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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
Your new Neverwinter drinking buddies
Neverwinter Nights 2 has been delayed by a week, but now you have a little extra time to get to know your in-game cohorts. IGN introduces us to three companions found in the game, each of whom you can use to put Obsidian's character influence system (from KoTOR 2) to the test. It looks as though Obsidian may have been slightly influenced by the popularity of the Warforged race from D&D's Eberron setting, judging by their inclusion of Construct the blade golem. Then again, we've seen big friendly brutes in previous Neverwinter campaigns.
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
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
Make a D&D short film, win cool stuff
The 1UP Network and Wizards of the Coast are soliciting entries for their Dungeons & Dragons Fan Film Fest -- part of the Worldwide D&D Game Day activities to be held in LA this November. Aspiring wizards and warriors have until September 1 to put together an original five minute movie of D&D-related content, which can include footage of D&D video games (with the exception of DDO). The grand prize winner will receive a new digital video workstation and a trip to the festival, where your masterpiece will be showcased and envied by dungeon masters the world over. Check out the official rules for more information.If you have any archival footage of that early 80s cartoon, now might be a good time to pull it out.
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.
DDO solo play now available
Last month at E3, Turbine announced they would be adding solo play to Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach -- a decision based on user feedback (and most likely, to bring the game a step closer to World of Warcraft). According to the company's web site, a "Solo" option is now available to players at the earliest levels, and dungeon difficulty is adjusted accordingly, although there are certain maps that still require team play. PvP functionality will also be added in the future.[via RPGPlanet]
