Three reasonable additions to the Neverwinter Nights experience
As a point of note, I believe that it is possible to buy this expansion pack with another module, "Pirates of the Sword Coast" included, though I am yet to see this, so I assume that the module has, for reasons unknown, been excluded from the European release.
Graphically, the modules offer nothing new on the original NWN graphics. While I am not complaining about this, as NWN is a beautiful game, I did have a creeping feeling at some moments that the game was starting to look a wee bit dated. I am hoping that this is just down to poor use of the game's engine in these modules, and that when I return to Hordes of the Underdark (a game that really utilises the engine) my faith will be restored.
The sound indicates that these modules have been made on a budget, as they feature very few voice actors. The effects are good, and all of the adventures have been well scripted, however they could be further brought to life by a wider range of voice talent. I refer in particular to the Witch's Wake module, which features just a narrator.
As with the other games in the series, I encountered no bugs or glitches, and so my experience with Kingmaker was stress free!
So my dear friends, we get on to the crux of the matter: the modules themselves! Firstly I played the title module, Kingmaker, which is a 10-hour adventure, that focuses primarily on plot development than hack and slash adventuring. This was comfortably my favourite module of the three, and featured an intriguing storyline, interesting characters, and a clever voting system whereby the player is required to perform favours and get on the right side of the townsfolk in order to be elected leader. Only when this has been achieved are you able to set about sorting out your main quest and can finally learn the truth.
This was an exciting module, though the story became rather convoluted towards the end, hurtling through to an unlikely conclusion. It really could have done with more padding out and a more challenging final mission, as at the end I was left feeling a bit cheated as I had expected more from the finale. At least the break-neck speed of the tale's concluding chapter keeps the tension high...
I then went on to play ShadowGuard. This module has you performing a host of short, fun missions that build the suspense as you uncover a threat on the community you live in. There is a very neat twist towards the end of the adventure that really ups the excitement of the plot, however just like Kingmaker, the adventure then hurtles towards a frustrating and unfulfilling conclusion. Once more I was left feeling cheated that the module had ended so quickly, just as it was getting really exciting.
Finally I came to Witch's Wake. This module has been in development for a long time, and looked as if it would never come to fruition at some stages. The developers make us aware that the Witch's Wake module is designed to be the first part of a bigger story, thus preparing the player for the sudden end to the adventure. Based on this module though, I will not be particularly disappointed if I don't see the conclusion to the Witch's Wake series. This module was very basic, and featured no real challenge or interest. Towards the end it started to pick up a bit, however it never really drew me in like all the other NWN modules I've played do. I think that my opinion of the module would be improved if I was able to play through the full adventure, rather than just a chapter, however based on this, I shall not be going out of my way to do so.
So on the whole, these modules are reasonable, however none are anything to write home about. I am a big NWN fan, but I feel that new life needs to be injected into the franchise, as these community modules were not massively stimulating. Ah well, we have only to wait until September when Neverwinter Nights 2 is released! For me, September cannot come soon enough, as this latest expansion pack is very average.