Larian Studios Forums General Chat RPG Chat NWN questions

Well, now that I've finished BD and "Gothic2 - Night of the Raven" I'm looking for a new RPG to play and I remembered that I totally missed out NWN. So can anyone quickly explain what the deal is with the add-ons.. are they totally new games that can/should be played after the original NWN or will I gain anything from buying and installing the add-ons right away? And are the add-ons worth anything in your opinion?

- Telemachos

IMO, the expansion packs are actually better than the original game.

The NWN OC is a travesty: the AI of henchmen and hostiles has all the IQ of a dense, dense ball of mud. The story is ridiculously predictable. The NPCs are about as memorable as a generic X'Mas card. Aribeth's voiceacting is flat-out squeaky. Each chapter is a repeat of the last: find four pieces of artifact, hand them to someone, and fight the chapter's big boss. Blocky graphics that are a year or two outdated at the time of release; tilesets that make everything look the same; crate-smashing. Boooring.

The SoU OC is somewhat better, but still continues the trend of "find four pieces of artifact" with some roleplaying options thrown in. I didn't finish this, however. It didn't keep my interest long enough. Deekin is way overrated as a comic relief gimmick.

The HotU OC is the only one worth anything, but it's still underwhelming (especially since I played it after KotOR). The storyline's intriguing enough, the quests, puzzles and such good enough to keep me playing (two times, actually), and it redeems NWN as a whole somewhat. Better graphics, better AI, better henchpeople. Shame it's a bit short. The last chapter is a bit of a mess, though, and is basically a series of puzzles after another. Yeeek.

If you buy it, buy it for some player-made modules -- and skip the OC in the original and SoU. Many, many fan-made modules are light-years superior to the first two official campaigns.

That's what NWN was intended to be, a game for player made campaigns. So far I believe it's the best way to recreate pen&paper experience on the PC, even though they messed with some rules and skills.

rythok, u can trust winterfox's instinct on NWN. i agree with her as well. the best thing (maybe the only best thing) in NWN & its add-ons is that one henchman; deekin. i love that little kobold to death! i wish all of his dialogues are spoken. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/delight.gif" alt="" />

I'm not sure if that's a viable excuse for the OC to be of the quality inferior to that of some player-made modules.

Besides, you know how the NWN OC was advertised at first? It promised the singleplayer experience of BG2, alongside the DM client. To be sure, advertisements often exaggerate, but sometimes, things can get stretched just a little far.

Neverwinters Nights is a good stand alone game, the add ons are great too, improvements are made as to Henchmen, in the second and third game you have more control and access to their backpack etc, each game can be played as second and third part of the first game, I suggest playing them in order although if you have all three you can install them and choose as to which one you want to play, dont forget to download the patch, which of course is smaller if you have the add ons. You can also play on-line for free on fan-built mods, which is cool if you liked the game and want more, or if you like playing with/against real people. Overall, its a good game, keep you happy for a while, and with the multi-player mod you can keep going back for more. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Hi all,

Thanks for your opinions although I'm a bit surprised to hear that some people find the single player story so weak - I thought the game was generally highly praised but maybe that's a matter of opinions. I just saw the game in a dirt-cheap reissue so I think no harm can come from buying it and check it out myself. From what I understand at least the fan-made campains can be good - are there any specific fan-made campains you can recommend? Thanks.

- Telemachos

I never once heard the developers say it was going to be anything like Baldersgate.Infact they were against that kind of talk NWN is a game all its own, and i havent a clue why people want to keep comparing it to BG.IMO BG is far inferior to NWN atleast in the charecter building aspect of things.


The game was made more for the MOD building and online play.The single player was more geared to get the player familiar with the game enough to go online and make effective charecters.The thing i love most about NWN is ive played on 10 different servers and what might be a strong charecter on 1 server sux on another.Different MODS = different effective builds so it always has you thinking.

The graphics also were not dated at time of release they were actually quite well done. also a full 360 degree camera angle really gave you much more freedom then a BG game.

If character development means stats and level-up for you, great! For me, in a RPG, it has a more literary meaning -- that of a story. The NWN OC is a travesty in this regard. I don't freakin' care about any of the vapid NPCs; I couldn't have cared less if Neverwinter city was razed to the ground, and I rejoiced at the opportunity to finally slaughter that squeaky-voiced, annoying female dog of an elf.

And oh, yes, it was said that the singleplayer experience would be something of the same magnitude and quality of BG2.



Oh, come now. The use of tilesets makes things unbelievably dull -- one city look the same as the next; one tavern looks the same as the next; one dungeon is merely a clone of another. And so on and so forth. And you're trying to compare the graphics to that of the Infinity Engine games (not "a BG game", sigh)? Dur. Don't bother; 2D and 3D are different. However, I'd say the graphics in the Infinity Engine games are definitely more pleasant to look at, pre-rendered though they may be. They're actually good art, as opposed to blocky tile polygons.

I never said Winterfox was wrong <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I just said that the OC wasnt even supposed to be there at first, but people asked for one so they made one.

I actually agree with Winterfox, dont buy the game for the OC because there are other RPGs far superior than NWN in singleplayer. The fact that you can easily create adventures is NWN's (only?) strength.

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And oh, yes, it was said that the singleplayer experience would be something of the same magnitude and quality of BG2.

What because you said so?? Show me where it ever said that??Thats the whole problem, when you think something will be like another beloved game you will be dissapointed 99% of the time.I happen to dissagree with you i happen to like the sp campaign although not on the scale as a Plansecape Torment They are all still quite good just dont have the epic feel that most are use to.I have read through the official NWN forum and i actually seen one of the developers say that they never wanted it compared to BG 2.If you heard something of this nature it was more then likely from a BG fanboy hoping and praying it would be like BG 2.


[/quote]

Oh, come now. The use of tilesets makes things unbelievably dull -- one city look the same as the next; one tavern looks the same as the next; one dungeon is merely a clone of another. And so on and so forth. And you're trying to compare the graphics to that of the Infinity Engine games (not "a BG game", sigh)? Dur. Don't bother; 2D and 3D are different. However, I'd say the graphics in the Infinity Engine games are definitely more pleasant to look at, pre-rendered though they may be. They're actually good art, as opposed to blocky tile polygons. [/quote]

No but you wont mention that the charecter animations are much more fluid when walking running ect..., and the spell effects are as good as any ever made sigh..Funny thing is theres actually more different looking enviroments in NWN offical campaign then BG1 AND BG 2 combined.Take NWN for what it was made for Online play thats where it excells if you dont like online play maybe you will not like it.Its not for everyone but thats not to say its a bad game just because Winterfox says so <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

for fan-made modules, u can always check out Bioware site or Neverwinter Vault in IGN. i believe that they have ratings & such for the modules so u don't have to worry too much about which to go for. don't forget to download the Community Expansion Pack which contains all the necesarry hak packs to play the fan-made mods.

hope u have fun. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Personaly I think the NWN games are one of the best CRPG's from a top down perspective I've ever played, graphics are tops (has anyone ever seen Everquest) and character creations are brilliant, I mean role playing for me is to create a character to my prefference, changing statistics as the character develops, interesting NPCs and puzzles and lots of magical items and equipment. I mean you have heaps of choices for hair, face, race, skin color, hair color, type and color of tatoos to play with, then you can choose your stats, later in the game (particularly the second and third) you can even change your armour, color and appearance. In the whole I found NWN a lot of fun, if you want a hack and slash game you can choose to play on line with other like minded hack and slashers but for me the single player game is what made me go back for more, hence I have the two add-ons and I'm looking forward to the next one. Any CRPG player should give it a fair chance. NWN is a top game and can't be compared to anything else. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />

I won't bother arguing with fanpoodles; I'm not interested in shouting at a very dense brick wall. Kthxbai~

On fan-made modules recommendation:

I've posted this before, but okay, here we go for the umpteenth time or so. IMO, all these modules are several light-years superior to the atrocity that is the first OC.

Elegia Eternum and its sequel, Excrucio Eternum, offers a unique storyline, with excellent writing -- something that I hope most people will be able to appreciate. The first one even has voiceacting to go along with it, alongside original soundtrack; the second has a less linear storyline, more roleplaying options, no voiceacting, but still has new soundtrack. With good use of custom content and scripting, this couple of modules easily ranks as my favourite. The first is something of an interactive novel, but is good for all that. The second is flat-out awe-inspiring. Both are not long, but they're concise, and pack a powerful punch.

Bone Kenning I: Art of the Thanaturge is an oldie-but-goodie. Uses a minimum of custom content, and doesn't require either expansion pack, this module has excellent roleplaying options for the neutral and the evil. The writing's great; the scripting is innovative, and you'll actually feel like playing a necromancer rather than a generic wizard.

The Book of Shaddowe is a rogue-specific module, and forces you to play Shaddowe, a pre-generated character. This, however, doesn't detract; it adds. When you hear "rogue-specific", it means rogue-specific. Rewards are given for stealth, lockpicking, disabling traps and generally employing rogue skills, whereas killing an enemy may net you less XP or none at all. The story isn't spectacular, but it is intriguing enough to keep me playing.

Necromancer: Allegiance likewise has you follow the path of a neophyte necromancer. It forces you to play a pre-generated character, but again, this is something of a bonus. Fun scripting that allows you to actually raise the dead to be your minion and lets you attempt to control hostile undead. Fairly good story, and some roleplaying opportunities.

Hiya! I played NWN and its expansions for quite a while before trading them in - for <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beyond.gif" alt="" /> (and the enclosed <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/div.gif" alt="" />), of all things. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

The previous posters are spot-on about the official single-player campaigns and the best fan-made modules.

For my money, though, the BEST way to enjoy NWN is by playing on the server vault persistent worlds. The best of them can be thought of as an ever-involving RPG, where the NPCs are other people, or as a fantasy novel come to life. These are worlds where you have to pretend to be your character and act accordingly. And everyone else does, too.

You can find most of these in the Roleplaying or Persistent World Story sections of the NWN multiplayer browser.

Among the best of them are:

Narfell: The world itself looks like a randomly generated Battlefield, but the roleplayers are top-notch and the dungeon masters are very good at creating events and plots for players to get involved in. VERY newbie-friendly, too. Highly suggested as your first world. Web page at http://nwn.black-flag.com (Note: It looks like they're currently having web page trouble.) Takes place in the North of the Forgotten Realms.

City of Arabel: Probably the best put-together persistent world module (and I'm not just saying that because I DM'd it for a time). Lots of different player factions, scripted quests, spontaneous events, ongoing plots (both DM- and player-driven), etc. Main con is that the setting is so elaborate that it might be difficult to jump into it as your first persistent world. However, it IS newbie-friendly. Takes place in the kingdom of Cormyr in the Forgotten Realms. Web page at http://nwncityofarabel.com and forums at http://coa.ender.com

Anphilia: Light RP, faction-based play. The main conceit is that the two major factions are at war, and it plays like a fantasy war novel. Your mileage may vary, and I can only vow for the Axfell faction, since once you join one, you can't join the others.

Myseria: An all-around well-put-together world, with a good balance of roleplaying and action. Cons include that newbies might find it difficult to find anyone to do things with, or places to do it. Pros include evolving borders for the various factions due to player actions, and active DMs.

Hope that helps!

-F.

Its nothing personal Winterfox but the fact is you seem to knitpick way to much.I have yet to see you say there was any downfall to Planescape Torment.I loved the game to but Planescape did come with problems as well.The slow down in framerates in certain areas and when you were battling multiple monsters.There was no reason a game that has this basic of graphics "well done though for the time" should you ever have any kind of slow down like this to where at times it was unplayable.Can anyone say bad coding??

Planescape is also not for everyone because of the tremendous volume of text"personal preference".If you dont like a game you only focus on what you feel is negetive.Im not a fanpoodle whatever that is but i know what a good game is when i see it and NWN is good,very good.

I dont think calling us dense fanpoodles is wise if you want people to take you seriously when you try to get a point across.Yes your sentences makes you sound intelligent, but you seem to be closed minded and think only your opinion is right.

dangit, winterfox! & i thought i have played enough of fan-made modules. now i have to download more of them & play. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/suspicion.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/silly.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />

Wow.. in any case it seems there is a tremendous amount of content to play around with in NWN - OC, fan-mods and online. Thanks for all the recommendations <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

- Telemachos

So I do. What about it? I like quality products. And nitpick? Oh, please. You haven't seen me nitpick anything yet until you see me shred somebody's writing.



That's easy. This thread discusses NWN, not Planescape: Torment. Which part of the topic line do you forget to read...?

PS:T has flaws -- unengaging combat, clumsy radial menu (which, unfortunately, also makes its way into NWN), the low resolutions and therefore trivilialization of ranged weapons. Dur. I haven't talked about them because they don't come up. Tell me, did I even bring it up in this thread? No? So your point is? Heck, KotOR has flaws (godawful inventory management, occasional jerky movement, etc) -- I'll be the first to point them out if the game comes up, and I'm on a KotOR kick at the moment. But the subject has not come up.



No, I said "dense wall."

Gushing over a game and glossing over all its flaws won't make people take you seriously, either. As well, some of NWN's flaws I've mentioned are cold hard facts, such as the unforgivable henchman AI (the spellcasters are especially awful) and the repetitive nature of the OC.

No dear my point is you have nothing good to say about a game you have played so many mods from.If you do not understand the intent in which NWN was made, you will never admitt what is good about it.Should say alot that a game offers you endless amounts of mods to play from the fan base who makes them.You even admitt theres many good mods and why?? Because this was the developers intent to make a fairly easy toolset which provides endless replayability.This is why NWN will go down as one of the greatest rpg,s ever made,not because of the OC.

Obviously you have played through several mods. so let me ask you if the tilesets and other things you have mentioned are such a bore, then why do you admitt you have played so many mods??For the last time NWN was not intended so much for the OC as it was for modding and online play.You yourself admitted you have played many mods so ya you nitpick sorry but you do.