Some are a great challenge, but most are essentially enemies with extra armor, and the first champion actually felt easier than most enemies. (thevrgrid.com)
There are also some extra badges you can unlock that give special bonuses like extra armor. (monstervine.com)
It's not the most innovative system nor is anything groundbreaking, but it serves its purpose and those extra gadgets and extra armor really come in handy later in the game. (macgamerhq.com)