Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir Expansion

New expansion for Neverwinter Nights 2:

Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir will add approximately 15 hours of gameplay, and the game will pull the shape-shifting serpent Yuan-Ti from the Forgotten Realms fantasy universe as the primary antagonists.

Reminiscent of both the Baldur's Gate and Icewind Dale RPGs. In addition to the new storyline, the game features a variety of new classes, spells, monsters, and playable races.

Time Period / Backstory:

In the aftermath of the defeat of the King of Shadows, the Sword Coast is in the midst of an uneasy economic recovery. Trade syndicates have sprung up to exploit the post-war confusion for their own ends. The players’ party will wade into this uncertain environment; in order to increase their own fortunes, they can either ally with a syndicate to create a trade empire, or cut their own path through Faerûn by preying upon caravans and selling the goods on the black market. As they attempt to extend their influence, players will become aware of a new faction working behind the scenes: the evil, shapeshifting, serpentine Yuan-ti.

The game takes place at the same time, chronologically, as Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer, but is otherwise unrelated to that expansion. Returning from the backstory of the Forgotten Realms, Volothamp "Volo" Geddarm plays a key part in the story. Banned from his homeland for publishing a story, Volo and the player's party land on an island full of the anthropomorphic snake-like Yuan-ti. These Yuan-ti worship Zehir, an evil god introduced in the 4th Edition of Dungeons and Dragons.

Another major component of the story is the mysterious Sa'Sani, an owner of a Merchant company. The player's party joins with this company, but how successful her company is, as well as how closely related the player is to it, is up to the player.

Comments:

This is an improved version of NWN2 and if you like playing NWN2 then this will be a fun expansion.

It has a nice overhead map / world map that allows for multiple random encounters and unique opportunities outside the standard main plot.

It allows you to right from the beginning create 4 characters and have them in the party, with additional possible NPC to join as well.

Dialogue is improved: now when you chat with a NPC you can have anyone in your party ask them questions. Depending on their stats, feats, race and sex will help determine how each may question an NPC.

Other minor things like new feats, races and so forth have been added.

Mind you this is not BIOSHOCK or FALLOUT 3 - but it is an improvement for NWN2 and if you like Neverwinter Nights 2.  Then you will also like this expansion and enjoy RPG in the more traditional game play.