First and foremost: WHERE IS THE REST OF THE GAME?!?! Secondly: Jeez guys, make some monsters. This game has ZERO monster variety (90% of the time, you are fighting humans). Not just the artwork, but obviously many budget things to this game (not the price though). Thirdly: A completely soulless, cookie-cutter magic and item system. In conclusion: I had to force myself to finish playing this game. It wasn't fun about 75% of the time. It also does not create a convincing fantasy world of any sort. Sad to say, but Pillars had more of a fantasy feel than this and that game was about as cardboard as it gets. This is a boring military romp where you fight soldiers almost all the time. (P.S. Am definitely not buying the expansion(s) after this run)
The graphics aren't great (...and they weren't good even umpteen years ago when I played it) but there was something unique and atmospheric about the game. It's system of creating combos of attacks and buffs at one touch of a key was great fun, different, easier and cool. I really liked the interdimensional HQ you get too (with a magical butler-type included). Worth playing through once if you can get past the graphics. It was dark, challenging and interesting!
I am currently playing this game through for my fifth time and have easily played it greater than 1000 hours. What I can tell you is that It does take some focus and adjustment to really get it playing perfectly. There is a medium to large learning curve to this game and many people don't make it through that stage to really enjoy what and all the game has to offer (...and that bums me out big time!). What I think are the 3 BASIC UNDERSTANDINGS that help to operate this game competently and get the full enjoyment out of it are: 1. Some general knowledge of DND 3.5 rules - This game is a visual interpretation of these rules, so read a primer online because it really helps to know what's going on so you can control outcomes with your strategic choices. These rule can be intimidating, but they are not that complex. 2. Camera Control familiarity - The camera can be super-annoying, landing you on a rooftop or behind a pole when the viewpoint rotates, so you need to learn which angle to use and when and how to make that happen with minimal effort. 3. AI Mode and Puppet Mode control familarity - SO IMPORTANT! When the fights get tough, you need to pause and issue commands and this works great in Puppet Mode but a lot of other moments may utilize AI Mode better, which requires a careful programming of the individual characters AI options. It takes some tweaking, trials and especially patience because it also involves competence in Camera Control. If you can surpass (...or even get halfway through...) these curve factors, it will crystallize your NW2 experience and make the game not at all confusing. It's an amazing gem; I really enjoy it! (***I also HIGHLY recommend trying the free modules on Neverwinter Vault - there are some truly beautiful and cool gameplay modules there.)
This game is hard. I remember years ago trying to climb to the top of the tower and every level got harder and harder. I practically ripped my hair out at one point after being killed by some scorpion looking, sword wielding monsters until I finally had to give up for the sake of my sanity. ...of course, I never learn and I'm so glad it's released on GOG now so I can drive myself crazy again 20 years later. It's an intense ride. Don't look for an easy afternoon gaming experience here. The combat is very physically oriented so you will be moving left, moving right, OUCH they got me again!
This game was pure cracked-out addiction from moment one to the last battle. A fun lively romp through mostly nintendo rpgs with heavy nods to other styles, I would say that If you want the satisfaction of finishing a good RPG in about four days (you could do it in a one 8-12 hour session I suppose) then try this out. If you are an old skool gamer like me this will bring back a lot of memories, and for everyone in general I think it will crispy delineate the development of game graphics in a fun and rewarding way. Everything has to be unlocked, even the plot, inventory, minimap etc. Its very creatively implemented and could have been taken much further and played much longer (hence only four stars from me). Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time playing this.
