Sony Online Entertainment announced today that Champions of Norrath, an online RPG developed by the team behind Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance, has gone gold. Featuring thousands of items, weapons and spells, in-depth character customization, randomly generated dungeons, immense online play and more, Champions of Norrath packs an unparalleled experience set in a fantasy world hundreds of years prior to the events of the latest EverQuest.



"The wait is just about over for one of the most anticipated console games of 2004," said Michael Lustenberger, director of marketing, Sony Online Entertainment. "With five playable characters, randomly generated dungeons, online co-op action with up to four players and relentless, non-stop action, Champions of Norrath offers an incredible gameplay experience for every type of gamer."



The game also features:

[list][li]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[/li]

[li]Five playable characters (both male and female): Select from Barbarian Warrior, Dark Elf Shadow Knight, High Elf Cleric, Erudite Wizard, Wood Elf Ranger[/li]

[li]Thousands of items and magical artifacts to acquire[/li]

[li]More than 10,000 items randomly generated with the ability for players to create their own[/li]

[li]Randomly generated dungeons and monsters mean a different experience every time you play[/li]

[li]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[/li]

[li]Hundreds of armor variations for a unique look[/li]

[li]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[/li]

[li]More than 45 levels to conquer with non-linear side quests

[li]4 player online cooperative action with USB headset support to chat and plan strategies Conquer enemies with up to 4 players online via SOEGames.net and offline with up to 4 players via the Multitap[/li]

[li]Total camera control, zoom-in up-close or view combat from above[/li]

[li]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[/li][/list]Champions of Norrath will be hitting shipping to retailers exclusively for the PlayStation 2 on February 11. For the full details on the game, be sure to head on over to http://www.championsofnorrath.com.