Additional content

Sliceofhell

I have a question about BGEE2 additional content. Am I supposed to have in my party new NPCs in order to access new areas/dialogues? I'm asking that because I don't remember any of the promised additional content in BGEE. I'm thinking that's because I didn't invite any of the new NPCs.

Lord_Tansheron

We don't know yet how exactly things are going to work. "New content" could refer to new character-specific quests which would require the respective NPCs (like in BG1:EE), but it could also mean additional independent content that can be accessed by anyone. Until we get some official word on it, all we can do is speculate.

And then there's always the Black Pits, which isn't part of the main game, but could definitely be considered additional content.

Ascerion

@Sliceofhell

Like m'lord said, you can invite the new BG:EE NPCs (Neera/Dorn/Rashaad/???) and do the extra quests. You see some new areas and get some new items you can't get anywhere else. You can even drop them afterwards, and just keep the new items. I don't know why you would do such a terrible thing, *crosses fingers* I've totally never ever done that. Enjoy the new content!

~Ascerion

Jarrakul

Poor Rasaad. His only real use is to open up his quest's bonus area and the glorious loot therein.

But yeah, I suspect some of the new content in BG2EE will be locked to the new characters, but I'd be surprised if all of it was. Enough people were irked about that in BGEE that if I were Beamdog I'd make sure at least most of it is accessible to everyone. Naturally, though, that's pure speculation on my part.

Lord_Tansheron

I certainly hope that the new content extends to some bonus areas after the Underdark, the two we get in the vanilla version have nothing going on.

JLee

Lord_Tansheron said:

I certainly hope that the new content extends to some bonus areas after the Underdark, the two we get in the vanilla version have nothing going on.

Agree 100%, maybe more...

Grammarsalad

Npc based quests irk me. Give me the option to leave them behind please.

"can you help me blah, blah?"

"sure. Mark it on my map. And no, I don't have room for you atm. but don't worry. I'll bring you your blah when I'm done."

Kilivitz

IIRC, due to contract limitations all game content such as new areas, quests and etc. has to be "set apart" from the original via quests delivered by the new NPCs. At least that's the way it goes with BG:EE.

Grammarsalad

Kilivitz said:

IIRC, due to contract limitations all game content such as new areas, quests and etc. has to be "set apart" from the original via quests delivered by the new NPCs. At least that's the way it goes with BG:EE.

I doubt it's that restricted. Any random npc--ie non player character--can ask the pc to do something thereby opening a new area. it's a bit of a stretch from "don't change existing content" to "in order to add new quests and areas you MUST have a new npc in the party"

Corvino

BG2 vanilla had quite a lot of quests that only really triggered with a specfic NPC in your party, though most of them took place in areas you could access otherwise.

Some were very specific - You needed to be in a relationship with Jaheira to do the Galvarey Harper Hold quest for example. It wouldn't surprise me given this and the implementation of the BG:EE new content if a similar route were taken in BG2:EE.

I'd like to see a new autonomous area something like Trademeet though - a separate town with a couple of quests and a related dungeon, without requiring a specific NPC to gain access.

pixie359

I like when an NPC adds to an area through extra conversation and information, offering alternative solutions to problems, or whatever. Minor side-quests are great too, as they add flavour and incentivise taking different groups. I dislike the idea that any major quests would be dependant on taking a particular individual though - I don't want to *have* to take Nalia to get into D'Arnise keep, and I don't want the additional characters for BG2EE to be required for major plotlines.