I’ve just completed the first chapter of the Neverwinter Nights expansion, Hordes of the Underdark, and I’m delighted to report the expansion is thus far much better than the canned campaign included with the original game.

I had no problems importing my level 15 Druid from the original campaign but the character was perhaps too powerful for the first chapter. The final battle at the end of the chapter did provide a challenge but most combat encounters were too simple for the mighty godling my character had become.

The second chapter seems much tougher, though. I’ve only just begun it but I had a deuce of a time with one of the early battles and had to replay it a dozen times before discovering a winning tactic.

(Hint: Running in circles around your henchman as your opponent chases after you is not a winning tactic. It also has the unpleasant side effect of making even the mightiest of godlings look like a sissy.)

Side kick

You’re allowed to have up to two henchmen in the expansion and thankfully, the henchmen are much more interactive this time around. You can issue all sorts of useful commands to them and Bioware has even added the ability to tweak their inventory.

But the best part about the HoTU henchmen is that they add immeasurably to the atmosphere. They’ll cheerfully add their two cents’ worth to any conversation you’re having and they’ll even converse amongst themselves. And some of their comments are downright hilarious. (I’d recommend picking a certain halfling rogue/shadowdancer if you want to be entertained.)

However, not all their comments and observations are impressive. Does a level 18 Druid really need to be told that knowing when to cast a spell is just as important as which spell to cast?

Well, okay, considering he was running in circles around his henchmen during battle, perhaps he did need to be told that.