So I had no idea about this game.
I've been looking up a lot about it...and it seems...as if it's a "poor man's" Dragon Age Origins...for lack of a better term.
I don't really like to say "poor man's"...but what I mean is that...it seems less immersive....that's all.
Anyways...how would you compare it to DA:O?
What are the pros and cons?
Thanks in advance.
Compare to DA:O
Débuté par
Warden Commander David
, févr. 26 2013 11:43
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#2
Posté 27 février 2013 - 12:10
kamal_
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Question about "immersiveness" is too vague to answer.
It's older, so the character models aren't as good. Combat style is different and you may prefer DA:O combat.
When you finish the official campaigns, there's hundreds of community made adventures that can be just as good, if not better, than the official stuff. And you can play on persistent worlds, which are something like mini-mmo's, except ones that care about things like story, and letting players actually affect the game world (or you can just play hack and slash persistent worlds if you prefer that).
DA:O had three races and 3 classes. NWN2 comes with more than 10 races (not counting subraces), and 30 or so classes. Plus you can take levels in multiple classes. The community has added around 70 different races, and another similar amount of classes. NWN is deep.
And it's currently $20, so if you like DA:O, why not?
It's older, so the character models aren't as good. Combat style is different and you may prefer DA:O combat.
When you finish the official campaigns, there's hundreds of community made adventures that can be just as good, if not better, than the official stuff. And you can play on persistent worlds, which are something like mini-mmo's, except ones that care about things like story, and letting players actually affect the game world (or you can just play hack and slash persistent worlds if you prefer that).
DA:O had three races and 3 classes. NWN2 comes with more than 10 races (not counting subraces), and 30 or so classes. Plus you can take levels in multiple classes. The community has added around 70 different races, and another similar amount of classes. NWN is deep.
And it's currently $20, so if you like DA:O, why not?
#3
Posté 27 février 2013 - 12:17
MokahTGS
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Speaking from a purely toolset point of view, DAO has some nice features but doesn't come anywhere near NWN2 as far as story flexibility. NWN2 just has way more options as far as how to tell your story that seems to be lacking with DAO.
Granted, if you like DAO and want to tell a story using that lore, then it does a fine job...but with NWN2 I could tell the DAO story...the reverse is not true. That is a good test of flexibility.
Granted, if you like DAO and want to tell a story using that lore, then it does a fine job...but with NWN2 I could tell the DAO story...the reverse is not true. That is a good test of flexibility.
#4
Posté 27 février 2013 - 01:03
Tchos
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You seem to be coming from very much the same place I was coming from when I found NWN2. The majority of my initial review of Neverwinter Nights 2 was in comparing it to Dragon Age: Origins, which was essentially my introduction to party-based RPGs like this.
Previously, I had written an article comparing Dragon Age: Origins to the Baldur's Gate games, but I that was when I was unaware of Neverwinter Nights 2. I now consider Neverwinter Nights 2 to be superior to Dragon Age: Origins in almost every way.
This is the initial review:
http://tchosgames.bl...-goodbye-i.html
This is the one where I compared DA:O to BG:
http://tchosgames.bl...origins-vs.html
Previously, I had written an article comparing Dragon Age: Origins to the Baldur's Gate games, but I that was when I was unaware of Neverwinter Nights 2. I now consider Neverwinter Nights 2 to be superior to Dragon Age: Origins in almost every way.
This is the initial review:
http://tchosgames.bl...-goodbye-i.html
This is the one where I compared DA:O to BG:
http://tchosgames.bl...origins-vs.html
#5
Posté 27 février 2013 - 03:49
Lugaid of the Red Stripes
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Sometimes I feel like NWN2 is mostly just for builders now, or at least players who like to play home-built modules. The stuff put out by the community certainly has more heart and ragged charm than the for-profit stuff, but often enough it also has more depth and polish. The big difference, as a player, is that you have to look around and try out different mods to see what you like, instead of just playing the thing straight out the box. It's kinda like the difference between listening to top-40 radio or combing the racks at an indie record store.
#6
Posté 27 février 2013 - 04:33
Tchos
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I don't know, Lugaid. I really like all three of the official campaigns (I haven't had the opportunity yet to try Mysteries of Westgate). I also enjoy many community modules, for other reasons.
It is true, though, that I do also have a taste for some popular music, even though it's certainly not the same as the other music I generally focus on. I'd just say that in terms of NWN2 content and music, you can like both, but if you don't like one, then try the other.
It is true, though, that I do also have a taste for some popular music, even though it's certainly not the same as the other music I generally focus on. I'd just say that in terms of NWN2 content and music, you can like both, but if you don't like one, then try the other.
#7
Posté 27 février 2013 - 07:15
Shallina
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I'd say : DAO better engine but less feature.
NWN2 can be a little clunky, DAO is on the good side.
DAO has better combat at low lvl, NWN2 has better combat at hight lvl, mainly beceause NWN2 scripting is far more powerfull, so they can do more, but NWN2 low lvl combat is really simple while DAO combat is clearly fun with those cool animation.
When you gain lvl, it's the opposite, NWN2 gain more more things to do and interesting tactics, while DAO quickly becomes stale.
Area /landscape, DAO can do better area, but NWN2 can do more with it.
Those 2 games are really good.
Those 2 games are awesome. For NWN2 it's important to grab some custom and remodeled face/hair, the original one are completly outdated.
DAO is more oriented as a "giant cinematic" sometime we might think that they forgot the "core" wich is gaming. That feeling is probably beceause DAO fights are very generic. They hard coded to much things in DAO for the sake of optimisation for console, the result are combats that becommes stale they don't elvove much when your avatar gain in power.
NWN2 is more focussed on "gaming", the cinematic esperience and cutscene are clearly far behind those of DAO but the "events" are more complex.
I personnally love the both of them, they are both awesome games !
NWN2 can be a little clunky, DAO is on the good side.
DAO has better combat at low lvl, NWN2 has better combat at hight lvl, mainly beceause NWN2 scripting is far more powerfull, so they can do more, but NWN2 low lvl combat is really simple while DAO combat is clearly fun with those cool animation.
When you gain lvl, it's the opposite, NWN2 gain more more things to do and interesting tactics, while DAO quickly becomes stale.
Area /landscape, DAO can do better area, but NWN2 can do more with it.
Those 2 games are really good.
Those 2 games are awesome. For NWN2 it's important to grab some custom and remodeled face/hair, the original one are completly outdated.
DAO is more oriented as a "giant cinematic" sometime we might think that they forgot the "core" wich is gaming. That feeling is probably beceause DAO fights are very generic. They hard coded to much things in DAO for the sake of optimisation for console, the result are combats that becommes stale they don't elvove much when your avatar gain in power.
NWN2 is more focussed on "gaming", the cinematic esperience and cutscene are clearly far behind those of DAO but the "events" are more complex.
I personnally love the both of them, they are both awesome games !
Modifié par Shallina, 27 février 2013 - 07:46 .
#8
Posté 27 février 2013 - 10:39
Morbane
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Shallina wrote...
I'd say : DAO better engine but less feature.
NWN2 can be a little clunky, DAO is on the good side.
DAO has better combat at low lvl, NWN2 has better combat at hight lvl, mainly beceause NWN2 scripting is far more powerfull, so they can do more, but NWN2 low lvl combat is really simple while DAO combat is clearly fun with those cool animation.
When you gain lvl, it's the opposite, NWN2 gain more more things to do and interesting tactics, while DAO quickly becomes stale.
Area /landscape, DAO can do better area, but NWN2 can do more with it.
Those 2 games are really good.
Those 2 games are awesome. For NWN2 it's important to grab some custom and remodeled face/hair, the original one are completly outdated.
DAO is more oriented as a "giant cinematic" sometime we might think that they forgot the "core" wich is gaming. That feeling is probably beceause DAO fights are very generic. They hard coded to much things in DAO for the sake of optimisation for console, the result are combats that becommes stale they don't elvove much when your avatar gain in power.
NWN2 is more focussed on "gaming", the cinematic esperience and cutscene are clearly far behind those of DAO but the "events" are more complex.
I personnally love the both of them, they are both awesome games !
v v v v v v i i i i p p p p! ! !
agree +1 Shallina
abridged version: agree!!
:innocent:
#9
Posté 27 février 2013 - 12:24
Lugaid of the Red Stripes
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@Tchos: I wasn't disparaging the top-40, corporate quality-control approach, just pointing how it feels different. I would assume that a player going for a slick off-the-self experience would go first to the big new releases, and only then to a 7-year-old game.
#10
Posté 27 février 2013 - 06:47
Clyordes
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At the risk of saying what everyone else has said - NWN's great advantage against almost any other game out is its depth - the sheer amount of variety in what you can do, what you can be, how you can customise your character (not just cosmetically), how many ways you can approach any given encounter - I've never come close to in any other cRPG / MMO.
It may be a bit daunting when you first see all the options available, compared to say, Guildwars, LOTRO, the new Neverwinter or any other MMO I've played so far, but at the same time, you're not as likely to get bored within the first couple of hours from the limited options & cookie cutter fights.
Although if you like pure eye candy, you may well prefer other games. Personally, I'm still used to looking down at a poorly painted metal figure on a cardboard cutout of a dungeon room (or is it a ship? - its not clear), so I'm still awestruck by NWN2 :-)
Cly.
It may be a bit daunting when you first see all the options available, compared to say, Guildwars, LOTRO, the new Neverwinter or any other MMO I've played so far, but at the same time, you're not as likely to get bored within the first couple of hours from the limited options & cookie cutter fights.
Although if you like pure eye candy, you may well prefer other games. Personally, I'm still used to looking down at a poorly painted metal figure on a cardboard cutout of a dungeon room (or is it a ship? - its not clear), so I'm still awestruck by NWN2 :-)
Cly.
#11
Posté 27 février 2013 - 08:10
Arkalezth
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Official campaigns (of both games) aside:
DAO's mechanics are better overall. NWN2 (and 1) has tons of community-created content and you can play it for years. DAO has some modules too, but nowhere near the amount, and dare I say, quality, of NWN.
Also, since you "have no idea about this game" and no one has mentioned it, I'll say, just in case you don't know (and if it makes any difference to you), that NWN is based in Dungeons & Dragons.
DAO's mechanics are better overall. NWN2 (and 1) has tons of community-created content and you can play it for years. DAO has some modules too, but nowhere near the amount, and dare I say, quality, of NWN.
Also, since you "have no idea about this game" and no one has mentioned it, I'll say, just in case you don't know (and if it makes any difference to you), that NWN is based in Dungeons & Dragons.
Modifié par Arkalezth, 27 février 2013 - 08:12 .
#12
Posté 27 février 2013 - 09:28
MasterChanger
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I played DA:O only recently, after years in the NWN 1&2 communities, and found it a lot of fun. There were some areas where I had felt the NWN2 engine bumping up against limitations that just aren't there in DA:O.
For more, one of the biggest such limitations is the round/turn system. In DA:O you can tell your character (or even switch around to your whole party) and give them orders that they will immediately begin carrying out. In NWN there's some delay. This isn't because of something wrong with the engine, it's because there are rounds in combat and your command is queued for the next round. This was a design decision in keeping the game close to its D&D roots.
So, DA:O is very good as is, but it can't really be what it's not. As others have said, the depth of customization in NWN2 (outside of things like the round system) is almost unfathomable. For example, a Persistent World (Legacy: Dark Age of Britain) has done a pretty good job creating a DA:O environment within NWN2.
If one is trying to create any project in NWN2 that has a really different look and feel to other environments, it's entirely doable. The variety of models in DA:O really isn't enough to make this happen. Someone can make a new adventure that isn't officially in Ferelden, but it's going to feel a lot like Ferelden.
Having said all that, a $20 investment in NWN2 will give you access to a huge amount of gameplay. You'll certainly find stuff to make it worth the time and money.
For more, one of the biggest such limitations is the round/turn system. In DA:O you can tell your character (or even switch around to your whole party) and give them orders that they will immediately begin carrying out. In NWN there's some delay. This isn't because of something wrong with the engine, it's because there are rounds in combat and your command is queued for the next round. This was a design decision in keeping the game close to its D&D roots.
So, DA:O is very good as is, but it can't really be what it's not. As others have said, the depth of customization in NWN2 (outside of things like the round system) is almost unfathomable. For example, a Persistent World (Legacy: Dark Age of Britain) has done a pretty good job creating a DA:O environment within NWN2.
If one is trying to create any project in NWN2 that has a really different look and feel to other environments, it's entirely doable. The variety of models in DA:O really isn't enough to make this happen. Someone can make a new adventure that isn't officially in Ferelden, but it's going to feel a lot like Ferelden.
Having said all that, a $20 investment in NWN2 will give you access to a huge amount of gameplay. You'll certainly find stuff to make it worth the time and money.
#13
Posté 28 février 2013 - 12:51
Luminus
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Dragon Age: Origins
Pros:
Better Original Campaign
Much, much better engine. Runs like butter.
Better graphics
Better romances
Better NPCs
Face-morphing
Cons:
First expansion is worse than the OC (I think)
Very very hard to learn toolset. Recommended only to professionals
Many many hardcoded stuff
Limited build options. Minimal classes/races/spells etc.
Few monsters
No multiplayer
Only 4 companions maximum in the party
Neverwinter Nights 2
Pros:
Huge build options. More races/classes/prestige classes/feats/spells etc.
More user friendly toolset
Multiplayer. Either co-op or on persistent worlds.
Countless player-made modules
First expansion is amazing and considered a masterpiece.
Second expansion adds tool to create your party of six from scratch and explorable world map.
More monsters
Much easier to mod
Cons:
The engine improved with patches but it still has many problems, even on modern computers.
Some hardcoded bugs and general buggery which got improved a lot with the patches. Many of them fixed by Kaedrin's pack.
OC and Storm of Zehir are considered average to good but not amazing.
Worse models and animations. (Not counting custom ones.)
3.5E Rules are harder to learn and master and not balanced.
Probably forgot some stuff but that's off the top of my head.
As you can see, you really can't compare those two. They're specializing in different things.
You want an easy to learn and solid game and campaign that you will replay a few times maybe and leave it? Go with Dragon Age: Origins.
You want a game that you can mod a LOT, that has tons of build options, customization with builds, you can play dozens of modules and multiplayer on roleplaying servers that constantly evolve with other people for every taste and you want to create your own stuff? You play NwN2.
If NwN2 didn't came with ANY campaigns I bet that people would still be buying it and playing just for the modules and the persistent worlds.
DAO had double the time to be polished. It came out in 2009, NwN2 came out in 2006 and I think both started development around 2003, right after NwN1.
Pros:
Better Original Campaign
Much, much better engine. Runs like butter.
Better graphics
Better romances
Better NPCs
Face-morphing
Cons:
First expansion is worse than the OC (I think)
Very very hard to learn toolset. Recommended only to professionals
Many many hardcoded stuff
Limited build options. Minimal classes/races/spells etc.
Few monsters
No multiplayer
Only 4 companions maximum in the party
Neverwinter Nights 2
Pros:
Huge build options. More races/classes/prestige classes/feats/spells etc.
More user friendly toolset
Multiplayer. Either co-op or on persistent worlds.
Countless player-made modules
First expansion is amazing and considered a masterpiece.
Second expansion adds tool to create your party of six from scratch and explorable world map.
More monsters
Much easier to mod
Cons:
The engine improved with patches but it still has many problems, even on modern computers.
Some hardcoded bugs and general buggery which got improved a lot with the patches. Many of them fixed by Kaedrin's pack.
OC and Storm of Zehir are considered average to good but not amazing.
Worse models and animations. (Not counting custom ones.)
3.5E Rules are harder to learn and master and not balanced.
Probably forgot some stuff but that's off the top of my head.
As you can see, you really can't compare those two. They're specializing in different things.
You want an easy to learn and solid game and campaign that you will replay a few times maybe and leave it? Go with Dragon Age: Origins.
You want a game that you can mod a LOT, that has tons of build options, customization with builds, you can play dozens of modules and multiplayer on roleplaying servers that constantly evolve with other people for every taste and you want to create your own stuff? You play NwN2.
If NwN2 didn't came with ANY campaigns I bet that people would still be buying it and playing just for the modules and the persistent worlds.
DAO had double the time to be polished. It came out in 2009, NwN2 came out in 2006 and I think both started development around 2003, right after NwN1.
Modifié par Luminus, 28 février 2013 - 01:01 .
#14
Posté 04 mars 2013 - 08:52
Kaldor Silverwand
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I mostly stick with D&D based games so I haven't played Dragon Age. I'll only add this to what the rest have said. If there is a feature of NWN2 that you feel is lacking or missing in some way, it pays to do a quick search online for a solution. In addition to bug fixes there are many community written enhancements to improve game play, appearance, UI, and other options that are usable with the OC, MotB, and SoZ. So online content can really improve your experience even if you do not intend to play any community developed campaigns or try a Persistent World. Obviously there are limits to what can be done by the community, but you would be surprised at what has been done by those who pushed those limits.
Regards
Regards
