Now, I don't mean to be a doomsayer, but as someone whose been in love with the custom-tailored experience we have experienced through WoW, with CMCs, DM-like GM controls, world building and the likes...
Well, as nice as other MMOs are, I am just plain reluctant to let our storytelling tools go.
Which is what brings me to Neverwinter Nights, (not to be comfused with the game simply titled "Neverwinter") which is a series focused around porting the DnD experience and Neverwinter lore to the computer. This, of course, means tons of storytelling tool potential.
Like in the WoW server, GMs would be able to puppet NPCs, we could offer CMCs, and have total control over leveling, the spellbook and other mechanics. As it offers existing campaign maps, we can poach and modify them for our personal use, like using a stray building in Stormwind as your own home. We also have tools to create our own maps and environments.
If that sounds good to you, there's simply one question I need to ask: Which Neverwinter Nights? There are two.
Neverwinter Nights 1 Pros
-Accessability. NWN runs on all the OSs and computers our users could throw at it. I wouldnt be suprised if someone could make it run on a tablet DOS emulator, even.
-The easiest map maker ever. Seriously. It be really easy.
-A Modding community still active today.
Cons
-Its not very pretty. Think somewhere between Everquest1 and Morrowind.
-Modding in models (especially character models) is tedious. The models are segmented, so you have to make 16 separate meshes and properly label 'em up and all that.
-Modding existing terrain packages is difficult. You're going to be stuck with one theme (forest, desert, indoors, palace, etc.) for each map.
Neverwinter Nights 2 Pros
-Its a lot prettier. Think late XBOX to early 360 graphics-arguably prettier than WoW, from a graphical (rather than art design) perspective.
-More is technically possible with maps than NWN1. You can have true mountains and valleys and slopes, with more dynamically painted textures.
-Model import, export and creation are easier. Tools like Blender and 3dđMax along with contemporary modeling methods can be used to produce mods, without odd segmented mesh quirks.
-Character customization is more detailed and easier.
-Its for Mac and PC
Neverwinter Nights 2Cons
-Making maps is harder. More control means a more demanding learning curve.
-Its more demanding on computer. Your little "craptop" computer that barely handles stormwind on a good day isn't going to have as easy a time with NWN2. If you feel this might effect you, check the minimum requirements and post feedback here.
So, please post your thoughts, as well as experience with these games, if any. Let's see if this could suit some of our storytelling needs!
Well, as nice as other MMOs are, I am just plain reluctant to let our storytelling tools go.
Which is what brings me to Neverwinter Nights, (not to be comfused with the game simply titled "Neverwinter") which is a series focused around porting the DnD experience and Neverwinter lore to the computer. This, of course, means tons of storytelling tool potential.
Like in the WoW server, GMs would be able to puppet NPCs, we could offer CMCs, and have total control over leveling, the spellbook and other mechanics. As it offers existing campaign maps, we can poach and modify them for our personal use, like using a stray building in Stormwind as your own home. We also have tools to create our own maps and environments.
If that sounds good to you, there's simply one question I need to ask: Which Neverwinter Nights? There are two.
Neverwinter Nights 1 Pros
-Accessability. NWN runs on all the OSs and computers our users could throw at it. I wouldnt be suprised if someone could make it run on a tablet DOS emulator, even.
-The easiest map maker ever. Seriously. It be really easy.
-A Modding community still active today.
Cons
-Its not very pretty. Think somewhere between Everquest1 and Morrowind.
-Modding in models (especially character models) is tedious. The models are segmented, so you have to make 16 separate meshes and properly label 'em up and all that.
-Modding existing terrain packages is difficult. You're going to be stuck with one theme (forest, desert, indoors, palace, etc.) for each map.
Neverwinter Nights 2 Pros
-Its a lot prettier. Think late XBOX to early 360 graphics-arguably prettier than WoW, from a graphical (rather than art design) perspective.
-More is technically possible with maps than NWN1. You can have true mountains and valleys and slopes, with more dynamically painted textures.
-Model import, export and creation are easier. Tools like Blender and 3dđMax along with contemporary modeling methods can be used to produce mods, without odd segmented mesh quirks.
-Character customization is more detailed and easier.
-Its for Mac and PC
Neverwinter Nights 2Cons
-Making maps is harder. More control means a more demanding learning curve.
-Its more demanding on computer. Your little "craptop" computer that barely handles stormwind on a good day isn't going to have as easy a time with NWN2. If you feel this might effect you, check the minimum requirements and post feedback here.
So, please post your thoughts, as well as experience with these games, if any. Let's see if this could suit some of our storytelling needs!