Bullet Points: Neverwinter

This is, by no means, an original idea, but sometimes I just want to consume data in an easy-to-digest manner and bullet points go down quite well, so I'm going to start a series about anything and everything called, and it took me a lifetime to think up this incredibly creative, original title, "Bullet Points," for those times when a few bullets seem like the best way to get my point across. Anyway, for today's smattering of points, I want to talk about a game that has managed to grab my soul and make me wish winter would never end...

That's right, the game in Neverwinter and y'all can expect even more embarrassingly bad humor as I finger-vomit all over this digital canvas.

Before I start, I do want to make one thing clear: I am not a big MMO player and, therefore, things that may be new/unfamiliar will surely be old-hat for you, so keep that in mind and don't freak out over something I say because every MMO is someone's first MMO--this is not my first MMO--and 'tis always important to remember that (when it comes to everything, not just MMOs).

*I've played Neverwinter for dozens of hours on the Xbox One, with one character (a control mage) currently at level 44, and have put $20 into the game, purchasing the Heirloom Pack--which includes a bag, an extra character slot, a companion, a respec token, and a chest of clothes and jewelry that unlocks every five levels.

The Good

• It's free and truly free. Every bit of the story can be experienced without paying a single penny; one need only spend money for cosmetic items , items that'll speed up progression, and other such things that have no impact on the main game (or even the side quests).

• The combat is fast and fun, feeling more active and action-based than other MMOs I've played; and it all feels great on an Xbox One controller.

• The Profession system is a great hook that keeps me coming back to play just a wee bit more--which then turns into a wee lot more (meaning I'll have to go wee-wee at some point during my play session)--and I love the fact that it doesn't require much from the player; though, I'm sure some people will hate the simplicity and mobile-esque waiting game that is at the heart of the Profession system.

• The game can be experienced (and enjoyed) almost entirely as a single-player game--only dungeons and skirmishes require groups unless you're way, way over-leveled--and I love playing an MMO that doesn't force me to group up after reaching level 20 or the like because sometimes (plenty of times) I just want to enjoy myself by myself. (I'll give you a few minutes to get all those perverted jokes out of your system...)

The Bad

• The game can be experienced (and enjoyed) almost entirely as a single-player game. I know I just talked about how much I like this aspect, but sometimes the game feels like an incredibly quiet and lonely place, making me ask myself if the game even needs to be an MMO...

• ...And, if Neverwinter wasn't an MMO, no one would have to worry about connectivity issues, getting booted from the game, lag that ranges from bad to unplayable, and all the issues that come with requiring an online connection.

• There are way too many currencies--from in-game gold, to Astral Diamonds, to Zen, to various seals, and even more nonsense that may or may not end up costing cents in one way or another--which just adds an unneeded layer of confusion and annoyance.

• From what I've played so far, dyes can only be obtained via the Zen marketplace, in the Trade [Auction] House, or occasionally as quest rewards, and I think something as disposable as dyes should be easy to obtain, especially when equipping a new item means you'll need to buy yourself some more dye (and you'll be changing gear quite often).

• Needing a full group of five players to start a guild is annoying. This may be a common requirement in MMOs, but I don't like it; just let me start my own guild and recruit from there.

• Finding a random group of people to play through skirmishes--which are quick, boss-heavy encounters--is quick and easy; however, finding a random group for dungeons can take forever--which may be due to the fact that dungeons take forever, often lasting over thirty minutes (which may be no big deal for seasoned MMO players).

• I WANT THAT TIGER MOUNT, BUT $18?! You're breaking my heart, my achy breaky heart, but I won't let you break my bank, even for a tiger...jerks. But have you seen that tiger mount? It's awesome!

The Ugly

• Getting kicked out of the game near the end of a daily dungeon (within minutes of the daily reset) because of an Xbox LIVE update, leaving me a few thousand Astral Diamonds poorer kinda sucks. Will the lack of those few thousand AD really make a huge difference in the long run? No, but add the time waiting to find a group and all the time spent in the dungeon and, well, I couldn't help but feel like I wasted a good chunk of time (and that made me kinda want to cry, but I didn't, no lie).

And that, my friends, is the end of this here piece (and I'm still just scratching the surface when it comes to Neverwinter). If y'all have been playing Neverwinter I'd love to hear what y'all think of the game so far--if you're hooked like me, if you've put any money into the game, and just your overall impressions. Cheers.