Game Play Review - Adventure Pack
First off. I'd like to clarify a few things. Comparing Mysteries of Westgate (Adventure Pack) To an (Expansion Pack) is completely unfair. They are not the same thing. The budget for an AP is minimal at best compared to an expansion. Also, This AP was finished before the first expansion (MoTB) for NWN2 was even out, hence lacking all the nifty newness of NWN2 at present.
Having said that. Here goes my review.
Mysteries of Westgate gave the players a true RPG, The creators focused on player choices, open exploration, and good and evil paths. Finding an RPG that caters to a decent evil path within the DnD franchise is impressive to begin with.
The dynamics of the story were impressive. The word "mystery" really comes into play here. You are not led by the nose, told every little step to take and what time to take it. The player is left guessing and pondering until nearly the end.
While trying to figure out the critical path, the player has 16 very well thought out and well-written sidequests. Each has its own backstory and purpose.
Fun Factor: I had a great time playing MoW. At first it came off a bit slow and I was slightly disorientated. Within no time, I was exploring the areas and talking to each NPC that had something to tell me. The quests kept me quite entertained while gobbling bits and pieces of the critical path.
Voice Acting: I really wish there was more of it. The VO that was done, however, had stellar actors that gave the characters their personality along with the excellent writing.
Area Design: I have taken into account that MoW was finished before the first expansion (MoTB) was even out, and that the Ossian team still excelled at giving the player some fabulous areas to explore. Between interiors and exteriors, I was thoroughly impressed.
Ambient Characters: Salty Jack! You just have to meet this crazy old man to know him. Love him or not, he takes the cake! Bohemund the Belligerent is yet another that stands out in my mind. Very annoying, however funny to run into.
Music: Simply put, awesome. I could seriously listen to a MoW soundtrack.
Companions: A well-balanced mix of personalities and skills. I found it refreshing to create a sorcerer and not have to worry about having decent fodder to send in for the beating. A rogue, which is always useful. A cleric for those things that go bump and crush in the night. And a fighter to stand in the front lines and take the brunt of the battle.
The main story: I personally liked it. I did not have a sense of how much I liked this story until it unfolded, and the mystery was solved. I enjoyed finding out bits, clues and misleading hints. Always left wondering through out the game. I get quite annoyed when I can path out a story and guess how it will turn out before I get halfway through the game.
Custom Content: The modeling artist that created the new creatures for MoW is talent personified. He had jaw-dropping models with amazing detail. And considering this game engine has seen its glory days and beyond, the man has the talent to make anything look pretty!
Final thoughts: For the price of $9.99, I feel you get the bang for your buck. Nowhere can I get 20+ hours of fun for that price. Leaving all the drama aside about the long delay we all had to get our hands on this little gem, I feel it was worth every moment of anticipation.
Regards & Game On!
Liso