Neverwinter Nights 2 had a bit of a rocky start, finally getting up to steam with the first expansion pack, Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer. Now Atari and Wizards of the Coast have announced work on a second expansion, Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir. The new expansion promises to take us back to the more pleasant Baldur’s Gate and Icewind Dale days, bringing back full party customisation, dungeon crawling, and free-exploration via overland map rather than set points. I just shivered with glee.

The expansion also introduces a trade mechanic, allowing players to build their own legitimate trade empire or stick to the shadows, stealing from the rich and selling on the black market.

It almost sounds like a whole new game, rather than an expansion pack. The ability to customise your party and explore the Sword Coast and Samarach over open land basically changes Neverwinter Nights completely, effectively making it more akin to an updated, multiplayer, moddable Baldur’s Gate. There go those shivers again. Hit the jump for the full skinny on Storm of Zehir, heading our way late this year.