I wonder, is it really fair to compare NWN2 to NWN as it is today? I mean, NWN 1.69 is a hell of a long way removed from 1.0. For example, after 5 years we have unlockable cameras, ridable horses, CEP, etc, etc, etc, etc. All of which were done by modders or Bioware keeping up with modders. If there are aspects about the game you don't like, just wait a bit. Bugs? They'll be fixed. Heck the game has aready had a patch so we are off to a great start. With the exceptions of new animations (going to be hard to get around that one) there will be haks and overrides aplenty within the coming weeks. Don't sweat the reviews of beta versions, or early concerns about charachter gen. Just buy the game. Like I told someone else once, you can blow $50 US on three pitchers of beer and an order of hot wings and not get half as much enjoyment out of it.