Champions: Return to Arms bucks the sequel blues by building on its predecessor’s strengths while adding a load of new features.



Champions: Return to Arms is on its way to shelves this February, and this sequel is one that succeeds at taking a good thing and making it better. A hack-n-slash style game for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Sony Online Entertainment and Snowblind, developers of the popular Baldurs Gate series and the original Champions of Norrath, have taken the gameplay and graphics several steps beyond its predecessor.



The graphics are superb in Return to Arms. From the rich detail in armors and environments, to the visual wow-factor of spells and combat abilities, the game builds upon and even surpasses the recognized bar of quality set by the original Champions game. Action is fast-paced and seamless with a wealth of graphical detail.



Once you've mastered the single player game, take your Champion online. A redesigned interface and smoother, more robust system make the online game easier and more satisfying. Characters can also be stored server-side, putting an end to cheating.



With gameplay itself, Return to Arms keeps it varied but always exciting with unlockable realms called Medal Rounds. If you complete a level, medal rounds open up to present entirely new challenges that’ll keep you on your toes. Use them to further develop your character and for a change of pace. They’re completely optional, so you don’t have to be complete them to progress in the main game. But do yourself a favor and try them out, they’re a blast.



Two new characters have been added to the lineup of heroes you can choose from. Alongside the Barbarian warriors, the High Elf clerics, the Dark Elf shadowknights, the Erudite wizards, and the Wood Elf rangers, players can also pick the Iksar shaman or the Vah Shir berserker, further expanding the gameplay options Return to Arms has in abundance.



But one of the coolest features of Return to Arms that should please players of Champions of Norrath is the ability to import your characters from the original. Continue to build them up to level 80!



Whether you’re a fan of the original Champions of Norrath, or this is a game brand new to you, if you love a good action adventure on the PlayStation®2, Champions: Return to Arms won’t disappoint.