be able to summon arrows at will, but will also be able to increase the number of arrows they can hold. Speaking from the perspective of someone who plays as a Ranger in the original, this ability is very, very welcome.
Speaking of characters from Norrath, players will be able to import their characters from the original into the sequel. To account for this influx of high-powered characters, Champions 2 will up the max level ceiling to 80 and will offer two new diffculty levels. In an attempt to keep the game from becoming too repetative, Snowblind is also including the option to skip around previously defeated realms. After defeating a realm, players will also unlock bonus rounds. Within each realm will be a series of challenges players can partake in. Completing these challenges will unlock bonuses.
The biggest disappointment with the original was the Online mode. Granted, the mode was a blast to play, but it wasn't the easiest thing to get around in. The interface was clunky and it brought numerous, nit-picky problems to the table. Snowblind is dedicated to making the online experience in Champions 2 much smoother and much more enjoyable for players. To achieve this, a new Lobby system is in the works. This room will allow players to keep a friend's list and start their own private chat rooms to plan in. Players will also be able to invite friends into the game once it has started. The framerate will also be improved so the Online experience isn't as laggy.
Graphically, Champions 2 looks just as good as Champions of Norrath. Most improvements will come in the form of details. Characters look just a little better as do the game's environments. In addition to the previously mentioned Blood Lust special effect, other spell effects have been added. These include things like more noticeable battle damage to characters.
Overall, Champions: Call to Arms is looking even better and more addictive than its predecessor. If you enjoyed the first, run out and pre-order as soon as you can. For those who were left with a bad taste in their mouth after the first, the marked improvements should make this one to keep an eye on.
Champions: Call to Arms is set for release early next year.