Sometimes, games of the magnitude of Neverwinter Nights just don’t survive the hype. Sort of sequel to one of the best (and longest) computer role-playing franchises ever, Baldur’s Gate, this is the title that gamers the world over have been waiting for, for a very long time--so is the final game worth it?--simply put, yes.

Incredibly ambitious, it is aiming to be the closest thing to that paper-based, Dungeons and Dragons’ experience played in basements everywhere, although there is a 60-hour plus single-player campaign it is online where NWN is hoping to make its mark. Would-be dungeon masters can design their own worlds, campaigns and storylines and then invite other players to join them, resulting in pretty much open-ended game play.

The single player campaign is centred on the city of Neverwinter and the plague that has struck down its denizens. You are a recent graduate of the academy of adventurers charged with finding a cure for the illness decimating the land. In the best RPG tradition, before you begin the game you choose your character race, class, gender, skillset and special abilities, all fully customisable allowing you to create any character you want, from 11 barbarian to half-orc bard.

If you are in the United States then click here to buy

Or if you are in the UK click here to buy