One of the best just got a lot better. And you can credit a lot of that to the depth that is now added.

Hordes of the Underdark is the newest expansion for Neverwinter Nights, a PC role-playing Dungeons-and-Dragons-style game from BioWare and Atari. It follows somewhat closely on the heels of Shadows of Undrentide, but those who expect, more or less, the same game play from Hordes had best be prepared to have those expectations surpassed.

For example, the game has added prestige classes and there is a new crafting system. There are new tilesets to encompass the Underdark theme that carries the 20-plus hour single-player campaign.

However, be forewarned. This title is for advanced characters, not for the casual new player. If you have played through the original story, and even through Shadows of Undrentide, chances are you have a character advanced enough to brave the underground terrors which await here. However, if you have the original game, and picked up this expansion as well, not to fear. There are pre-maid characters, or you can create a character which will be advanced to level 15. The level cap for all characters has been raised to 40, and the high level the character, the more skills and feats you will have available to you.

There are 11 prestige classes in total, and the newer ones are Shifter, Pale Master, Red Dragon Disciple, Champion of Torm, Dwarven Defender and Weapon Master. In addition to the regular advancement in the prestige class, these classes can all achieve Epic class status.

The crafting system will allow players to alter the appearance of existing armor and weapons, or to create new ones. Some of the crafting feats are relatively simple, but for others, you will have to collect a wide array of materials to modify or create new items.

The game also features new camera controls. You can drop it lower or zoom in tighter to the action.

The game itself centers around - well below - the town of Waterdeep. Beneath the city lies the Underdark, a vast underground territory with an army that has gathered to lay siege to the town above. As an adventurer that has worked through the terrors of deception in the original tale, or braved the Plane of Shadows in Undrentide, you have arrived and are tasked with working through to the core of the problem and saving Waterdeep.

As mentioned, this is not a light undertaking. Players will find the road quite hazardous, and rife with new monsters to battle. There are some old friends along the way, such as the halfling thief, Tomi, or the strong warrior Daelan. 

The game play is immersive, and for those who have ventured forth before in this fantastic realm, you will find this a real treat.

The sound and graphics are much the same as in previous incarnations of the game, though some new character portraits have been added.

This expansion is like dessert for those who have survived the adventures of the previous titles. All the hard work put in to leveling your characters truly pays off with the challenge of this title. To put it simply, if you are a fan of Neverwinter Nights, you will want this expansion.

This game is rated Teen for blood and violence.

As a side note: There were some problems initially encountered when installing Hordes. After playing a quick refresher of Neverwinter Nights, the Hordes disk was installed, and the launch screen appeared. At that point, an error message was received that the original game must first be installed. In essence, the entire file for NWN was corrupted and was unrecognized. The game was totally removed (all except for the save games file) and reinstalled at which time it finally worked correctly. However, this is not a quick installation, and if players encounter this problem, be prepared to spend some time in the install process.

Gameplay: 8.7

No need to change this score from the original. Hordes plays much the same as the previous incarnations of the title, and those who have played NWN will easily recognize the flow of the game.

Graphics: 8.6

The new camera controls allow players to zoom in and experience the lushness and rich texturing of this game. BioWare wanted players to know how good this game looks and with the new camera controls, you can experience just that up close.

Sound: 8.8

The sound of this game is very good and thoroughly supports the mood and theme of the game.

Difficulty: Medium

This is a more advanced expansion requiring that you have characters that are a little higher in level than normal. Be prepared for higher challenges in the form of tougher mobs and quests.

Concept: 7.5

It can be argued that this and the previous expansion should have been part of the original game. Perhaps, but more importantly this does allow players to further explore the fascinating worlds created in Neverwinter Nights and that makes it an enjoyable addition.

Multiplayer: 8.8

You can continue the story with friends through a TCP/IP connection or LAN. This is a great way to play, and enhances the experience.

Overall: 8.6

This is dessert after a thoroughly satisfying main course of NWN. Hordes is challenging, immersive, and entertaining. If you own NWN, you must pick up this expansion pack.