Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[CES 2008: NATAS honors Stormfront for original Neverwinter Nights]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/natas-honors-stormfront-studios-for-original-neverwinter-nights/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/natas-honors-stormfront-studios-for-original-neverwinter-nights/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/natas-honors-stormfront-studios-for-original-neverwinter-nights/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, or NATAS for those short of breath, has given us reason to pause and wax nostalgic over our gaming past by honoring the first graphical MMO, Stormfront Studios' original Neverwinter Nights, which ran over America Online from 1991 through 1997. The game is positively archaic by today's standards, but nonetheless laid the groundwork for much of what we know as MMORPGS today, and of course went on to inspire BioWare's own Neverwinter Nights franchise as well. Bugbears, they would be proud.

The nod was made during the 59th Annual Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards ceremony at the CES in Las Vegas, an event which also tipped its hat to Everquest's Sony Online Entertainment and World of Warcraft's Blizzard for helping to spearhead the MMO genre. Don Daglow, who led Neverwinter Nights' design, accepted the award, and commented that "these games are not just entertainment...they build new kinds of communities and create deep people-to-people relationships." Or, you know, furry-to-people, for those who swing that way.

JoystiqCES 2008: NATAS honors Stormfront for original Neverwinter Nights originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aolCES-2008mmommorpgneverwinter nightsNeverwinterNightsnwnPCStormfrontThu, 10 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari reveals Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/atari-reveals-neverwinter-nights-2-mask-of-the-betrayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/atari-reveals-neverwinter-nights-2-mask-of-the-betrayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/atari-reveals-neverwinter-nights-2-mask-of-the-betrayer/#commentsFiled under: ,

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.

JoystiqAtari reveals Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2007 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtariMask of the BetrayerMaskOfTheBetrayerNeverwinter NightsNeverwinter Nights 2NeverwinterNightsNeverwinterNights2ObsidianPCRole-playingThu, 12 Apr 2007 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[One more Neverwinter Nights 2 tease]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/24/one-more-neverwinter-nights-2-tease/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/24/one-more-neverwinter-nights-2-tease/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/24/one-more-neverwinter-nights-2-tease/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

One more Neverwinter Nights 2 teaseT-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

JoystiqOne more Neverwinter Nights 2 tease originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Oct 2006 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribiowaredungeons and dragonshasbroNeverwinter NightsNeverwinter Nights 2nwnnwn2obsidianPCrpgwizards of the coastTue, 24 Oct 2006 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NWN2 elite races, prestige classes previewed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/17/nwn2-elite-races-prestige-classes-previewed/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/17/nwn2-elite-races-prestige-classes-previewed/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/17/nwn2-elite-races-prestige-classes-previewed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

NWN2 elite races, prestige classes previewedAtari 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:

JoystiqNWN2 elite races, prestige classes previewed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Oct 2006 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AasimarAtaridrowdungeons and dragonsforgotten realmshasbroNeverwinter Nightsnwnnwn 2nwn2obsidianPCprestige classrpgSverfneblinwizards of the coastTue, 17 Oct 2006 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Role-playing titles that made a "quantum leap"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/10/role-playing-titles-that-made-a-quantum-leap/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/10/role-playing-titles-that-made-a-quantum-leap/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/10/role-playing-titles-that-made-a-quantum-leap/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Role-playing titles that made a 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:

JoystiqRole-playing titles that made a "quantum leap" originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Oct 2006 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Baldur's Gatechrono crosschrono triggerdeus exelder scrollsEverQuestfalloutFinal FantasymmorpgNeverwinter Nightsoblivionplanescape tormentrole-playingrpgUltimaTue, 10 Oct 2006 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Confirmed: BioWare to work their magic for the DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/20/confirmed-bioware-to-work-their-magic-for-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/20/confirmed-bioware-to-work-their-magic-for-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/20/confirmed-bioware-to-work-their-magic-for-the-ds/#commentsFiled under:

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]

JoystiqConfirmed: BioWare to work their magic for the DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Sep 2006 15:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baldur's gateBaldur'sGatebiowaredshandheldkotorneverwinter nightsNeverwinterNightsnintendonwnrpgWed, 20 Sep 2006 15:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Neverwinter Nights 2 delayed 'til Halloween]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/19/neverwinter-nights-2-delayed/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/19/neverwinter-nights-2-delayed/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/19/neverwinter-nights-2-delayed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Neverwinter Nights 2 delayed 'til HalloweenIGN'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:

JoystiqNeverwinter Nights 2 delayed 'til Halloween originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Sep 2006 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataridungeons and dragonsfaerunforgotten realmsIGN vaultNeverwinter NightsNeverwinter Nights vaultNWNNWN2obsidianPCrpgTue, 19 Sep 2006 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NWN premium modules earn one last gasp]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/15/NWN-premium-modules-earn-one-last-gasp/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/15/NWN-premium-modules-earn-one-last-gasp/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/15/NWN-premium-modules-earn-one-last-gasp/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Premium NWN modules not dead yetBioWare 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.

JoystiqNWN premium modules earn one last gasp originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Sep 2006 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariBioWaredungeons and dragonsNeverwinter NightsnwnPCpremium modulerpgWyvern Crown of CormyrFri, 15 Sep 2006 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari announces NWN2 Limited Edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/14/atari-announces-nwn2-limited-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/14/atari-announces-nwn2-limited-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/14/atari-announces-nwn2-limited-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Atari announces NWN2 Limited EditionWith 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?

JoystiqAtari announces NWN2 Limited Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Sep 2006 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribiowarelimited editionNeverwinter Nightsnwn2obsidianPCThu, 14 Sep 2006 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare announces new NWN module]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/17/bioware-announces-new-nwn-module/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/17/bioware-announces-new-nwn-module/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/17/bioware-announces-new-nwn-module/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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:

JoystiqBioWare announces new NWN module originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Aug 2006 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mirandaataribiowaredarkness over daggerforddungeons and dragonsforgotten realmshasbroneverwinter nightsnwnossian studiosPCpremium moduleswizards of the coastThu, 17 Aug 2006 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A touch of RTS in Neverwinter Nights 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/15/a-touch-of-rts-in-neverwinter-nights-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/15/a-touch-of-rts-in-neverwinter-nights-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/15/a-touch-of-rts-in-neverwinter-nights-2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A touch of RTS in Neverwinter Nights 2Like 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.

JoystiqA touch of RTS in Neverwinter Nights 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Aug 2006 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris avelloneneverwinter nightsobsidianPCTue, 15 Aug 2006 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Customization is key in NWN2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/27/customization-is-key-in-nwn2/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/27/customization-is-key-in-nwn2/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/27/customization-is-key-in-nwn2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Neverwinter Nights 2 features deep customization
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.

JoystiqCustomization is key in NWN2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Jul 2006 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribiowareneverwinter nightsnwn2obsidianPCThu, 27 Jul 2006 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NWN mod creator on Atari, Infinite Dungeons]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/08/nwn-mod-creator-on-atari-infinite-dungeons/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/08/nwn-mod-creator-on-atari-infinite-dungeons/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/08/nwn-mod-creator-on-atari-infinite-dungeons/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

NWN modder Jason Lowry interviewNeverwinter 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.

JoystiqNWN mod creator on Atari, Infinite Dungeons originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jun 2006 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribiowaredungeons dragonsinfinite dingeonsjason lowryneverwinter nightsPCrpgwizards of the coastThu, 08 Jun 2006 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari halts NWN1 support, in financial ruin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/28/atari-halts-nwn1-support-in-financial-ruin/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/28/atari-halts-nwn1-support-in-financial-ruin/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/28/atari-halts-nwn1-support-in-financial-ruin/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Atari discontinues NWN1 supportJust 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.

JoystiqAtari halts NWN1 support, in financial ruin originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 May 2006 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribiowaredlainfinite dungeonsneverwinter nightsobsidianPCpremium moduleswitches wakeSun, 28 May 2006 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Neverwinter premium module available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/25/nwn-infinite-dungeons-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/25/nwn-infinite-dungeons-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/25/nwn-infinite-dungeons-now-available/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

New Neverwinter Nights premium module
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.

JoystiqNew Neverwinter premium module available originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 May 2006 21:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareinfinite dungeonsneverwinter nightsPCpremium moduleThu, 25 May 2006 21:35:00 EST<![CDATA[NWN2 preview and movies from E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/16/neverwinter-nights-2-official-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/16/neverwinter-nights-2-official-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/16/neverwinter-nights-2-official-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Neverwinter Nights 2 E3 trailer
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.

JoystiqNWN2 preview and movies from E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 May 2006 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataridungeons and dragonse3neverwinter nightsobsidian entertainmentPCTue, 16 May 2006 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ferret Baudoin lands at BioWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/24/ferret-baudoin-lands-at-bioware/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/24/ferret-baudoin-lands-at-bioware/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/24/ferret-baudoin-lands-at-bioware/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ferret Baudoin lands at BioWareThe Neverwinter Nights Vault is reporting that Ferret Baudoin, late of Obsidian, has taken a senior design position at BioWare's Edmonton office. The former Neverwinter Nights 2 lead designer had left Obsidian last month for undisclosed reasons, and will now be applying his considerable RPG experience to a new BioWare project. Whatever that project is, hopefully Baudoin will be able to see it through. He was working on Fallout 3 and Baldur's Gate 3 at Black Isle when Interplay bit the dust, and although he completed KOTOR 2 at Obsidian, he left before NWN2 was finished.

See also: BioWare opens Austin studio for new MMO

[via GameBanshee]

JoystiqFerret Baudoin lands at BioWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Apr 2006 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareferret baudoinneverwinter nightsMon, 24 Apr 2006 12:30:00 EST