Bioware, perhaps best known for their unforgettable Baldur's Gate series of games and expansions, Shattered Steel and MDK2 are set to release one of the most anticipated roleplaying games to date; based on last years new third edition rules of Dungeons & Dragons paper based role-playing games. What's more, it looks set to leave all other games of it's kind, such as Diablo I and II, wallowing in it's hypothetical dust. Indeed, my sleeping bag and flask are all ready pre-ordered so that I am cosy and warm, with no chance of dehydration, as I will surely become a slave to the almighty being that is to be; Neverwinter Nights.

The developers want to create a story-based role playing game which you could play through by yourself in single player or online in a community. However, quite unlike other MMORPG’s you will always have a story driving you along.

As with Blizzard’s Diablo II, players can learn how to react to their environment and build character experience in the single player game and then jump online into the multiplayer game using the same character.

As a lone adventurer you begin your career in the city of Neverwinter. Having chosen your profession, you embark upon the simple task of curing a plague, which has cursed the city. During your search for a cure to the mysterious illness you will play across more than twenty different expeditions, each taking several hours to complete. Unfortunately, playing a singleplayer game will not give you the ability to recruit NPC’s into your party, however, the NPC’s that you meet across various scenarios will converse with you to further develop the plot.

Evolving from the pen and paper based roleplaying game, Bioware have developed a series of tools to allow gamers to create their own adventuring masterpieces. Providing an unprecedented level of creativity to be incorporated into the gaming experience, this option is limited only by your imagination and promises longevity for the product as never before seen. At last roleplayers will have a fully featured tool set to cater for their gaming needs.