Obsidian patches Neverwinter Nights 2
by Alan Rose 
{ Nov 25th 2006 at 8:00AM }
Obsidian Entertainment has wasted little time getting Neverwinter Nights 2 into ship-shape this month. But when you consider the game already shipped at the end of last month, suffered a controversial critique, and was built by a bunch of talented Black Isle veterans, their efforts may not seem so surprising. The new 1.03 beta patch includes several multiplayer and toolset updates, in addition to some much-needed camera adjustments (fans of the first game will appreciate the modified "chase cam" view).In case these fixes aren't reason enough to consider picking up the game, then how about a 50% discount? Through the end of Saturday, Best Buy is selling Neverwinter Nights 2 for $25.
[via GameBanshee]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Maxathon @ Nov 25th 2006 10:19AM
But does it run now? I could care less about the graphics and camera, and I play the game FOR the D&D number-crunching, not despite it--the one criticism that had me keeping my distance was that it ran like a dog (I'm rocking a three-year old laptop graphics card). Someone tells me that's fixed and I'll jump on it like Scarlett Johansson.
n8dogg @ Nov 25th 2006 10:30AM
Seriously, the update vastly improved performance for me. And Anti Aliasing?
The game should have been shipped in this state. That's what you get when your publisher is scratching as hard as they can in order to stay out of the red.
Jesse @ Nov 25th 2006 10:52AM
I haven't run into a single problem trying to play this game. Granted, my computer is currently 'the best' you could hope to assemble, so most of the technical issues other people seem to have are nonexistent.
Most of the criticism I hear directed at this game stem from a misunderstanding about how the controls work or how orders are meant to be issued to your party members. A lot of people don't realize that your third mouse button lets you drag the camera angle - driving camera mode is the only mode with issues right now, and 1.03 will fix that. Other people think the AI sucks, because they don't realize you're supposed to pause relatively often to issue orders in combat. Some people aren't even aware of the 'broadcast command' menu, which is crucial to keeping your party in order.
But man, NWN2 is easily the best RPG I've played since BG2, and I'm starting to think it really surpasses even that. The graphics are beautiful, if your machine can handle them. The characters are some of the best any D&D game has ever seen, and the story is very lengthy and compelling. To be truthful, I was expecting EITHER a short, high quality game OR a long, middling quality game. Well, I think I'm pushing 60 hours now, and it just keeps getting better and better.
You would have to be demented not to snap it up for $25.
TrippleD @ Nov 25th 2006 1:28PM
I wasn't going to buy it but after seeing it was $25 dollars, I bought it insantly. Come on 6600, don't fail me now!
TheBard @ Nov 25th 2006 1:04PM
I am impressed that this game, even in version 1.0, runs really well on my now over three years old system:
Intel 3.0Ghz HT
ATi Radeon 9800XT
1 Gig DDR Ram
The story is really nice, the game is pretty and the rules are very well implemented.
But what really bugs me is the user interface. Why can't I put offhand weapons or weapon sets on the quickbar, like in NWN1? Also, why does the game flood your primary disc with gigs of cached data? Why can't I decide where to put the cache? C: is small, only my OS.
Other than that, fine game though.
darko82 @ Nov 25th 2006 3:41PM
@Bard, the patch allows you to put offhand items in the quickslot now. Not sure why they took that out in the first place. Glad to see they're listening to feedback and turning new builds around so quickly.
Brad Lee @ Nov 25th 2006 4:46PM
Both me and my bro bought it for $25, but it doesn't work with one of our computers. We figure it is because the graphics card is too old, since it works on our newer computer, so he ordered a new one.
I haven't had time to play it yet. But I did make a character, and so far I'm liking the new races and classes. FINALLY you can *officially* be a Drow, instead of just being a normal elf with black skin.
But I'm hoping the story, quests, and characters are more interesting this time. It's not that a play games for those elements, I really don't care that much, but it DOES help with the immersion factor, and BGII was excellent in all three categories. NWN, not as much. Neverwinter Nights felt more like Gauntlet mixed with D&D to me. I'm hoping NWN2 is more like BGII was, with a more engaging story, more interesting characters, and quests with more variety.
I've waited for Neverwinter Nights 2 for a long time. I certainly hope it doesn't disappoint ;)
Durinthal @ Nov 25th 2006 4:21PM
Nice deal, I just went to Best Buy and grabbed a copy.
gok @ Nov 25th 2006 6:37PM
BGII is superior to this in every way (yes I like its graphics better) i think. But this is still a good game, i recommend it for any d&d fan.
Jonathan @ Nov 26th 2006 1:20AM
Would have been a great deal - but sold out online!
obi-wan @ Nov 25th 2006 8:13PM
I just snagged a copy for $20. Many Best Buys still have those video game gift cards (in the CD jewel cases). They're usually on display at the front of the store and all you have to do is put any amount of money on the card, and then tear off the $5 coupon on the back of the case. Then go back into the store and buy your game. I've done that four times this year.
Forces of Corruption was also on sale for $15. Good holiday deals. Who says PC gaming is dead?