I'm not sure this is the case; nwn-2 was really targeted for persistent world multi-player (i leave out the m because while it supported a fair number of players it was hardly massive). This game is really co-op oriented. Btw there is another thread on respawn - nwn deefinitely had respawns

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I do think this game has great potential on the single player side of things (so maybe we will see - as you suggested) great single player scenario - but I worry that the low level might be a barrier -not sure how that will play out. I kind of prefer a lot of micro-steps (50 levels) as oppose to a few macro steps (10 levels)
I expect this game to fill the void the neverwinter night's series left (I think NWN 2 killed it). This is the only game I'm aware of which the developers have the guts to stick to old school(or what they want to make) and not go purely with what the market wants.
If this becomes a hit it could send a message that some old niches are alive and well.