Neverwinter Nights 2's epic storyline and an engaging PC role-playing style helped secure its place in gaming history. With that said, developer Obsidian Entertainment has been hard at work making sure the first expansion, Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer lives up to its predecessor.
The story picks up right where NWN2 left off, with the events pretty much unchanged. However, things aren't looking up for the hero, as the shard inside him or her has been stolen, leaving blood everywhere in a dark and unfamiliar place underground. Players can play Mask of the Betrayer with a different character than the one they created in Neverwinter Nights 2's campaign, and their new character comes with a bunch of experience to level them high enough for the new campaign.
Mask of the Betrayer provides more than just a new storyline. With that come new quests and rewards, but also a great deal of new content from plenty of new foes, loads of new gear, buckets of new companions and, of course, new land to explore. The adventure primarily takes place in the lands of Rashemen, near Thay in the lands of Forgotten Realms.
The expansion integrates seamlessly with the original game. This may be an appealing option to players both new and old, as there will be new races and sub races, and even two new base classes to play from the start (and as an added perk, characters reaching level 30 can still gain feats and abilities). However, Obsidian has yet to name these new races and sub races.
Later down the road, the game will allow for some great prestige classes, including those from the expansion to NWN Hordes of the Underdark and some new ones like the Red Wizard of Thay.
New content and a whole new storyline will be very welcome additions, but Obsidian also plans to boost the visuals. Improvements to the shading engine, lighting and the game's general performance will come packed in.
Neverwinter Nights 2 was one of the best PC role-playing experiences in years, and more of it can't be a bad thing. Mask of the Betrayer arrives in stores before the end of the year, and GameDaily will post additional coverage in the future.
Related Links
GameDaily's Guide to Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer
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