This extraordinary longevity can be attributed largely to the Aurora toolset included with the original game. With it, DMs everywhere could let their imaginations run wild, constructing their own scenarios or modules which could then be shared with up to 64 friends online. Many did just that, and as a result literally thousands of these modules exist today, and are available to the public through BioWare's official Neverwinter Nights site. A select few, created by BioWare designers and prominent members of the online community, were awarded the coveted title of Premium Neverwinter Nights Module. As well as new in-game content, these modules feature professional voice acting and new music scores. For a minimal fee you could - and still can - download them. Neverwinter Nights: Kingmaker is a collection of three such modules.

At this point it is important to note that both Neverwinter Nights and the Hordes of the Underdark expansion are required to play Neverwinter Nights: Kingmaker. We ran into an unexpected hitch in the form of a message stating the Shadows of Undrentide expansion was also required prior to installation. This may have been an anomaly - or perhaps it is naturally assumed that gamers who have both Neverwinter Nights and Hordes of the Underdark also happen to own Shadows of Undrentide. Regardless, it would certainly pay to ensure you have the original game and both expansions beforehand - plus their corresponding CD keys, of course.

For those gamers missing one or more of the required titles, having to go out and buy these components separately could prove an expensive and frustrating exercise. Fortunately Atari have made things easier for us by producing a couple of bundle options - both of which are very reasonably priced. The older Neverwinter Nights Platinum Edition features the original game, both expansions and a few extras; while the newer Neverwinter Nights Diamond Compilation (due for release on 27th October) includes everything in the Platinum Edition plus Neverwinter Nights: Kingmaker.

Following installation - and after printing off the handy "How do I play a Premium Neverwinter Nights Module" document, simply follow the instructions to launch any of the three low level modules. Next you get down to the business of creating a character, and you can either do so manually - a lengthy and involved process, but one which no die-hard RPGer would ever pass up; or if you are in a hurry to play you can opt for a pre-generated character and jump straight into the action.

We've elected to direct you to an archived review of Neverwinter Nights, rather than give a detailed run-down of the game mechanics, sound and graphics, since these remain largely unchanged. Instead we'll move onto a brief description of the modules themselves:

Neverwinter Nights: Kingmaker is BioWare's flagship Premium Module, and along with the other two titles has been around since the launch of their online store in November 2004. Your party - an eclectic combination of characters, is thrown into the midst of a power struggle, set in and around a war-torn keep. There's a colourful selection of NPCs to interact with, plus plenty of intrigue and sufficient quests to keep you occupied for a good 5-8 hours, although non-linear gameplay and alternate plot paths give this module excellent replay value.

Neverwinter Nights: ShadowGuard is a story-driven single player module set in the city of Ghaarak, in the custom-created world of Abaran. The story goes that your character's impressive performance at the prestigious Imperial Academy has earned an invitation to join the ShadowGuard - an elite group of agents who serve the empire. There are two to three hours of gameplay to be had with this one, and plenty of secondary quests to supplement the mystery-laden primary adventure.

Neverwinter Nights: Witch's Wake is the oldest of the three modules, with over a million downloads since its release. It was initially available as a freebie, but a remastering make-over has seen it elevated to Premium Module status. Essentially the first chapter in an ongoing campaign, your character - sole survivor of a fierce battle, bears witness to a prince's dying words: "Tell the king that she is dead." Unfortunately his message means very little since your character is suffering from memory loss (must've been that last clout on the noggin!). Charged with a noble quest to deliver your liege's message, your character then sets off on an epic journey. Againt you can expect a couple of hours' play or more, but the abrupt "to be continued..." ending is rather unsatisfying.

In summary, while there's nothing really new here - either graphically or in gameplay, in our opinion the Neverwinter Nights: Kingmaker modules are a worthy tribute to this RPG classic. They will probably hold more appeal for loyal fans of NWN than they would for those unfamiliar with the series; however the bundle options certainly make it accessible to all, offering great value for money besides.

Since no further expansion packs are planned (or so we've heard), Neverwinter Nights: Kingmaker is something to at least tide us over until Neverwinter Nights 2 arrives next year, when 'Old Faithful' can finally and reluctantly be put out to pasture in the gaming hall of fame. And you never know - playing these fan-made modules may inspire you to create one yourself!