[quote name='FriskyTanuki']I don't believe that they removed it because of the score, but just the review itself. The guy clearly didn't have any knowledge of similar games if he compared it to Oblivion, which is like comparing Gears of War to Ratchet and Clank. 1up's probably more about getting quality reviews than worrying about the score that they give it.[/QUOTE]
I've been trying to bring up the updated article, but I haven't found it at 1up.
And I agree his comparison was poor. But I just happen to assume the score itself was part of the issue, because otherwise they wouldn't have pulleed it.
For example, if he had said basically the same thing, yet given the game a 8 out of 10, they probaly wouldn't have gotten the same number fo complaints about it. If score and public pressure wasn't really the issue, the editor wouldn't have posted it in the first place.
I've been involved in discussions like this as a freelancer. I don''t want to make myself like some big writer, because I'm not. But I've done a few odd jobs here and there and unlike some peoplewho claim to be freeelancers I actually get paid for my work. Real American.
I believe you're correct about them not caring aboit the score. If they cared about the score, the 5.0 wouldn't have gotten posted in the first place. And yes, the review was =lawed. I agree along with the editor that it focuses more on the system than the actual game. Like he's got a grudge with D&D in general, and not the game itself.
Finally, the comments about the author using oblivion as a comparison aren't fair or right. Here's the exact quote.
"Worse -- and blame this on games like Oblivion -- NWN2's levels feel pint-sized: Peewee zones inhabited by pull-string NPCs with no existence to speak of beyond their little playpens."
That's a totally fair sentence. There's nothing wrong with compairing an RPG with another RPG even if it's of a different style, and it's not like he doesn't note the differences.
"As a contemporary CRPG, on the other hand, NWN2 leaves a lot to be desired, and that's too bad, because these are the guys who brought us Planescape: Torment and Icewind Dale 2...and therefore they are the guys I'm least inclined to take issue with."
I personanly would have used Guild Wars as a comparison but Oblivion is the big boy that came out recently and what could best be determined as the current gold standard.
But that comparison is apt, RPG's have evolved in recent years. The NWn levels do appear small. That may have been acceptable in 2000, but noit as much in 2006. And yes, it compares to Baldurs Gate and Planescape, but I would even argue that NWN 2 feels even smaller. The city of Neverwinter feels like a hamlet compared to how it felt even in NWN 1. Especially to the artisrty in BG2 and Sigil of Torment. And yes, NWN2 may be somewhat "realistic" but I want to play a "Fantasy" rpg.