Neverwinter

[Kaodi]

I was just checking out GameSpot and it appears that, at last, there is going to be a new Dungeons & Dragons computer game. Though not the kind that I had been hoping for, it seems.

Neverwinter

It seems to be set after the Spellplague, but I do not know if that means it will be using 4th Edition... Only five classes will be available for play, and it seems to be mostly meant for online play, though not an MMO per se.

I guess we will have to wait and see what will happen with it as new info becomes available. Could be more legal troubles too between Turbine and Atari.

 

[WhatGravitas]

I really, really want to like it, because I'm waiting for a 4E game for a long time (pretty much since 4E's release). Invoking the awesomeness of Neverwinter is always nice, I do love the FR as (computer) game backdrop.

But Cryptic Studios? The last big meh (Star Trek Online) tells me I should brace for disappointment. Not to mention that as RPG game, it always has to compare with... well, BioWare games.

But hope dies last, no? This could become a nice guild wars-y game, at least...

Cheers, LT.

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

Hey, I like STO. And it's continually getting better (kinda like most MMOs, I suppose. But they listen to fans and add features people demand).

Considering they seem to be using the same "core" engine, it is definitely well suited to what they want to create. STO kinda suffers from too much instancing, but for their "OMG" style of game, it seems optimally suited. Also, the UGC tools in development seem to be part of their core engine and is also going to see use in STO. A 3rd game by Cryptic could actually (provided it works and sells well) be good for all games - the core engine gets refinement, UGC tools for all games (i don't know if Champions has been confirmed, but STO pretty much is.).

Of course, I am optimistic here - it could still all crash and burn and totally suck. But I prefer to say the opportunities and improvements that could bring.

 

[Mournblade94]

The 4e rules set practically asking to be made into a video game....

And they choose to do THIS?

Sounds like the only thing they will ahve going for them is the brand.

 

[LightPhoenix]

Yeah, that's a big meh from me as well. I might try it if it's free to limited play, but really it just doesn't sound like something I'm interested in.

Of course, I was really hoping someone would go and make a "Tactics"-style 4E game. Those hopes didn't hold much water though.

 

[Mournblade94]

Yeah, that's a big meh from me as well. I might try it if it's free to limited play, but really it just doesn't sound like something I'm interested in.

Of course, I was really hoping someone would go and make a "Tactics"-style 4E game. Those hopes didn't hold much water though.

Yet there is no reason those hopes should be dashed. Maybe WOTC needs to make the license more affordable? Maybe WOTC just licensed the brand without say and Atari decided to do this?

In any case there are alot of Game developers out there. D&D can do much better than Cryptic.

If the game is not using the D&D rules than it is a D&D game in name only.

 

[WhatGravitas]

Yet there is no reason those hopes should be dashed. Maybe WOTC needs to make the license more affordable? Maybe WOTC just licensed the brand without say and Atari decided to do this?

Actually, the license is "stuck" with Atari. Back then, in 2000, they licensed the D&D game rights to Atari... for 17 years. Somewhen (2005ish, I think) they managed to shave off two years, i.e. until 2015.

Back then, BioWare was still independent, hence NWN. Now, BioWare is attached to EA... leaving Obsidian as possible developer - but NWN2 was only so-so.

And Atari desperately wants to have a MMO cash cow (hence DDO and the feeding of IPs to Cryptic, which is owned by Atari since '08). Trying the online spiel again was to be expected...

Cheers, LT.

 

[fba827]

(just personal preference, but ...)
I'd rather have a single player turn based / tactical type thing,
OR some dungeon crawling button mashing couch-coop type thing for a console just for some silliness with friends.

i'm not a big fan of MMOs and find the couple i did try i ended up soloing more often than grouping (though, admitedly, i don't have an exceptionally robust computer for PC gaming, nor a lot of time, so i know that is part of what makes me "not the target audience")

anyway, it'll be interesting to see where this goes . here's hoping for the best (just because i won't necessarily be in to it doesn't mean it can't still be a good game to other people or good for the brand in general )

 

[Kaodi]

Actually, the license is "stuck" with Atari. Back then, in 2000, they licensed the D&D game rights to Atari... for 17 years. Somewhen (2005ish, I think) they managed to shave off two years, i.e. until 2015.

I still have no idea how anyone could have been so dumb as to pull that stunt. How could they not understand that 17 years is an eternity in the video gaming industry?

Also, while part of me says that people who make video games for a living know way more about making good video games than I do, some days, deep down, it just not feel like that is the case.

 

[cavalier973]

interview

Neverwinter Exclusive Q&A - First Details on Cryptic's New Dungeons & Dragons Game - PC Previews at GameSpot