neverwinter nights
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Arden released to the public
Arden, the MMO supposedly based around "the world of William Shakespeare," has been released... kind of. I've been waiting for this one for a while-- who wouldn't want to walk the halls of Kronborg Castle with Hamlet, or visit Banquo's banquet with MacBeth? But unfortunately, "released" is a little strong a word here-- the "game" consists of a Neverwinter Nights module, so you've got to have the NWN toolset up and running to even check it out, and even then, I'm not sure it quite makes the definition of an MMO.I'm hesitant to actually call Arden vaporware, but I don't see how a Neverwinter Nights module can help "test political and social theories." Over on Terra Nova, Edward Castronova (who's running the project), admits that they didn't make it fun, and laments that testers wanted "monsters" to turn the thing into a game. So he's planning Arden II: Electric Boogaloo London Burning, a game that is designed to be fun from the beginning.I take a little issue with the fact that he thinks only "monsters" can make a "gripping game experience," but seeing as I don't have NWN installed at the moment, I'll have to leave my analysis at that. If you get a chance to check out Arden, let us know what it's like. I'm sure there is a lot of interest in a "gripping" virtual world full of references to Shakespeare, but by the creator's own admission, it seems that Arden probably isn't it.
Bioware seeking you to write their MMO
The latest Penny Arcade comic (which, for the record, also features a little hiring humor) has a news update that will probably be super interesting to those of you thinking about a career writing videogames, specifically MMOs. Daniel Erickson, the lead writer over at Bioware Austin, is looking for people from all walks of life to come help him write the new Bioware MMO.Erickson says that it's the biggest project Bioware has ever done (ever), and that he expects the story to take the efforts of "a double digit writing staff working for years" to get done right. Additionally, he says that many of their greatest writers have come from weird career places, and so whether you're working the fry line at Dairy Queen or finishing up your own indie RPG, Bioware is willing to check out your work and see if you'd join them. There's more deets on their website-- basically, besides the normal job application stuff, they want you to create dialogue inside a Neverwinter Nights scenario, and make it good. There is one drawback, however-- if you do get the job, don't forget that you'd be working for EA.Even if you're not applying, this little letter (reprinted after the break) is interesting-- they ask specifically for "Baldur's Gate 2, Planescape Torment, Neverwinter Nights" style game dialogue. Does that mean that this isn't the KotOR MMO we've all been expecting? Is Bioware putting together a Forgotten Realms MMO? If so, I call Entreri!
Under The Hood: Pseudo-MMOs, Part One
The world of MMO-making is more and more competitive by the hour, with many big-name developers throwing their hats into the MMO development ring as time goes on. But where does this leave us? Are all of these games requiring subscription fees? Will I be left out in the street playing Star Trek Online because I'm paying hundreds a month in fees? Not if the "pseudo-MMO" has anything to do with it.The pseudo-MMO is a game which is similar to an MMO, but lacks things that an MMO often has, such as subscription fees, a truly massive environment (as opposed to a very large environment), a centralized server, or non-instanced zones. They aren't "real" MMOs, but they come very, very close. By offering persistent worlds, large amounts of players on a server at any one time, and sometimes even single-player, these doppelgangers can capture the "feel" of an MMO without (or with, in some cases!) a subscription fee. So let's walk down the list.
But...we've got personality!
When I started playing WoW two years ago, my first character was a warlock. Not understanding what the warlock class was all about, I built myself a bright sunny blond little lock, and quickly tired of the class. My next character was my mage, and I took to that class quickly and easily, having played similar characters in Neverwinter Nights. But even the mage didn't truly fit my personality. Sure, she is my main character, she's my level 70 and I am proud of what I have accomplished with her. I just don't think I am a mage at heart. I actually think I am a priest. Yesterday I even took the personality quiz on the World of Warcraft MySpace, and I came up as a priest, albeit an undead one. Since then, I have been thinking why is it I love playing my priest so much. She's only 32, doesn't have all the spiffy gear my older characters have. The conclusion I came to is that the priest class fits my personality best. I wouldn't call myself a pacifist, but I really don't like fighting all that much. Given a choice to confront a mob or go around, I choose the second option. Now that I have rolled my priest, I notice that I am much more content sitting at the back of the raid filling up those green bars. I get a feeling of accomplishment knowing that I am helping keep the group going. Thinking of all of this made me curious. I'd love to know, what classes fit your personality best? If you were scanned into the game tomorrow, where would you fit in the world? Or, is there no class that truly fits you?
Atari reveals Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer
Not quite done casting Magic Missile and attacking the darkness of Neverwinter Nights? Well, good. Atari has announced an expansion pack for Neverwinter Nights 2, ominously entitled Mask of the Betrayer. Slated for release this Fall and developed by Obsidian Entertainment, the game promises more spells, more monsters, more weapons, more levels, more modding possibilities and presumably, more heartless backstabbing. "Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer's engrossing campaign will conclude the storyline that began in the original Neverwinter Nights 2 and focus on combat, exploration and classic D&D dungeon-crawling," says Obsidian CEO and plausible fantasy character, Feargus Urquhart. He also notes that the expansion will see enhancements made to the companion Influence System, as used in the base title and Knights of the Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords. Of course, it's probably best to just avoid adding any masked strangers to your party during this particular adventure.
One more Neverwinter Nights 2 tease
T-minus seven days until Obsidian's Neverwinter Nights 2 hits the shelves, and Russian web site CRPG has posted over a dozen updated screens that highlight the shiny new interface. GameSpot also has some excellent screen grabs of the enhanced NWN toolset, which at least one enthusiastic developer is already putting to good use. How many of you depleted your Halloween candy budgets to order the limited edition?See also: NWN2 elite races, prestige classes previewed
NWN2 elite races, prestige classes previewed
Atari and Obsidian announced today that Neverwinter Nights 2 has officially gone gold and will be available Oct. 31. To tide us over, WarCry and Neverwinter Vault have been chronicling the emerging details of NWN2's new elite races, which include the Aasimar, Drow, and tongue-twisting Svirfneblin. You can also find complete descriptions of the game's 17 prestige classes (including the new Arcane Trickster and War Priest) in this post from BioWare's NWN2 forum. Be sure to get the obligatory annual viewing of It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown out of the way before launch day, kids.See also: Planescape Trilogy planned for NWN2 NWN2's baddie nasties revealed
Role-playing titles that made a "quantum leap"
Gamasutra recently polled its readers on which role-playing game made the biggest "quantum leap" at the time it was released. Any RPG throughout the history of the genre was fair pickings, but the top entry was the game that received the most votes from readers identified as industry professionals (because grunts like you and me only dilute the quality of the selection process).Classic heavyweights such as Final Fantasy IV, Neverwinter Nights, EverQuest, Baldur's Gate II, and the Ultima series are celebrated as honorable mentions, which illustrates the impressive depth of the genre. I won't reveal the top five vote-getters, but a certain spike-haired dude with a huge sword is absent from the list -- just one omission of many that should fuel some interesting debates among the RPG faithful. What are your thoughts about the list?See also: "Epic" RPGs: too time-consuming for casual gamers? "RPG" missing from today's MMORPGs
Confirmed: BioWare to work their magic for the DS
It's official -- BioWare has declared that their new handheld division will be developing first for the Nintendo DS. We're not suprised (there's another handheld? The GBA?), but apparently many thought they might go with some Sony product. Now all that's left is the debate over what property the Canadian developer might bring to the DS. Though BioWare is behind a bevy of beefy and beloved RPGs, the possibility of an all new game is still out there. We'll bring you details as they become available![Via Joystiq]
Neverwinter Nights 2 delayed 'til Halloween
IGN's Neverwinter Nights Vault is reporting that NWN2 has officially been delayed until October 31. Probably not the greatest news for young trick or treaters with a high percentage of gamers in their neighborhood. In the meantime, fans can check out 18 new screen shots at the revamped Vault portal, including in-game character creation screens.See also: Atari announces NWN2 Limited Edition NWN premium modules earn one last gasp
NWN premium modules earn one last gasp
BioWare has given Neverwinter Nights fans a pleasant surprise this week. In addition to posting the 1.68 update, the company has announced they are selling a new premium module, Wyvern Crown of Cormyr. How exactly did this happen after Atari pulled support for NWN back in May? A moderator on BioWare's forums has this to say:"As for WCoC, it was the most complete of the premium modules at the time the decision to cancel the program was handed down to us, in fact it was very close to release. Atari and other parties were very impressed with the amount of content and quality of work that had been done and how close to completion it was, so they changed their mind and decided to make an exception for this module."It's more likely Atari's about face has a monetary incentive. Their financial woes have gotten so bad lately, some quick digital download revenue wouldn't be unwelcome. That might also explain Cormyr's $11.99 price tag -- the highest yet for a BioWare premium module. Still, this will also be the largest NWN adventure to date, and you can ride horses now. On second thought, maybe that's why Atari approved this release -- horse armor!Don't forget to check out the excellent (and free) Darkness Over Daggerford module from Ossian Studios.
Atari announces NWN2 Limited Edition
With just over a month to go until launch, Atari has announced there will be a limited edition of Neverwinter Nights 2 available for $60. The extra coin grants you a bonus character feat, a fancy cloth map, a book of artwork, and two silver antique rings -- one lawful good, the other chaotic evil. Make sure you don't wear both at the same time, or you might feel ... conflicted.Fans may remember the eighty dollar collector's edition of the original game, which also featured an art book, in addition to a poster, mouse pad map, the game's soundtrack, and a NWN shirt. Did that shirt actually fit anyone?
BioWare announces new NWN module
Even though Atari has officially dropped support for the original Neverwinter Nights, the mod community is still thriving. In fact, the database of fan-created modules is over 4,000 strong, according to NWN's developer, BioWare. And if you thought Infinite Dungeons was the last of the professionally-developed modules, a small Vancouver-based game studio is serving up another 25-30 hr. adventure in the Forgotten Realms. Ossian Studios is comprised of BioWare veterans and RPG enthusiasts, and while they had originally planned Darkness over Daggerford as a premium module release, this lengthy single-player campaign is now available as a free download at the Neverwinter Nights Vault. Check out BioWare's interview with Ossian co-founder Alan Miranda, and let us know what you think of Daggerford.See also: A touch of RTS in Neverwinter Nights 2 NWN2: new interview with Urquhart, more screens NWN mod creator on Atari, Infinite Dungeons
A touch of RTS in Neverwinter Nights 2
Like Kingdom Under Fire and Dragonshard before it, Neverwinter Nights 2 will be mixing some strategic elements into the RPG formula. Now, before fans of the D&D roleplay series cry foul, Obsidian's Chris Avellone explained to IGN that NWN2's "stronghold" system will simply be an element within the game's larger storyline. As part of your mission, you are charged with restoring a decrepit castle to a full, battle-ready garrison using various NPCs. The castle's defense involves army training and management, as well as synchronizing the troops controlled by other members of your party.IGN has also posted four updated gameplay vids and some new images. There is an additional gameplay vid at GameTrailers.
NWN2: new interview with Urquhart, more screens
Here's the situation for Obsidian Entertainment and co-founder Feargus Urquhart as they prepare Neverwinter Nights 2 for launch: you're following up a popular, award winning series started by BioWare (again); Atari's potential implosion could have a major impact on your efforts to support the mod and user communities; and you have the hopes and dreams of millions of D&D fanboys (myself included) riding on your shoulders. What pressure? FiringSquad talked to Urquhart about all this, as well as NWN2's toolset and DM client, why we probably won't see a demo, and Obsidian's deal with Sega to create an original RPG franchise. There are a bunch of new NWN2 screens too. See also: Customization is key in NWN2 Obsidian's Urquhart: happy thoughts on KoTOR 3
Customization is key in NWN2
Following in the footsteps of a company like BioWare is never easy, but Obsidian appears to be doing all they can to make Neverwinter Nights 2 worthy of its predecessor. Hence, the delayed release date (Oct. 17). Obsidian reps chatted with 1UP at last weekend's Comic-Con about NWN2's extensive customization, including character armor and environmental props that modders can tweak to their hearts' content. The game's party limit has also been expanded to four characters and seven summoned creatures, and with KoTOR 2's party influence system, they'll be as clean or as nasty as you want to be. Stay tuned for more previews as the launch date nears.
NWN mod creator on Atari, Infinite Dungeons
Neverwinter Nights Vault recently interviewed Jason Lowry, co-creator of the latest NWN premium module (Infinite Dungeons) and architect of the random dungeon generator used in the game. Lowry talks about his experience working with BioWare and Atari's decision to cancel the premium module program. An excerpt:"The 1.67 patch was a direct result of the premium module system. It's too bad we could not keep that system working into NWN2 and beyond, it was good for both the company and the consumer, a win-win, those are hard to come by."Download Lowry's original masterpiece, Elidrin's Random Dungeon Generator, from the Vault. Infinite Dungeons is available at the BioWare store.
Atari halts NWN1 support, in financial ruin
Just a few days after the announcement of the latest Neverwinter Nights premium module, Infinite Dungeons, Neverwinter Nights Vault is reporting that Atari has ceased support of the popular Dungeons & Dragons RPG. This means no more patches or premium modules for the original game, leaving the planned sequel to Witches Wake in limbo.According to NWN module producer DLA, Atari contacted developer BioWare right before E3 with news that patches and premium content would no longer be authorized. A DLA blogger also has some details on Atari's related financial woes:"Atari is in a financial crisis and appears to be unable to meet all of its liabilities as they become due. Their principal line of credit has been cancelled and their secured lenders are turning hostile (When the secured creditors are girding for battle - you know it's bad). At the same time, many of their unsecured creditors are going unpaid. This means they have not paid most of their developers the royalties owing to them on published SKUs Atari has sold in previous quarters."This doesn't sound good for the publisher formerly known as Infogrames, and while they may deserve credit for supporting NWN for nearly four years, that's not nearly as long as the decade of support Blizzard has given Diablo. A previous Atari D&D title, Temple of Elemental Evil, was also plagued with poor support, which ruined an otherwise solid RPG experience. Atari no doubt wishes to focus its efforts on Obsidian's upcoming NWN2, which DLA hints might be rushed out the door this September in an attempt to hasten cash flow. As a fan of the series, I hope this isn't the case, and Atari at least allows BioWare to continue releasing patches for the original NWN as needed.
New Neverwinter premium module available
And speaking of episodic content, BioWare has released the fifth premium module for their venerable Neverwinter Nights series. Infinite Dungeons finds you exploring the caverns of Undermountain in Waterdeep, and includes roughly 20 hours of gameplay for $8. Dungeons supports competitive and cooperative play for character levels 1-40, and also comes with six pre-generated epic character builds.Obsidian's Neverwinter Nights 2 will be available in September.
NWN2 preview and movies from E3
Forgotten Realms fanboys should circle September 19 on their calendars. This is the day Dungeons & Dragons online gaming returns to its most successful setting, after a year of toiling in the Eberron universe. The Neverwinter Nights 2 E3 trailer is available on GameSpot, along with some updated gameplay footage from the show. IGN also had a chance to preview some of NWN2's new features last week with Feargus Urquhart. Taking a page out of the KOTOR 2 playbook, you will be able to directly control two NPCs who will be influenced by your decisions, good or ill. The Baldur's Gate pause feature has also been added to assist with issuing commands to your party. Stay tuned for more information as the launch date approaches.
