Prepare for awesomeness! Storm of Zehir is the newest expansion pack for Neverwinter Nights 2, developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Atari. The expansion makes use of the new D&D 4th edition rules, which was released last June 2008. It features a number of improvements from the previous Neverwinter Nights games.

Set in the aftermath of the defeat of the King of Shadows (assuming you played the original campaign and MotB), Storm of Zehir is set in the middle of the shaken but recovering Sword Coast, where the economy is picking up slowly. Players can either join a trade syndicate and form a powerful trade empire, or travel the lands in search of treasure and adventure. Thanks to a non-linear and fully explorable map (full 3D), you can do whatever you want. Just make sure you are ready to face off against Zehir, the evil god that the serpentine Yuan-Ti worship.

Storm of Zehir has a number of cool features that will make your exploration of Faerûn more fresh and exciting.

A full 3D World Map. As you travel around in glorious 3D, previously useless skills such as Spot, Listen and Survival will come in handy, as long as you roll a Check that is high enough! Aside from these hidden threats, the game also features random encounters. These random encounters will allow players to choose whether they wish to avoid or engage in combat. When you encounter NPCs, a dialogue box will open presenting you with your options. Be warned though, if the NPC is hostile, they won’t settle for diplomacy!

A customizable party system. Tired of having to bear with pre-created NPCs for your party? SoZ allows you to create party members and customize them fully to your advantage. If you are too lazy, there are still pre-made characters available.

New races. All of the races from the previous Neverwinter Nights games will be returning, with the addition of more: the Gray Orc (think orc), and the Yuan-ti Pureblood.

New classes. SoZ features three new classes. Slash your way through monsters using the quick-footed and graceful Swashbuckler, vanquish the undead and necromancers alike with the prestige class Doomguide, or slay your foes mercilessly by playing with fire with the prestige class Hellfire Warlock. These new classes are sure to add a twist to the already dynamic combat mechanics.

Updated death and rest system. As if combat hasn’t changed enough, the developers have decided to change the way characters die. Unlike in older NWN games where characters will revive at the end of combat, SoZ features a more D&D like style of dying, where your character will die once your hit points drop to one-half of your total health. This encourages players to focus on combat more. Also, resting is different in SoZ, where you are required to rent a room or set up a tent in order to rest.

Whether you are a casual or a hardcore gamer, Storm of Zehir will really make your Neverwinter Nights gaming more intense.







Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir is set for release on November 18, 2008.