RPGWatch Feature: NWN2 Mysteries of Westgate Review
 

The drama leading up to the release of Mysteries of Westgate can finally get left behind as we take a detailed look at this 'hot off the presses' Adventure Pack for Neverwinter Nights 2. Here's a snippet from our review:
Read it all here.
More information.

Nice review, Mike - I enjoyed editing/reading it.

I'm about two hours in and I've been impressed, so far. The NWN2 base feels a bit clunky and cramped now but the characters and dialogue looking promising. A good number of dialogue and skill checks, although I've yet to do anything significant at this early stage.

Thank you for the timely review, txa1265. I'm a sucker for city adventure and I have been starving for a content-heavy role-playing experience. In fact, I haven't played a game recently except some good works released in 2007. So, there is no question I'm going to put my hands on the game once I find enough free time.

PS How about replacing the part about the DRM issue to an independent article, leaving just a brief comment and a link to that article. I think a game should be evaluated by its own right. Indeed, as a commercial product, such an issue is not ignorable. And yet, I think the game has already gotten more than enough interferences and I cannot but feel sorry for the designers. Also, I believe DRM issue is worth an independent article. Just my two cents.

I don't have the impression the DRM influenced the rating. It's not mentioned as Pro / Contra in the summary. I think, it's an important info 'though, because it's part of the deal. On the other hand, I don't think there is a need for just another DRM discussion. We already had them a lot.

Great review, Mike.

Caution - Off Topic
Neither do I.
Same here, which is why I'd like those who would like to talk about it to discuss it in a different place, which would serve both of groups.

I am for leaving it as it is. Taking it out would streamline the article a bit more, but it is an important issue and I don't feel that the article lacks cohesion and clarity. The DRM comments are clearly seperated from the review of the actual game. Great review. Probably going to buy MoW based on it.

The DRM-debacle was handled well in the article and being very reasonable. Do not remove it please since it IS a very important factor for many potential buyers. Well written article. I want the game badly, but I can't go against my principles, not even this time ;(

Well, I don't mind as long as this comment space will not be filled with yet another DRM debate.

As for the content, how did NPC interactions and dialogs turn out? Is there possible party member civil war or, at least leaving party member? Does the protagonist's relationship with the other party member have any impact on the main plot? Also, IIRC, I read that dialog skill check seems to include a certain randomness. Is it true? If someone is going to answer, please keep it spoiler-free. Yes, I may be asking too much.

I like it the way it is, he doesn't skirt around discussing what's turned out to be an explosive issue and he puts it all in the context of how much it's worth buying whatever the drm issues and need to take a stand.

Also, the review mentions "good story-telling" but I'm wondering how linear it is. Does it have multiple endings as well? The reviewer mentions some reloads but I wonder how much variety is in the game.

As for the game-play, it seems to be quite combat-heavy but is it possible to solve some quests in a different way? Such as relying on stealth skills and conversation skills. I think, at least, the latter seems to be involved but both of them are important for city adventure, IMO.

Sorry if I sound asking too much but, as I said, I'm a sucker for city adventures…maybe, I'd better simply buy the game but I don't have solid time at the moment…

Thieves sometimes get some more options, also if you have some social skills it could end different, but I think most quests are linear.

You have two paths to choose. Or let's say 2x2. In the beginning you can decide between The Church of Lathander or the Ebon Claws, that's no spoiler so far.

MINOR SPOILER:

After some quests both storylines reunite again and the story follows a single path 'til near to the endgame. There again you have two options to choose from. These decision has impact on the end sequence.

The cool thing imho is, both ways are totally consistent. There are no open ends. But when you play the other way round you get some different insights, and that's the best thing about MoW.

As I have to say, the good way is much more satiesfying in terms of story, but the bad end is just so cool you really shouldn't miss it.

Very nice review, txa :) And I do agree with it. Especially the part where you mention the influence system. Nice to see that dialogue choices do matter in this -ehm- game? or module?

Good review!

Is there a chance for being a double agent and getting the benefits (and story lines) of both factions?

Nope, no chance.

Guaranteed 2 different playthroughs, then. Are they significantly different (different companions, for example)?

Thanks to all for the nice comments - also thanks to Avantenor for subtly telling what I was barely hinting at in the review.

And thanks to Ossian for the fun game!

@Avantenor Thank you for your detailed and yet thoughtful reply. It's very helpful.

As for skill check and companions, I've found an official answer at Bioware NWN2 forum.
Whats the skill usage like in MoW?
Sticky: MoW Community Update: Companions

As you can see the sticky post above and Gamebanshee's review, there are only limited number of companions. It seems MoW may surpass other modules in some places while it is still a module in some other places.

Yes, it's not the problem about your review as well as other ones. The problem here is that some people like myself has little control over curiosity.

Very nice review, txa. Looking forward to playing the game once I make it back to base camp (in another two weeks, I expect).

It is interesting to note Dhruin's 'clunky NWN2' initial comment. I agree - but whereas in the FO3 DLC I felt that the design accentuated negative elements of the original, in MoW I feel there is just nothing they could do.

I was thinking about this because I started working through the Premium Modules in NWN again and still feel the camera there works better.

My impression is that actually you can set up the NWN2 camera to be just the same as NWN, however the movement of the characters is quite different (especially in rotations), so it feels different if you use the driving view, but it's not a camera thing.