Rating: 
Summary: On average, not too bad....
Review: Ok. So I bought the game about six months ago and have been playing it off and on since. There are several seperate areas of the game and all deserve a look if you are looking to buy. They are the single player game, the standard multi-player game (game spy), and the downloadable modules from various web sites.First, I'll give my review of the SP game. Overall, I would give this about one star. For starters, I am a big BGI/II - IDII fan. As anyone would know who has played these games, you get to control all your characters. This is my biggest gripe with the single player experience with NWN. You get one character that you create and control. Not a bad idea, kind of similar to the single player BG game. However, this is where the similarities end, gameplay wise. You can hire various henchmen to help you out in your adventure, such as thieves, mages, etc. Basically you tend to hire a character that can compensate for your character's weaknesses. (I usually play fighters or mages, so I hire thieves or fighters, respectively) Again, not a bad idea, but the execution is total .... Currently I am playing a fighter, so I hire a theif to open doors, chests, remove traps, all the theif stuff. However, you cannot control much of the henchmen's actions, or control him really at all in combat. This can lead to banging your head against the monitor frustration when playing the game. For instance, a door has a trap on it. You want your theif to remove the trap but he doesn't do it. He just stands their like an idiot. There is no command to make the bubba remove the trap. So you try to open the door and get killed over and over hoping that the damage roll will sometime be less enough that it doesn't kill you. So you re-load enough times and finally live, and then the theif won't pick the lock. So you end up having to bash everything down. (alot of fun in an area with lots of traps/locks) On a rare occasion the theif will actually attempt to pick a lock, and run over to open it. However, this is after your character tried to open the door/container, so he is standing in the way. You try to move your character out of the way, and then the theif stops trying to open the container and follows your character. Over and over. Such pure mind wrenching 'what were you thinking when you programed this ...?' agony. The next frustration is combat. Whenever an enemy is sighted, the thief automatically runs off to get slaughtered. He's a freaken theif, and you can't equip him with a bow. He just runs up to a freaken greater mummy with his little freaken pocket knife and five seconds later is dead. He will re-spawn for free back at a temple over and over, but what a pain in the neck. If you could just equip him with a ranged weapon, it would be much better. However, again this is not an option. I end up commanding the theif to stay put whenever I enter a new area, and so his use is very limited. A final gripe is the verbal commands and replies that are in the game. As I stated I end up commanding my theif alot, since he either stands around with his thumb up his arse, or is getting thwaked in the head by a monster, so I have to listen to his replies alot. And you know what it is? "Okey Dokey". Over and over and over. I don't know what the developers were thinking on this. I just don't get it. The second portion is multiplayer ala gamespy (and its free!). I give this four stars. There are a ton of different sites to choose from, from true roleplaying to action based hunt down the monster to get a better sword. I spend the vast majority of my NWN time playing on these sites and generally have a good time. The benefit is that you can focus on what you want and can play a different style game depending upon your fancy. If you like the Everquest get the better items to kill the more difficult beasty stuff there are a ton of sites, and if you want to immerse yourself in a game playing a character, than there are sites for you. It can be great fun, but again it depends upon finding a good site (there are alot of ... ones) and fun people to play with (there are alot of three year old duds here too - like on any MM online game.) The major shortcomings here are the level cap (level 20) and server lag. After playing for hours and hours diligently working on making the character the best he or she can be, you suddenly stop, and all you can look forward to is getting the ultimate weapon or whatever. This tends to get rather boring very quickly. And the server lag can be awful, depending on how busy the server is. I am a bit behind the times, with 56K, so I suppose a cable hookup would improve things. However, at times the computer crashes or the lag hits hard right when I had that copper dragon under my axe... The last portion are the downloadable modules. Again, four stars. Basically like the single player if you can't find a group and a DM (This is alot of fun if you have some friends who play) and depends wholly on the quality of the module. But there are some great sites that rate the modules and allow you to download. This offers tremendous versatility and, as I am sure can figure out, this games shining virtue. Overall, could have been much better on the SP side, if they just would have given you more control of the stupid henchman. Hopefully the expansion fixes this issue.
Rating: 
Summary: Possibly the greatest RPG of all time
Review: Right, I'd just like to clear up any confusion about NWN. I've read several reviews from people who claim the game is unstable, but this is untrue. If anyone has had problems with the game, it is merely their system configuration. Don't be put off by people who claim it messed up their computer, as they probably had a virus or something beforehand. Gameplay And Graphics
--------------------- Anyway, on to the game. This game contains an excellent story, complete with many sub-quests (which, despite being optional, are great fun). The voice-overs are, on the whole, brilliantly acted (wait until you meet Tomi Undergallows!). In addition to this, the graphics, whilst tile-based are excellent. Every little animation with characters is incredibly detailed, especially during combat. The lighting is very realistic, where lights cast realistic shadows. Also, if you have a video card with pixel shaders, you can enable "Shiny Water", which provides very realistic water, at no decrease in performance. All areas contain a lot of detail and interesting objects, ranging from small shrubs to ruined buildings, which all add to the depth. In particular, forest areas are very impressive. The character creator allows you to create more or less any character you want, giving you control over gender,class,race,voice set, and even individual aspects of appearance such as hair type and colour. Want a blue-skinned hafling with blonde hair? No problem! (Not of course that you'd want to, but you're givin the freedom to do so). The plot is very involving. You dislike the villains and begin to care about the good characters. As the story slowly unwinds, you begin to discover the secrets of Neverwinter and its surroundings, as well as being able to choose your type of character based on your choices. For example, kill an innocent person and your alignment will begin to shift towards evil. Choose not to accept rewards of gold, and see your alignment go in the opposite direction. Pretty much every decision you make can affect your character. Also, the ability to multiclass is great. If you find your wizard character a little weak, why not try multiclassing with a barbarian or fighter. Maybe you want healing spells and you're a barbarian, you could multiclass with a cleric. Also, the control system is very easy to use, allowing you to have full control over everything without the use of a keyboard! Simply right-clicking on characters brings up a circular (radial) menu that gives easy access to important options. This can also be used on items such as doors and chests, to pick a lock, or select other special abilities. Unlike some games, you hardly even notice the controls in NWN, as they're so easy to grasp. Sound
----- All sound effects are brilliant and add to the atmosphere of the game. They can often build up tension and make you wonder just what is around the corner!
The music is beautifuly written, and is usually inkeeping with the setting. Some pieces could even be mistaken for real classical compositions! But quite possibly the most impressive feature of the game is the Aurora (or Aura for short) toolset. This toolset contains everything you need to create your own add-on modules for NWN. These can then be passed to others or played online. It may seem daunting at first, but check out the beginners tutorial on the Neverwinter community site and you'll know evrything you need to create fantastic mods! There is a lot of this wonderful game that can't be understood until it is played. So, take my advice and get the demo. It gives you just a tiny taste of what is to come, and if you so much as like the prelude, you'll love the full game! The ability to play online on hundreds of servers is also great. Whatever your preference of gaming, you can find a server to meet your needs. Roleplaying, action, persistant worlds... they're all there! So, what are you waiting for?! Do the right thing and purchase this game, I guarantee you won't regret it! As a final note, make sure your system spec. is a little above the minimum requirements, and you'll be fine. Happy gaming!
Rating:
Summary: One of the Best RPG's I've played
Review: Being a HUGE RPG fan, I was eagerly awaiting NWN. I hadn't found a game with an intriguing plot line, imagination and a diverse setting since Planescape Torment (a game years ahead of its time). In NWN I found what I was looking for. Because NWN has the ability to be a good solo game as well as free on-line party play there is something for everyone. What is even better is the dimension of the DM. A "player" that watches everything the other players do and can type in responses for NPC's, insert creatures, treasure and other encounters. Class, race, skill and feat choices were far ranging allowing the creation of extremely varied characters. There where times when I felt a bit limited on feat choices (especially as a fighter) when higher levels, but I think this will be fixed with the new expansion. I was a little disappointed at first. The adventure that comes with the game is a little linear and the plot is so-so. But NWN comes with an amazing campaign editor. There are people making some really clever and inventive adventures for free download. Not to mention that many of these adventures come with custom made enhancements to NWN (such as new items, landscapes, races and world rules). I have played through at least 25 downloaded adventures and at least 1/2 were excellent and 5 were so good that I e-mailed the adventure to all the people I know that play the game. Having played well over 20 other computer RPG's, this one has held my attention for nearly a year now and with the upcoming expansion I expect my interest to continue.
Rating:
Summary: An Outstanding RPG
Review: After days in my office playing this game, I have finally emerged victorious. The traitors have been slain, and the bosses have been slaughtered. Neverwinter Nights (NWN) was one of the most gripping and fun-filled role-playing game I've played. It was another game put out by the Forgotten Realms(FR) franchise, and as most gamers know, all the preceeding FR games were great. But with NWN, it raised the standards for not only Forgotten Realms games, but RPGs in general. First of all, let us discuss the plot. A plague has struck the prosperous city of Neverwinter, and yes you (the hero)after some training, will be the one to solve the problems of this city. As the storyline progresses, it becomes more and more desperate, which is key for a good RPG. It is fabulously written, and once again, the Forgotten Realms are brought to life. The graphics were good, but the character models/skins seemed a little dated, but not enough to take away from the gameplay. The environment graphics were fantastic, as were the weather and spell effects. Since the game uses Dungeons & Dragons rules (3rd Edition), the combat isn't totally involving, but it still requires strategy. The level of strategy depends on your character class. If you choose a wizard, more skill is required than if you were to choose a fighter. Neverwinter Nights is a great RPG, and will go down in PC Gaming history as one of the best stories ever told in a PC game.
Rating: 
Summary: Nightmare with Neverwinter Nights
Review: What an intriging little dialogue box in the "uninstall" portion of this game. "We have found associated files in the NWN file folder...do you want them deleted?" Click yes only if you want to delete 3/4 of your desktop and half of your crucial files!!! In eight years of computer gaming I have never seen anything like this on a pc game...ever. This game functioned so poorly and so erratically on my pc (2ghtz, 128meg ram, vodoo 3d video card) that I could not believe it was from the makers of Baulder's Gate. Don't risk your computer or test your frustration tollerance on this. At any cut rate price it isn't worth it! I regret there wasn't a rating less than one star.
Rating:
Summary: This game is awsome!!
Review: I started by downloading the free demo and fell in love with the game. I went out and bought the full version four days later. I haven't been disappointed. The game delivers true D&D gameplay for the solo player. The interface is simple yet powerful enough to allow you to setup your own style of play. TEhis is by far one of the best games I have ever bought. I own lots of RPGs and even played D&D a bit, and this game is awsome. Might even call it the standard for RPGs to follow. Oh yeah did I mention the FREE internet play.
Rating:
Summary: You can play this game for years
Review: Some games rise above their graphics, sound, etc and earn a permanent place in gaming history. IMO this game is one of those games. Unlimited expandability, etc this is easily the best D&D game ever made. Try the demo out though and decide for yourself at nwn.bioware.com
Rating: 
Summary: Neverwinter Nights
Review: This game has far superior graphics to the other Forgotten Realms games, including 3D. The camera controls are a little confusing at first, but eventually are very powerful. Also, the side quests are more interesting than say Baldur's Gate II, and are made more personal by the voiceovers. The combat system is exceptional, not too easy but not too hard. (As usual, dragons are cheap and to be avoided unless absolutely necessary.) The game has a very enticing storyline with many twists. The only reasons I gave this a 4 instead of a 5 is because it is too short, and the sound can act up a little. It also has a tendency to freeze, but that may just be my computer. Overall I strongly recommend this game if you enjoy fantasy games, and Diablo 2 fans will be in heaven.
Rating:
Summary: Woe is me
Review: Alright lets try and be fair. The game is pretty good. Amazing graphics, interesting and challenging plot twists. It's pretty good if you have recently beaten one of the Zelda series of games and are looking for something along those same lines. But I have eagerly anticipated the sequel to Baldur's Gate, and instead I got this. I felt the same hopeless depressed feeling I got after watching Highlander II. (You sci-fi geeks out there know what I'm talking about). The Baldur's Gate genre has been mutated and defiled, and nothing will ever make it right again. (The Highlander TV series almost made it right, but even then the franchise had to pretty much pretend the 2nd movie never happened, but I digress) I miss being able to control a party of unique, quarrelling individuals. Instead I control one individual and must chose between a limited number of henchmen. Even then I must fire one to hire another, and I cannot control them to any extent. I can't have them hold stuff for me, see what they have, even tell them who to attack, or especially important with magic users, tell them which spell to use. You know I don't even think the same company made Neverwinter Nights as made Baldurs Gate. I seem to go to a whole different website. Give the game its due. You scripters and creators out there can do some amazing things with the toolset. It almost makes me want to take the time to learn scripting. And the graphics and updated items on the web and the general support of the game make it far more versatile and allow for a great deal many options than you ever could have had with Zelda. But my chief complaint I guess is that I have been anticipating the sequel to Baldur's Gate for a long time...and instead I got this. Worse yet, it is painfully (and I do mean painfully) obvious that there will be no sequel to Baldur's Gate. That story has ended. Oh yeah, one more thing just to keep my review honest. I have played Warcraft, Starcraft, Baldur's Gate, etc...and I just plain don't bother playing the online versions of those games. If I wanted to play against a human, I would play a board game. So I have no information to share with how great or [bad] playing Neverwinter Nights online can be. (Maybe someday when I have DSL I will give it a try.)
Rating:
Summary: Great for dedicated online RP groups
Review: Neverwinter Nights has an ambitious goal: take the PnP (pen and paper) game of 3rd Edition Rules Dungeons and Dragons and recreate that experience in an all inclusive computer game. To do that, you need the godlike functionality of a PnP's dungeon master built into the interface, a game engine which handles the 3rdE rules, and an easy way to link up multiple players on line. That's a lot to ask for - and in many ways Neverwinter Nights delivers, but in others it falls short. As a single player game, I would almost say not to bother. Neverwinter Nights does play in single player, non-online mode, but the game is limited to the PC(you) plus one NPC, and, when compared to other single player RPG's like Baldur's Gate, it's not even in the same class. The oft-maligned Official Campaign which ships with the title is a hack-n-slash romp which is tedious as best. The one saving grace of single player mode is that there are plenty of talented fans who have published their own campaings and modules on the internet, so you can have a new game anytime you want to download one. Some of them, such as Bioware's Witch's Wake, are very good role playing experiences for the single player. Multiplayer is what NWN is really all about. You log onto GameSpy for free, choose a category such as 'Story', 'Action', 'PVP', and up comes a list of hundreds of currently hosted online games. Some are Everquest like servers which run 24/7 with the typical power gaming quests to knock off and levels to max out. Others are role play intensive story driven games, and still others are private dungeon master hosted games with dedicated groups. Unlike single player mode, you can form full parties, fight other parties, or do just about anything you want. The dedicated DM led games are about as close to the PnP experience as I've seen in a computer game. In these the DM has DM powers - creating creatures and objects on the fly, taking over NPCs to have them say the right thing or act the part, granting experience and items, or just sitting back and watching the story unfold without any intervention at all. For DM's, a bit of skill is required. The game ships with the Aurora toolset, which lets you create your universe, plot, characters and items. Everything is fully customizable. The toolset uses tilesets - a mixed blessing. Because of them, it's mindlessly easy to create an area. Need a forest? It'll take about 10 minutes to whip one up complete with encounters, crickets chirping, weather, the whole nine yards. It's that easy. If you want to create a world with monsters to fight, people to talk to, and treasure to plunder, you can do so without any programming knowledge; however, if you want any sort of plot, or characters to do more than either stand still or attack you, you need to dust off your C programming skills and get ready to write scripts for everything. Once again this is a mixed blessing - if you know C, you have complete access to everything...even the game's base spells are C routines you can modify. Want a Fireball to have a different visual appearance? Modify the fireball script. You have complete access. On the minus side, hours and hours of programming to made NPCs do more than blink at you does not a fun time make. The toolset does have some other frustrating limitations, hopefully to be remedied in upcoming expansions like Shadows of Undertide. There are no outside environments other that grass - no deserts, no tundras...nothing. The tilesets force an unnatural 90 degree interface between levels of terrain. Instead of hills and mountains, you have literally steps of grass. There is also no mode of transport other than feet. In fact, there aren't even horses in the shipped game. Likewise there's a significant lack of non hack'n'slash related objects for the character to interact with. Lastly, although the game has a 3d engine, you must look down from a three quarter perspective; you will never see a sky in the game, which does hurt the immersion experience. I can think of the beauty of a game like Morrowind when you watch a sunset over a city, or peer up at the stars at night. Ironically for a game titled Neverwinter Nights, you'll never see a night sky. Documentation is also lacking. I sympathize - the 218 page manual must explain the entire 3rd edition rules, the game interface, the monster manual, mulitplayer mode, DM client, and the Aurora toolset. Good luck. A separate World Builder Guide is available for purchase - 3/4 of which is about C programming - just to help out. Fortunately much internet support from fan sites is available with tutorials and walk throughs. I really enjoyed NWN, and applaud Bioware for the ambitious effort. It's suited for a DM who has a group in mind to play online. If you don't want to be bothered with the programming and world building, you can just as easily download a prefab and host it with no effort at all. Since the game does allow modifications ("haks") to be made, fans have addressed most of the complaints laid out above, from horses to skies, and you can download these. As it stands, the current game is worth the price if you're looking for multiplayer - not a bad cut at a PnP conversion. Hopefully the next expansion will take it further down that path.
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