GB Feature: NWN 2: Storm of Zehir Review

How does Obsidian's Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir expansion pack stand up to Mask of the Betrayer and other recent add-ons? Find out in our latest review!
The main questline is rather short and straightforward, but that's because Storm of Zehir has one of those open-ended campaigns where the emphasis is on side quests and random encounters. There are somewhere around 50 locations that you can visit, including ruined temples, haunted crypts, and friendly towns, and there are also two huge (overland) maps for you to explore.

The overland maps look like regular Neverwinter Nights 2 maps, except that instead of clicking on a location and instantly traveling there, you have to walk around. That gives the game a new dynamic, plus a reason to keep certain skills high. For example, if your hide and move silently skills are high enough, then the enemies roaming the map won't detect you, and you'll be able to move freely. If your spot skill is high enough, then you'll detect where enemies are, and you'll also find some random goodies, like abandoned wagons and lost cargo. There are actually lots of skill checks involved in the overland map (including everything from detect traps to craft alchemy), and so the more skilled you can make your party, the better.