Summary
- Release Year: 2008
- Genres: Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Obsidian Entertainment
- Publishers: Atari, Inc., Infogrames Entertainment
Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction
Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir is a standalone expansion pack for Neverwinter Nights 2, developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Atari. It was released for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux on November 18, 2008. The game takes place on the Chultan Peninsula and the Sword Coast, and follows a group of adventurers who must uncover the secrets of the Yuan-Ti, a race of evil, shape-shifting serpents.
Gameplay
Storm of Zehir introduces a number of new features to the Neverwinter Nights 2 gameplay experience, including:
- Overland Map: The Overland Map allows players to explore the Chultan Peninsula and Sword Coast in a non-linear manner. Players can travel between locations, encounter random events, and engage in combat with enemies.
- Trading: Players can now engage in trading to increase their wealth and influence. They can buy and sell goods at markets, and form alliances with trade syndicates.
- New Classes, Spells, and Creatures: Storm of Zehir adds several new classes, spells, and creatures to the game. These include the Shadowdancer class, the Shadowcraft Shadow Magic school, and the Yuan-Ti race.
Plot
The story of Storm of Zehir takes place in the aftermath of the defeat of the King of Shadows. The Sword Coast is in the midst of an uneasy economic recovery, and trade syndicates have sprung up to exploit the post-war confusion for their own ends. The players’ party will wade into this uncertain environment, and can either ally with a syndicate to create a trade empire, or cut their own path through Faerun by preying upon caravans and selling the goods on the black market.
As the players attempt to extend their influence, they will become aware of a new faction working behind the scenes: the evil, shape-shifting, serpentine Yuan-Ti. The Yuan-Ti are planning to conquer the Chultan Peninsula and the Sword Coast, and the players must stop them before it’s too late.
Characters
The player characters in Storm of Zehir are a diverse group of adventurers, each with their own unique skills and abilities. The party includes:
- Asharra: A tiefling warlock who is seeking revenge against the Yuan-Ti for destroying her village.
- Bishop: A human cleric who is on a quest to find a cure for a deadly plague.
- Elanee: A half-elven druid who is searching for a way to restore balance to the natural world.
- Linu Flinthawk: A dwarven fighter who is seeking to reclaim his family’s lost honor.
- Qara: A halfling rogue who is looking for a way to make her fortune.
Reception
Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir received critical acclaim upon release. Reviewers praised the game’s innovative gameplay, engaging story, and memorable characters. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
Legacy
Storm of Zehir is considered to be one of the best expansions ever created for a video game. The game’s unique blend of trading, exploration, and combat has influenced the design of many subsequent RPGs. Storm of Zehir also helped to popularize the Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition ruleset, which was used in the game’s development.
Conclusion
Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir is a classic RPG that offers a unique and unforgettable gaming experience. The game’s innovative gameplay, engaging story, and memorable characters have made it a fan favorite for over a decade. If you’re a fan of RPGs, then you owe it to yourself to check out Storm of Zehir.
Review Score
9/10
Art
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