Guide Note

Neverwinter Nights 2 is the sequel to the role-playing game Neverwinter Nights. It was released on the PC in 2006. An expansion pack, Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer followed in 2007.

Fast Facts

1. Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
2. Publisher: Atari
3. Platform: PC
4. Genre: Role-Playing Game
5. ESRB Rating: Teen
6. Release Date: October 31, 2006

Neverwinter Nights 2 is the sequel to the popular game Neverwinter Nights, expanding the story in single player mode. Now not only are players in charge of expanding their personal power, but also their political power, rising through the ranks of society to perhaps gain the title of a noble. As the story progresses, you learn of an arcane and unstable evil power that only a chosen savior can banish.

The game has many of the same features as the previous installment, especially with the Aurora toolset that allows you to create your own maps and worlds. There are a few changes that directly affect the gameplay of Neverwinter Nights 2.

Included in the game are fully controllable party members, several of whom are met during the single player campaign, all with their own inventories, slots, and the ability to customize their skill allocations upon level up. You are limited to three party members including your own character. You also take a very active role in how the story plays out and your effects on allies as well as other characters. Your answers to questions, in addition to your actions, determines your allies' loyalty, ability to rise through the ranks, and others' perceptions of you.

Combat takes place in real time, though you have the option to pause the game and assign up to five successive actions. Online play is an important part of the game. The single-player campaign is available to play cooperatively, although you'll need to start from the beginning. You can also play against each other on player created maps and stories.