I read some pretty good reviews, but it gets flak from BG2 players due to shallowness, minimized SP elements, less banter, no relationships/friendships with group members, etc.
So, in your humble (or not) opinnions, is NWN a game worth buying? I thought i'd ask you peeps because I would rather not blow a hundred bucks on this game, expansions, and additional modules...if it sucked.
NWN
Started by Blitz, Nov 27 2004 06:57 PM
10 replies to this topic
#2
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Posted 27 November 2004 - 11:44 PM
Well, it depends on what you are looking for in a game.
If you are expecting a Baldur's Gate type game filled with interesting NPCs and interparty banters you will be disappointed, however if you are expecting an intriguing non-linear story line with fascinating characters like Planescape:Torment, you will be even more disappointed.
If you are like me and have played any of the previously mentioned games, the first impression you would have would be: "Dude, where's my party?"
With a party capacity of one--that's right, ONE--henchman/henchwoman, you are pretty limited on interparty banters (limited as in none). Granted with The Hordes of the Underdark expansion, the party capacity is graciously doubled to TWO henchmen in a vain attempt to add some banters
. Most henchmen are all one dimensional characters, though if you do as them about their past, you do get a glimpse at a second dimension.
Gameplay-wise, Neverwinter Nights and all its expansions are like Diablo with AD&D 3 rules, meaning it's mostly "click-a-monster-to-hack-it-to-pieces," there is very little tactics involved (if any). Since you can't directly control you henchman, there is not more Viconia cast Doom, Aerie cast Greater Malison, Edwin cast Finger of Death like in Baldur's Gate II.
Even inventory management is like Diablo, meaning that not only must you take weight into account but volume (or area) as well. If you are the type who use the Ease-of-Use mod in Baldur's Gate II because you can't handle the potion stacking and missile weapon stacking, just the inventory management would drive you bananas.
As for the plot, Neverwinter Nights modules are divided into Chapters, which could be played separately from each other (i.e. once you've unlocked Chapter 2 by finishing Chapter 1, you can start a new game from Chapter 2 with a new character.
How is it possible to manage something like this? Simply by making the plot completely linear. No more of the "if you work for Bodhi in Chapter 3, you won't have Aran Linvail's help in Chapter 6" nonsense. Your actions in Neverwinter Nights are completely without consequence. You can slaughter/rob every innocent passerby in Chapter 1 and they'll still call you a hero/heroine in Chapter 2. So much for replayability.
On the plus side, the graphics are well done, almost Morrowind quality. Um, that's all I could come up with.
Seriously though, it's a decent game if you like games involving continuously clicking on similarly looking monsters such as Diablo.
If you are expecting a Baldur's Gate type game filled with interesting NPCs and interparty banters you will be disappointed, however if you are expecting an intriguing non-linear story line with fascinating characters like Planescape:Torment, you will be even more disappointed.
If you are like me and have played any of the previously mentioned games, the first impression you would have would be: "Dude, where's my party?"
With a party capacity of one--that's right, ONE--henchman/henchwoman, you are pretty limited on interparty banters (limited as in none). Granted with The Hordes of the Underdark expansion, the party capacity is graciously doubled to TWO henchmen in a vain attempt to add some banters
. Most henchmen are all one dimensional characters, though if you do as them about their past, you do get a glimpse at a second dimension.Gameplay-wise, Neverwinter Nights and all its expansions are like Diablo with AD&D 3 rules, meaning it's mostly "click-a-monster-to-hack-it-to-pieces," there is very little tactics involved (if any). Since you can't directly control you henchman, there is not more Viconia cast Doom, Aerie cast Greater Malison, Edwin cast Finger of Death like in Baldur's Gate II.
Even inventory management is like Diablo, meaning that not only must you take weight into account but volume (or area) as well. If you are the type who use the Ease-of-Use mod in Baldur's Gate II because you can't handle the potion stacking and missile weapon stacking, just the inventory management would drive you bananas.
As for the plot, Neverwinter Nights modules are divided into Chapters, which could be played separately from each other (i.e. once you've unlocked Chapter 2 by finishing Chapter 1, you can start a new game from Chapter 2 with a new character.
How is it possible to manage something like this? Simply by making the plot completely linear. No more of the "if you work for Bodhi in Chapter 3, you won't have Aran Linvail's help in Chapter 6" nonsense. Your actions in Neverwinter Nights are completely without consequence. You can slaughter/rob every innocent passerby in Chapter 1 and they'll still call you a hero/heroine in Chapter 2. So much for replayability.
On the plus side, the graphics are well done, almost Morrowind quality. Um, that's all I could come up with.
Seriously though, it's a decent game if you like games involving continuously clicking on similarly looking monsters such as Diablo.
#3
NiGHTMARE
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Posted 28 November 2004 - 01:37 AM
If you do buy NWN, ignore the original campaign, find yourself a few "best NWN mods" lists on the 'net, and play them instead 
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#4
Pain Elemental
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Always here, just look harder.
Posted 28 November 2004 - 02:03 AM
Only if it's at a budget price, and stay away from localvault arena servers!!
After an eternity away from you all, I've returned.
#5
Feanor
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The Elven Lord
Posted 06 December 2004 - 02:26 AM
On the other hand, NWN is so controversial because not all people look for very complex games and many cannot cope with the AD&D system as it was in BG and IWD. I remember me when I played BG1 first time : I did not understand at all how the magic system works and I had to use cheats to finish it.
#6
MadEyeball
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Posted 17 December 2004 - 07:51 AM
Personally I found NWN a huge flop. Compared to The BG series it is a shallow reflection.If you have endless hours to build your own game mods(I don't) maybe you could squeek something interesting out of it.
It seems to me that the switch to 3-D graphics systems is wrecking most RPG story telling and character development.
My hope is that Dragon Age will address this problem, but I'll probaby have to buy a new computer to play it!
It seems to me that the switch to 3-D graphics systems is wrecking most RPG story telling and character development.
My hope is that Dragon Age will address this problem, but I'll probaby have to buy a new computer to play it!
#7
Brannin Vael
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Posted 17 December 2004 - 05:52 PM
I also didn't find that Neverwinter Nights (original campaign) that interesting. At least from the single player campaign experience.
The game just didn't involve me emotionally enough. Sort of like "pretty...but I don't really care that much". Kind of like playing Dungeon Siege.
Perhaps it is better with the mods out there that add to it and multiplayer, but I have the game and it sits mostly unused...
The game just didn't involve me emotionally enough. Sort of like "pretty...but I don't really care that much". Kind of like playing Dungeon Siege.
Perhaps it is better with the mods out there that add to it and multiplayer, but I have the game and it sits mostly unused...
#8
Feanor
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The Elven Lord
Posted 18 December 2004 - 05:38 AM
I also didn't find that Neverwinter Nights (original campaign) that interesting. At least from the single player campaign experience.
The game just didn't involve me emotionally enough. Sort of like "pretty...but I don't really care that much". Kind of like playing Dungeon Siege.
Perhaps it is better with the mods out there that add to it and multiplayer, but I have the game and it sits mostly unused...
Have you tried uncovering the hidden stories of your henchmen and Aribeth ?
#9
Brannin Vael
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Posted 18 December 2004 - 10:21 PM
I also didn't find that Neverwinter Nights (original campaign) that interesting. At least from the single player campaign experience.
The game just didn't involve me emotionally enough. Sort of like "pretty...but I don't really care that much". Kind of like playing Dungeon Siege.
Perhaps it is better with the mods out there that add to it and multiplayer, but I have the game and it sits mostly unused...
Have you tried uncovering the hidden stories of your henchmen and Aribeth ?
I did! :thumb: And indeed that was one of the few very enjoyable pursuits that I can recall doing in the game. In fact I pursued that with far more enthusiasm than virtually anything else I was given to do. Especially enjoyed the one with Aribeth and how important it seemed to pick the right wording to keep her story going. Never could wait to get back from questing and talk with her. I think that I had a secret hope that Aribeth would fall for me, alas...
My only complaint would be that there was too little of this good stuff. It added quite a bit more depth to these NPC's.
#10
-erfaloth-
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Posted 19 December 2004 - 08:49 PM
I've played BG about a million times; boy/girl all romances with mods without mods bgtutu, big picture, again and again, and then back again one more time out of nostalgia.
But after that. what do you play? The incredibly frustrating pathfinder and silent company of IWD? PS:Torment another billion times?
After you've done all that. What 3D games are out there that you can get another BG experience? none.
nowadays I can't even get a good RPG where I can model my character properly the way I want. Sometimes my CHARNAME is not even asked for.
If you're out of options, you'll probably play NWN.
.. at least until KOTOR 2 turns PC
But after that. what do you play? The incredibly frustrating pathfinder and silent company of IWD? PS:Torment another billion times?
After you've done all that. What 3D games are out there that you can get another BG experience? none.
nowadays I can't even get a good RPG where I can model my character properly the way I want. Sometimes my CHARNAME is not even asked for.
If you're out of options, you'll probably play NWN.
.. at least until KOTOR 2 turns PC
#11
GreyViper
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Posted 20 December 2004 - 03:43 AM
A lot people didnt, but fortunetly SoU & HotU make things up. Its a fun having Deekin around, think I will take Aribeth next time when I start HotU with Paladin/Champion of Torm char.I also didn't find that Neverwinter Nights (original campaign) that interesting. At least from the single player campaign experience.
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"A handsome young Cyborg named Ace,
Wooed women at every base,
But once ladies glanced at
His special enhancement
They vanished with nary a trace."
Barracks Graffiti
Sparta Command
