Using the popular Dungeons and Dragons rule set, Bioware has quite a pedigree when it comes to computer role-playing.
First, there was Baldur`s Gate and then came Icewind Dale, both setting the bar for competitors. Then in 2002 the eagerly anticipated Neverwinter Nights was unleashed upon the world, living up to every hardcore role-player`s expectations (as well as gamers in general), proving to be the pinnacle of 3D role-playing games.
Neverwinter`s first expansion pack, Shadows of Undrentide, is a mixed bag, containing some nice surprises as well as disappointments. Before even beginning to describe the added features, the biggest disappointment must be revealed - the level cap is not lifted. It remains stationary at level 20.
This was obviously a deliberate move on Bioware`s part as the single-player module and most of the added features are aimed at low-level or new characters.
Accordingly, using the level-capped character you completed Neverwinter with would cause you to miss out on some interesting innovations and make the initial section of the expansion module really easy. At least there are many new features to talk about that could make it quite worthwhile creating a new character.
A new beginning
As stated, the Shadows of Undrentide module is designed for newer characters, as the tasks and enemies encountered at the earlier parts of the story would be too easy for any character over level 10. The module should allow about 20 hours of game-play, depending on playing style and how many side-quests are attempted.
The storyline is adequate with some twists and turns making you want to play on to find out how it ends. Without giving too much away, you are a student of a powerful adventurer. After he is attacked and some magical items are stolen, you must find the reason behind this, get the items back and ultimately determine your destiny. Baldur`s Gate anyone?
Along with some new henchmen, there are some interesting additions to the foes encountered, for example basilisks (nasty reptiles that turn you to stone) and gorgons (oversized bulls with bad tempers). A large amount of new items and weapons are available, including some interesting projectile traps. A plethora of spells and skills are also added that make you yearn to create a character from scratch.
A touch of prestige
The most talked about feature of the expansion would probably be the five new prestige classes. These classes can only be attained if your character meets various requirements, such as certain feats and skills, so don`t expect to try them out before you are at least level seven.
The classes are: the Arcane Archer (mixing magic with combat), Assassin (a rogue on steroids), Blackguard (a very, very rotten apple), Harper Scout (the resident good guy) and Shadowdancer (a master of stealth). The Blackguard is especially fun to play with as it feels good to be so bad, but disappointingly enough the prestige classes have a level cap of 10.
The Aurora Toolset, for those that enjoy making their own modules, is also greatly improved. Three new tilesets - deserts, ruins and rural winter - are added to give more varied settings. The most useful addition is the plot wizard. Now it is so much easier to create a story to rival even Tolkien - just enter the cast of characters, special props and the basic story and the wizard does the rest.
Shadows of Undrentide is tolerable enough as far as expansions go as it does add a lot of features, so many fans will enjoy it. Gamers that have high expectations should rather wait for an expansion that offers a bit more than some fancy weapons and spells. One simply expects a bit more than is delivered in the end.
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