Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir at E3

Perhaps i’m alone here, but I thought Neverwinter Nights 2 was pretty good, so I’m kind of jazzed that Obsidian is taking some time away from Sega’s espionage RPG (Alpha Protocol) to make another expansion for the game. The new expansion, Storm of Zehir, is currently on display at E3 but players will have to wait until late 2008 to get their clammy little hands on it.

The expansion returns to the formula that made Baldur’s Gate and the first Neverwinter game so popular: open-ended adventures and environments. Players can expect full party customization, dungeon crawling, free exploration in a non-linear game world via an Overland Map and good old commerce - by hook or by crook.

Using the overland map, players will be able to explore the Sword Coast and Samarach and put skills like Spot and Survival to good use, uncovering new locales and points of interest. You’ll also be able to put together a party of your own created characters without being locked into carrying the dead weight of an NPC around, which is nice. Parties have been improved with streamlined party conversations, a new Teamwork Benefit System, and new powerful party feats.

Economy will also be important in the expansion, because players will be able to manipulate it through commerce and trade. Players can create and grow a merchant company or join the black market and earn money the old fashioned way (by stealing it). Finally, a whole new set of class are in the works, along with new prestige classes, spells, creatures, and playable races.

Look for Neverwinter Nights 2 to expand in Q4 2008.