Neverwinter (video game)

Did You Know?

• Modules were initially released first on PC, then later to consoles; with Northdark Reaches, they released simultaneously on all platforms.
• The game was originally scheduled as a cross-media event with a series of four books by R.A. Salvatore and a tabletop game from Wizards of the Coast.

Plot

The city of Neverwinter is in chaos after the disappearance of its last Lord, following the Spellplague and a Primordial Fire Elemental's near-destruction of the city. Citizens form factions while the dead rise to attack. The player investigates the Sect Crown of Neverwinter and seeks what skeletons and a mysterious group are after. Locations are based on the novels Gauntlgrym, Neverwinter, and Charon's Claw. Players can create new locations, clearly distinguished from official content. The Lich Queen Valindra, briefly appearing in her pre-lich form, attacks soldiers of New Neverwinter, sparking the Battle of the Bridge. Gossipers in Luskan mention Barrabus the Gray and Drizzt Do'Urden being present. A soldier recounts that Valindra's attack faltered until the blue dragon Fulminorax helped her escape. After their ship is sunk by a dracolich, adventurers aid a militia against Valindra, fighting a Harbinger on the Sleeping Dragon Bridge. They become Heroes of the Sleeping Bridge, then track Nashers to the Blacklake District, defeating a chosen of Ghaunadaur and leader Karzov. They later defeat Vansi Bloodscar in the Cloak Tower.

Development and release

Atari bought Cryptic Studios in fall 2009 and announced Neverwinter in late August 2010, targeting a late 2011 release. By May 2011, Atari was selling Cryptic but stated development would continue. The game debuted at E3 2011, planned as a cross-media event with books by R.A. Salvatore and a tabletop game. Due to Perfect World Entertainment's acquisition of Cryptic, Neverwinter was delayed to 2012. Perfect World also bought publishing rights from Atari. By October, the game shifted to a free-to-play MMORPG, delaying it to late 2012, then to early 2013 for polish. A viral campaign called Siege of Neverwinter preceded major details. The game appeared at PAX East 2012, winning Best of Show from MMORPG.com, and at Gamescom and Gen Con Indy. The campaign featured sixty levels. Closed beta ran from February 8 to April 14, 2013, with open beta starting April 30.

Reception

Neverwinter received a Metacritic score of 74/100. In 2013, Forbes described it as offering experiences for players who normally avoid MMORPGs while providing a framework for core genre players. VentureBeat called it highly enjoyable and accessible to veterans, beginners, and casual players. A 2015 Polygon review noted that the Xbox One port mapped abilities well to the controller but suffered performance issues. GameRant that year called it the first true MMO for Xbox One, delivering well despite PvP shortcomings and framerate issues, and a solid starting point for console gamers. In 2016, CinemaBlend stated it was a solid action MMO worth trying. Hardcore Gamer that year described the game as gigantic and one of the best MMORPGs available at any price point, noting no PlayStation Plus subscription is required.