Neverwinter Nights 2 Interview

AT: RPG fans will be delighted to know more about the Crafting System and the Alchemy System. In what way do these aspects influence the gameplay?

Ferret: There's something inherently cool about personally making things you use in your adventure. And that's something we want to expand and improve upon in NWN 2. We're doing a complete overhaul of the crafting system from NWN 1. Charles Mead, our lead scripter, and I have done a lot of work on the conceptual changes and implementation. Working on this particular part of the game is so fun I feel almost guilty when I steal some hours working on it. So think bigger, think better.

Stay back, foul beast!

Help yourself to a few goodies.

AT: We understand players will even be able to have their own strongholds. How does this benefit the in-game character?

Ferret: A stronghold can be its own reward in many respects. We want players to feel like it's their home, their castle. It's something they can build up and influence how it turns out. The whole thing is exciting, but the details are being kept under wraps for now.

AT: We're interested in some of new races and sub-races that will make an appearance in the game. Tell us more about that.

Tony: Some of the new races and sub-races featured in Neverwinter Nights 2 are Top Secret for the time being. However, I can reveal some of them. If you will please bow your head a moment in respect for the many Harpers who died to provide you with the information I am about to impart...

Sun Elves, also called gold elves, hail from Evermeet and therefore are less common in Faerun than moon elves. They stand apart from other folk, and even other elves, in part because of their haughtiness, and in part because of their bronze skin. Most sun elves lead a very civilized life of study and contemplation, which serves to sharpen their minds, but leaves their bodies soft.

Wood Elves, in contrast to the civilized sun elves, are more reclusive and solitary. They are not as withdrawn from society as the nearly feral wild elves, so it is rare, but not unheard of, to see wood elves venture from their homes in the High Forest. Wood elves are uncommonly strong for elves, but also smaller and less intuitive than most elves.

Drow are also called dark elves, they descend from the ancient Illythiiri, cursed with dark skin for allowing themselves to be corrupted by the evil goddess Lolth. Most drow dwell deep in the Underdark, in great cities such as Menzoberranzan. Drow who inhabit the surface world often do so not by choice, but because they, or their sires, were cast out from drow society. Living underground has made the drow slight in stature, but for generations the drow have selectively bred themselves for increased reflexes, wits and personality. These traits they feel are vital to their survival in the Underdark.

AT: What about character leveling? Will players be able to reach epic levels once again?

Tony: To keep the Neverwinter Nights 2 campaign focused and well-balanced, we have capped progression at level 20. This is not to say the player will feel puny throughout the game and just when they are starting to feel awesome they are pressed up against a glass ceiling at 20. On the contrary, the epic story and pacing of Neverwinter Nights 2 will make the player feel progressively important and powerful throughout the entire game.

AT: Music was, of course, one of the vital components of NWN. Will Jeremy Soule be working on the soundtrack once again?

Tony: As a big fan of game music myself, I am itching to incorporate an awesome soundtrack into Neverwinter Nights 2. My breath is so bated you could toss me in a river and catch a trout! I must wait patiently though, because Music will be one of the final touches added to Neverwinter Nights 2. Saving it for last allows us to customize the soundtrack to better harmonize with the game. Music in games, as well as in movies and television, is usually put in after everything else is complete. For example, the music in a typical episode of Alias or Lost greatly accentuates the experience of watching the episode because composer Michael Giacchino goes through the episode, after it is complete, analyzes each moment and customizes the music. I cannot yet reveal who will be composing for Neverwinter Nights 2, but we'll be able to say more in the coming months. :)

AT: When do you plan to release NWN 2?

Ferret: We're shooting for June 2006. So fans won't have to wait too much longer. :)