Neverwinter Nights 2

 PC
User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 674 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 354 out of 674
  2. Mixed: 151 out of 674
  3. Negative: 169 out of 674
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  1. Kuseikos
    Nov 12, 2006
    3
    Believe me, you won't find a NWN enthusiast that was more excited than me to get this game. NWN was superb, and while most complained about the OC, that was only a stupid demo: the potentials of the game were immense and we saw them blossom very soon. I was hoping for NWN2 to be an upgraded version of NWN, with the same outstanding potentials, the same multiplayer excellency but Believe me, you won't find a NWN enthusiast that was more excited than me to get this game. NWN was superb, and while most complained about the OC, that was only a stupid demo: the potentials of the game were immense and we saw them blossom very soon. I was hoping for NWN2 to be an upgraded version of NWN, with the same outstanding potentials, the same multiplayer excellency but fantastically improved visuals and a marvellous, breath-taking orchestral soundtrack that would dwarf Oblivion's. I was hoping for the ability to create gorgeous looking characters, slender and agile elves, athletic humans, all with their new, finally decent voicesets (the original voicesets in NWN were mostly useless). I was hoping for an epic game, of immense proportions, with fully 3D rendered realistic environments, a smooth interface, and the exceptional potentials of development that only our outstanding community artists could provide. I yearned for sending my egregiously animated Paladin through various side quests in the original campaign, developing it the way I felt she should have developed, exploring a vast, bold world teeming with life and chances to acquire fame and wealth while wiping the evil forces off the face of Faerun. I was so excited to get this game that I preordered it (may I be damned if I ever preorder another game in my life). I was totally caught by the majestic beauty of Oblivion's graphics, but hey, this is D&D, how can Oblivion be better than D&D? I installed the game with thrills of hope, already figuring the next 5 years of infinite replayability and online fun with the newly, breath-takingly beautiful graphics to revamp the old fashioned NWN. Then, after I run the game, one by one all my hopes were shattered. Horrid models, counterintuitive user interface, disgusting animations that look more dated than the original NWN's, a total disregard of details, poor performance without the graphic bonanza one would expect from that poor performance. A choice of 6 faces for my Paladin, 5 of which look like a transvestite and one like a £2 hooker in West End. Hair? Don't mention it, you can't get a fiery red if you try for your life, and there's no vertex weighting at all. That means that your character's hair does not move in wind. It's like watching a 10 year old game. Only, 10 year old games don't cost that much. The OC sucks hardcore, unless you accept it as a linear plot driven adventure with no room at all for unexpected development. No room at all is a good definition because for reasons still obscure the system resources are devastated by this game's engine and there are none left to create large dungeons and modules. In fact, the original campaign requires a dramatic number of modules. It is as if they thought the improved visuals (which are not improved at all, the original NWN looks better, believe me) were worth sacrificing module size. But PWs are all about their vastity, and this game won't give you a chance to create anything large. Add to this that the new toolset is cumbersome, that you must download a file from the net to be able to join *any* server (even if they don't use any haks), and you'll see how long-lived this crap is going to be. You'll hear a few disconcertingly good reviews about this buggy game. Some roleplayers hate gorgeous visuals because they think that if too much is spent on visuals it means the company cares not for roleplaying. Some among these RPers actually play text-driven adventures. If you want my opinion, they are usually right and text-driven adventures are more exciting than NWN2. But in general, those that are praising this game are either too excited to see its flaws yet, or simply like linear adventure-like stories with lengthy cutscenes, and don't really care about cumbersome user interfaces, pathetic graphics and zero-replayability value. You want a honest opinion of a D&D fan? despite this game implements 3.5 rules, it's the crappiest D&D game ever since Pool of Radiance, and it has the same technical quality of that game. And the same amount of bugs too. I am sorry to say so, because I love NWN and I am a big supporter of BioWare (not of Obsidian, now, really not). I love D&D and I love D&D games. But really, do not waste your money on this title.… Expand
  2. EricP.
    Nov 12, 2006
    1
    Terrible game. Obsidian not only ruined the NWN legacy, they made a horrendous game that is nearly unplayable. Obsidian not only needs new 3D modelers, but a new director as well.
  3. KarlL.
    Nov 12, 2006
    4
    I love DD and NWN, but this version is too buggy and the graphics are not very good either. 1. Defensive casting gets deselected all the time. 2. Arcane Trickster but no sneak attacks on ranged or meele touch attacks. WTF? 3. The AI for your companions sucks.
  4. JulioC.
    Nov 12, 2006
    0
    This game is not a RPG game but a linear adventure game with tons of stupids bugs and pretending to live from the greatness of NWN1. Obsidian ruined the "Neverwinter Nights" name with this horrible creation, and i bet my finger they know their game is crap. Bioware please, slap the face of obsidian and return us the greatness of neverwinter nights. We really miss you!
  5. AriochD.
    Nov 12, 2006
    3
    Very disappointed with the game, laggy and buggy with a teen rating. Instead of enjoying the game you spend your time struggling against the bugs and weird camera angle.
  6. Mat
    Nov 12, 2006
    5
    Needs a lot of work done yet. Would advise not buying this for awhile. "Party AL" is remarkably awful and fairly essential options are missing to manage those party members. Camera is clumsy and giving orders oddly awkward. Overall there's the promise of a good game there but it is very frustrating at the moment (played with patch 1.2)
  7. MassimoCusi
    Nov 12, 2006
    5
    A sheer number of bugs and flaws sums up to poorly rendered graphics. While the system requirements are high, the quality of the graphics is appalling compared to what is on the market today. The GUI is cumbersome and feels rather out of date for 2006. The original campaign suffers from strict linearity and lacks the aspects of exploration and freedom that generally define role playing.A sheer number of bugs and flaws sums up to poorly rendered graphics. While the system requirements are high, the quality of the graphics is appalling compared to what is on the market today. The GUI is cumbersome and feels rather out of date for 2006. The original campaign suffers from strict linearity and lacks the aspects of exploration and freedom that generally define role playing.
    A big disappointment, considering the prequel.    … Expand
  8. XeoG.
    Nov 11, 2006
    1
    I only score so low because I expected so much more. I'm sure there is much potential here, if you took away my complaints, (which are dealbreakers) you would have an awesome game. 1) why does it perform so badly for such a mediocre looking game? 2) the interface - why can't i swing the camera around with the mouse? Must i use the arrows keys? In the options you can select I only score so low because I expected so much more. I'm sure there is much potential here, if you took away my complaints, (which are dealbreakers) you would have an awesome game. 1) why does it perform so badly for such a mediocre looking game? 2) the interface - why can't i swing the camera around with the mouse? Must i use the arrows keys? In the options you can select "invert mouse camera" but for god's sake you can't bind a key to it? Did anyone test this game? It seems you have to use the keyboard for camera control! 3) Another problem I have with this game is that I can't make a nice looking character because all the faces are UGLY.… Expand
  9. Zadig
    Nov 11, 2006
    3
    AI - The AI doesn
  10. Mactaveous
    Nov 10, 2006
    9
    This is an enjoyable new saga to the nwns world. Great intro cut scene and a very powerful modding program combined with a strong story makes it a must by for all those d&d players out there.
  11. Battleheat
    Nov 10, 2006
    9
    I can't stop playing this game. The graphics are lush and very detailed. Everything is dynamically lit and done very well. The technical flaws keep this from becoming a 10. Sometimes the cut scenes wont focus on a character and my frame rate keeps dipping (on a 3 ghz, 6800 geforce, 1gb ram). Still, inspite of the flaws, I'm really enjoying this game so far its very addictive and I can't stop playing this game. The graphics are lush and very detailed. Everything is dynamically lit and done very well. The technical flaws keep this from becoming a 10. Sometimes the cut scenes wont focus on a character and my frame rate keeps dipping (on a 3 ghz, 6800 geforce, 1gb ram). Still, inspite of the flaws, I'm really enjoying this game so far its very addictive and well done.… Expand
  12. JameyM.
    Nov 6, 2006
    9
    A faithful continuation of the NWN franchise, this one blends elements of the first NWN game as well as elements found in the older party-based InfinityEngine games such as Baldur's Gate. Recommended for fans of D&D.
  13. Itemforty
    Nov 6, 2006
    5
    - The multiplayer system for the default game demands that all players listen to every conversation that advances the plot. This forces all players to freeze completely while the story is being told, even if you are simply selling something to a merchant or changing in game settings. Any spell or ability that needs to be charged, including rest, will be cancelled. - Also in multiplayer, - The multiplayer system for the default game demands that all players listen to every conversation that advances the plot. This forces all players to freeze completely while the story is being told, even if you are simply selling something to a merchant or changing in game settings. Any spell or ability that needs to be charged, including rest, will be cancelled. - Also in multiplayer, if a player walks into a building, all characters load and enter that building. - Some voices and music are taken exactly from NWN1… Expand
  14. DonaldB.
    Nov 6, 2006
    10
    Only the late release and a few bugs keep me from a 10 here. I don't know what Andrew C is talking about with the camera, the controls are just like, and just as responsive as the original NWN. As to there being not enough monsters, or not enough models, well, let's just say that if there's not enough, I haven't seen it and they do an excellent job of killing me Only the late release and a few bugs keep me from a 10 here. I don't know what Andrew C is talking about with the camera, the controls are just like, and just as responsive as the original NWN. As to there being not enough monsters, or not enough models, well, let's just say that if there's not enough, I haven't seen it and they do an excellent job of killing me whenever I don't plan well for a fight. Graphics are phenomenal, the storyline is engaging and long (I'm over 15 hours in and still in Act I), and the back end of the system is solid. On second thought, it's worth a 10. It just so happens to own my soul right now.… Expand
  15. BlakeT.
    Nov 5, 2006
    6
    Disappointing to a NW fan. Perhaps my expectations were way too high. The title plays like it was rushed. They use the same music that was in NW1. The graphics are very poor compared to other games being released right now. I spend more time trying to control the camera than I do actually playing my character. I'm truly confused as to the high system requirements? Poor graphics, few Disappointing to a NW fan. Perhaps my expectations were way too high. The title plays like it was rushed. They use the same music that was in NW1. The graphics are very poor compared to other games being released right now. I spend more time trying to control the camera than I do actually playing my character. I'm truly confused as to the high system requirements? Poor graphics, few graphical choices for characters? Weird. Also, characters in your party seem to lose their way. They get stuck easily behind objects and you have to go back and find them to set them free. Craziness!… Expand
  16. DominickM.
    Nov 5, 2006
    7
    A lot of the people giving this game negative reviews are comparing it to NWN and somehow trying to say that was a better gaming experience. As a veteran of D&D RPGs, I can tell you that NWN 1 was by far one of the worst entries in the franchise, and a huge step down from BG and BG 2. If you liked NWN 1, then I am not surprised that you do not like this game, but in the same token, A lot of the people giving this game negative reviews are comparing it to NWN and somehow trying to say that was a better gaming experience. As a veteran of D&D RPGs, I can tell you that NWN 1 was by far one of the worst entries in the franchise, and a huge step down from BG and BG 2. If you liked NWN 1, then I am not surprised that you do not like this game, but in the same token, perhaps Diablo 2 or its kin would be a better fit. NWN2 restores to the D&D franchise depth of character, full parties, and story. By no means is this game perfect, but it is by far a step in the right direction, where as NWN 1 was three steps back from BG 2. The biggest complaint on this game is the system requirements. I am running an Athlon X2 4200, 2 GB DDR, and 2 x GeForce 7800 SLI, and I run the game at medium settings at a 1280x960 resolution to get adequate game play. I shudder to think what is required for the HIGH end settings (including enabling shadows and water affects, both of which I had to take off). All in all, it is a good game and a rewarding experience to any D&D veteran. It is not the open ended world of oblivion, but so what, Oblivion held my interest for 3 days - this will hold my interest for 3 years.… Expand
  17. GF.
    Nov 5, 2006
    5
    Not a worthy successor to NWN. Not ready for prime time. What the mag critics above are smoking, I've no idea. Environments, map design, interface, camera controls, and game mechanics are all poor, all unacceptable for this title. Sometimes the environment graphics are so bad, it's mind-boggling: think Knight Online quality, same low-res textures on boxy models of building faces Not a worthy successor to NWN. Not ready for prime time. What the mag critics above are smoking, I've no idea. Environments, map design, interface, camera controls, and game mechanics are all poor, all unacceptable for this title. Sometimes the environment graphics are so bad, it's mind-boggling: think Knight Online quality, same low-res textures on boxy models of building faces that are facades and have nothing inside them. Any review that gives this game a 90-100 simply hasn't played it.… Expand
  18. DB
    Nov 4, 2006
    2
    Very poor game. Graphics are better than NWN1 but they aren't nearly as good as other current contemporary titles. Lost many useful things from NWN1 Large PW's and multiplayer will suffer greatly. There won't be any large online worlds like NWN1 due to enormous memory usage. That's probably why it ships with D&D online, a pay per month subscription. Bioware should have Very poor game. Graphics are better than NWN1 but they aren't nearly as good as other current contemporary titles. Lost many useful things from NWN1 Large PW's and multiplayer will suffer greatly. There won't be any large online worlds like NWN1 due to enormous memory usage. That's probably why it ships with D&D online, a pay per month subscription. Bioware should have retained the title instead of giving it to Obsidian. There are hardly any monsters. The give a monster a different name, use the exact same model, and call it another monster. I really dislike this game.… Expand
  19. JimmusMaximus
    Nov 3, 2006
    8
    Been playing it since yesterday. Here are some of my observations: Good: Gameplay feels like Knights of the Old Republic (also by Obsidian) Bad: Gameplay feels like Knights of the Old Republic, camera angles and controls are a bit funky at times Good: More character options to choose from when creating a character Bad: Not enough faces, and some of the faces are ug-ly! Good: More sounds Been playing it since yesterday. Here are some of my observations: Good: Gameplay feels like Knights of the Old Republic (also by Obsidian) Bad: Gameplay feels like Knights of the Old Republic, camera angles and controls are a bit funky at times Good: More character options to choose from when creating a character Bad: Not enough faces, and some of the faces are ug-ly! Good: More sounds and music Bad: Many of the sounds are ripped right out of Neverwinter Nights 1 - kind of a rip-off Good: Graphics are gorgeous to look at Bad: Requires a high-end system for all options, probably worse than Oblivion Good: Armor, capes and weapons are beautiful Bad: Helmets do NOT show up on henchmen/party NPCs (whose decision was that?!) Good: Interface, commands and hot-keys are intuitive Bad: Many options, like the radial menu from NWN are gone Good: Load times are really fast Bad: Setting some options (like resolution) will require that you reload the game from the main menu because the maps are glitched Good: Spell effects are freakin' awesome!!! Bad: Gets a bit confusing with all the fireworks Verdict: Excellent - The good fortunately outweighs the bad, in my opinion. I was able to tweak my graphics to a smooth-playing configuration that looks pretty good without sacrificing responsiveness. Cannot wait for people to start releasing mods for it.… Expand
  20. AndrewC.
    Nov 3, 2006
    2
    Hype, as usual, has let a game down. Yes, it's D&D 3.5. But NWN1 did D&D 3.0, and what's more it looked prettier, had a far FAR better camera, the system requirements are much more reasonable...and it gave you a lot more feedback on combat. By the time you've finished fighting the camera, the lack of feedback and the UI (spellcasting in particular is a chore), there's Hype, as usual, has let a game down. Yes, it's D&D 3.5. But NWN1 did D&D 3.0, and what's more it looked prettier, had a far FAR better camera, the system requirements are much more reasonable...and it gave you a lot more feedback on combat. By the time you've finished fighting the camera, the lack of feedback and the UI (spellcasting in particular is a chore), there's very little enjoyment to be had out of NWN2. My strong advice is to buy the NWN1 Diamond edition instead - it's a FAR stronger game.… Expand
  21. [Anonymous]
    Nov 3, 2006
    9
    Though there are a few technical deficiencies, the official campaign is a massive improvement over the first game's. The party companions are always sure to bring plenty of chuckles with their dialogue and character. The toolset and multiplayer mean infinite value for a long time.
  22. LukeM.
    Nov 2, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  23. AersS.
    Nov 2, 2006
    10
    Only the (not justified) huge system reqs prevent it from being plain perfect; even so, it's the best game since NWN 1.
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Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Best PC Game of 2006
6
#6 Most Discussed PC Game of 2006
7
#7 Most Shared PC Game of 2006

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 46 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 46
  3. Negative: 0 out of 46
  1. Quandary
    80
    So it isn't perfect, particularly not for players who prefer using the mouse, but Neverwinter Nights 2 is nevertheless a hugely enjoyable trip.
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  2. Game Chronicles
    89
    Rich narrative, engaging gameplay, and total attention to role-playing detail.
    Read full review
  3. Digital Entertainment News
    83
    Neverwinter Nights 2 is a strong single-player adventure thoroughly enjoyable in and of itself. That it will serve as a platform for endless mod gaming only makes it that mich more appealing.
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