Tech: Neverwinter Nights 2

In any given computer game, there is a chance for show-stopping bugs and annoying errors. For some reason, though, computer RPGs tend to have the most problems. Maybe it's the complexity of the scripting and game-state tracking. Maybe it's the smaller budgets or cramped development cycles. Whatever it is, the fact remains that most of the RPGs I've played, from "Fallout 2" to "Morrowind," had various technical issues that needed to be ironed out.

"Neverwinter Nights 2" is no exception. Upon install, I downloaded a huge 100-odd megabyte patch - so it's clear they've been working on this for awhile. While I haven't encountered any game-crashing problems, the AI for both friendly and enemy characters is pretty bad. For instance, sometimes your foes will come in single file, like lambs to the slaughter. Even worse, sometimes your companion's AI shuts down altogether, so you have to reinstate it by issuing a "broadcast command." The camera is generally poor, and unless you adopt a bird's-eye, strictly overhead view, it's going to get stuck in walls and such (sometimes it starts rotating around at a sickening pace for no reason).

More problematic, though, is the overall performance, especially given that the graphics probably won't impress anyone. Running this game at 1440x900 resolution with a Core 2 Quad at 2.4 GHz, 2 GB of RAM, and a GeForce 8800 GTS 320 MB, the framerates are still just okay. Keep in mind this is a computer that can play "Bioshock" at 50 fps, and you see how frustrating the game could be if you don't have a decent PC.

It's a shame that technical issues are keeping this game back, because without them, this is a well-crafted RPG in the mode of "Baldur's Gate" and "Knights of the Old Republic." Most of the D&D 3.5 Edition ruleset, from crafting to diplomacy, is implemented in a pretty seamless way. The story is nothing spectacular, nor are the characters as charming as "Bladur's Gate," but the gameplay is there. The tantalizing possibilites of fan-made modules and content, as well as the multiplayer mode of the game, make it worth a look for RPG fans. Just be prepared to futz around a bit.

78/100