Neverwinter Nights 2, a cherished title for many, has recently received a remaster that breathes new life into this classic RPG. Originally released in 2006, the game has faced challenges in maintaining its appeal against newer titles. However, Aspyr’s recent efforts have transformed it into a version that both returning players and newcomers can appreciate. Priced at , it offers a more refined experience compared to the complete collection available on GOG, which lacks Steam support. The remaster ensures full compatibility with existing mods and fan campaigns, making it an enticing option for those looking to revisit or explore the game for the first time. A standout feature is the ability to play on the Steam Deck, allowing for gaming on the go.
How is it on Steam Deck?
Playing Neverwinter Nights 2 Enhanced Edition on the Steam Deck has proven to be a delightful experience. The game retains its real-time with pause combat mechanics and isometric camera view, while also embracing the intricate RPG elements derived from Dungeons & Dragons’ 3.5 edition ruleset. Despite initial concerns about the gamepad compatibility, the controls adapt well, reminiscent of the gameplay found in Knights of the Old Republic. While the transition from keyboard shortcuts to gamepad controls can be a bit challenging, players will find that the game does not require the same level of micromanagement as its predecessors. Minor frustrations exist, such as the need to navigate sub-menus to select party members, but these do not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment.
Performance on the Steam Deck has been impressive, maintaining a consistent 60fps, although a couple of areas from the original game still cause some frame rate drops. Battery life, however, is a consideration, with play sessions lasting under three hours on the original Steam Deck, which may warrant further optimization in future updates.
Remaster upgrades
Visually, the Enhanced Edition may not seem dramatically different at first glance, but a side-by-side comparison with the original reveals significant improvements. Textures are sharper, and the user interface scales beautifully to HD resolutions, enhancing the overall aesthetic experience. Performance-wise, the remaster demands less CPU usage and distributes processing more efficiently across cores, resulting in a smoother gameplay experience. While the UI remains somewhat less intuitive than that of other modern RPGs, the Enhanced Edition offers a more satisfying experience with mouse and keyboard controls, particularly in terms of camera handling.
Perfect continuity
One of the most commendable aspects of the remaster is its compatibility with mods, fan campaigns, and old save files from the original game. This feature allows players to seamlessly transition their experiences, preserving the essence of the game while enhancing it. Although Enhanced Edition saves cannot be transferred back to the original, cloud save support has functioned reliably, enabling players to continue their adventures across devices. While some minor issues have arisen, such as the need for in-game saves to transfer characters between campaigns, these are relatively easy to navigate.
The mod compatibility has been particularly gratifying, with essential quality-of-life fixes and beloved fan campaigns functioning flawlessly. Despite some minor technical hiccups, the overall experience remains robust. The remaster does not aim for flashy graphics but instead focuses on delivering a polished and effective update that retains the charm and quirks of the original. The game’s eccentricities, including the sometimes frustrating AI of party members, remain intact, ensuring that the essence of Neverwinter Nights 2 is preserved for both old fans and new adventurers alike.