my 1-cent opinion about crafting ando core rules reproduction

[Orion79]

After completing MotB, I got tired of the actual crafting system.
The matter of essences was cute but the whole matter has a huge hole: if I've understood things right, if the player wants to upgrade a an already enchanted items, it need the same quantity of "ingredients" as to craft a totally new item. Eg, if the player wants to turn a +3 weapon into a +5 weapon, then that player needs the same number of essences & gems and/or raw materials as to turn a non-magical weapon into a +5 weapon.
So, if the player tries to gradually enchant the pieces of gear that he/she likes more, the result will be a loss of prime materials and so a reduction of the global quantity of items that the player is truly able to craft.

Also, all this matter with essences is annoying me: even if I dislike the idea of XP draining from pen & paper game too (and would have much more liked the alternative idea of a "energy pool" for crafters, that regenerates every new level and grants points for crafting items), I have to admit that I would have prefered a better reproduction of core rules where the weapon has an enchantment level (from 1 to 10 for non-epic level, where the hit/damage bonus can't be greater than +5; and from 11 to 20+ for epic levels). In this way, if a player wants to gradually pump up an object, then he effectively has to pay only the DIFFERENCE each time, instead than starting over - by fact - the whole process.

Even more, I don't understand why have not been included weapons with range as long spear or spiked chain, that are really cool. A too great variety of weapons? I don't think so but, since D&D 3.5 core rules looks so easy to reproduce thanks to a sort of "mathematical affinity" that they own, I don't understand why NWN2 looks as a sort of reduction of those rules with many important missings and distortions.

Also, do you think that it would be really so complicated to invest a bit less in graphic and, instead, introduce mounts and flying creatures? I think not: 3D graphic should allow the creation of true virtual worlds while NWN2, even if a very good game, is no different in concept from older 2D RPGs.

Thanks for reading!

[Loki[D.d.G]]

I think not: 3D graphic should allow the creation of true virtual worlds while NWN2, even if a very good game, is no different in concept from older 2D RPGs.

You mean as in it is a incorporates strategic combat, a-la Baldur's Gate? Because as far as graphics goes, you could always switch to a different camera angle to experience its full 3D effects.

[Orion79]

Yes, sort of. Camera is a beautiful thing, but fights are often very chaotic and it is difficult to truly appreciate what's gonig on. Anyway, camera and zoom IMHO are just a contour dish and not the main one

[Loki[D.d.G]]

By the way, the toolset for NWN2 is quite easy to understand and use. Not surprisingly, this has resulted in quite a number of modules and mods for the original game. So, it defeats your argument of; "3D graphic should allow the creation of true virtual worlds ... ". Unless, of course, I misunderstood you.

Camera is a beautiful thing, but fights are often very chaotic and it is difficult to truly appreciate what's gonig on. Anyway, camera and zoom IMHO are just a contour dish and not the main one

Personally, I think the NWN2 camera is probably the most troublesome one I've had the displeasure of ever encountering. Though, the game's story more than made up for this not-so-minor detail.

[Orion79]

Loki, in NWN1 & 2, it is totally missing the vertical axis. Characters can't really climb or move vertically: having spells as "flight" or flying foes would drastically change the tactical side of the game, enhancing the use of ranged and throwing weapons. As long as NWN games will allow to move only stright/foward and right/left, they will "only" be wonderful 2D games with very beautiful 3D grahic.

[Loki[D.d.G]]

Perhaps we are not on the same page. When someone says 3D graphics to me, I automatically picture fleshed out characters and 3 dimensional worlds with mountains that look the part. I don't often take gameplay into consideration too. Besides, if I did, then Guild Wars wouldn't have been considered a 3D game, as it lacks a jump button. And KotOR would only very loosely fit the description as the only time characters jump is when you execute a Force Jump.

But I see your point. The games you are referring to are more along the lines of Oblivion and Fable where you play from a first-person perspective.